PMP People — Leading Projects Practice Question
Your project is using a hybrid approach. The development team has completed the deliverables, but the testing team is overwhelmed and behind schedule. The project manager needs to address this resource constraint. Which THREE actions are most appropriate?
⚠ Common exam trap
PMP often tests the distinction between proactive resource management (negotiation, cross-training, reassignment) and inappropriate actions (unpaid overtime, premature escalation) — candidates must choose ethical, sustainable solutions.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Negotiate with the functional manager to prioritize testing resources
Option A is correct because negotiating with the functional manager to prioritize testing resources directly addresses the resource constraint by reallocating or prioritizing existing testing capacity, which is a standard resource-leveling and negotiation technique in a hybrid environment. Option D is correct because training developers in testing cross-trains the team, building additional testing capability and reducing the bottleneck without violating labor practices or bypassing proper authority. Option E is correct because temporarily reassigning developers to assist with testing is a valid resource reallocation approach that leverages available (developer) capacity to relieve the overwhelmed testing team. Option B is not appropriate because requiring overtime without additional compensation is unethical and typically violates labor laws and organizational policy. Option C is not the best choice because immediately escalating to the sponsor should be a last resort after attempting to resolve the constraint through negotiation and resource reallocation.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Negotiate with the functional manager to prioritize testing resources
Why this is correct
Negotiating with the functional manager to prioritize testing resources is a primary responsibility of the Project Manager. This approach leverages stakeholder engagement and conflict resolution skills to secure necessary resources, ensuring the project's critical path activities, such as testing, receive adequate support without resorting to unsustainable or unethical practices. It directly addresses resource constraints by influencing resource allocation decisions.
- ✗
Ask the testing team to work overtime without additional compensation
Why it's wrong here
Asking the testing team to work overtime without additional compensation is an unethical and unsustainable practice. This approach leads to decreased team morale, increased stress, potential burnout, and ultimately a decline in work quality and productivity, violating principles of fair treatment and professional conduct expected from a Project Manager.
- ✗
Escalate the issue to the project sponsor immediately
Why it's wrong here
Escalating the issue to the project sponsor immediately is premature and bypasses the Project Manager's responsibility to first attempt internal solutions. A Project Manager is expected to proactively identify, analyze, and resolve problems at the lowest possible level, demonstrating problem-solving capabilities before involving higher authority. Premature escalation can undermine the PM's credibility and autonomy.
- ✓
Train developers in testing to cross-train the team
Why this is correct
Training developers in testing skills to cross-train the team is a strategic investment in team development and capacity building. This approach enhances team flexibility and resilience, allowing for better resource utilization and workload balancing in the long term. Cross-training mitigates future bottlenecks by creating a more versatile workforce capable of adapting to fluctuating project demands.
- ✓
Temporarily reassign developers to assist with testing
Why this is correct
Temporarily reassigning developers to assist with testing is a practical and immediate tactical solution for resource optimization. This action demonstrates effective resource leveling, where existing project team members are redeployed to address a critical bottleneck, ensuring continuous progress and leveraging internal capabilities to meet urgent project demands.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official PMI exam blueprint
This PMP practice question is part of Courseiva's free PMI certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the PMP exam.