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Integrated Change Control for the PMP Exam, Explained Simply
Every change request is analyzed for its impact and then approved or rejected by the right authority (often a change control board) before anyone implements it.
In simple words
When someone wants to change the project, don’t just do it, and don’t just say no. Write it down, check what it does to scope, time, cost, quality and risk, and let the people with authority decide. Then update the plan and tell everyone.
What the PMP exam wants
The steps the exam expects: 1) the change is documented as a change request, 2) the PM analyzes the impact on all constraints, 3) options are discussed, 4) the change control board (or the sponsor) approves or rejects it, 5) if approved, the plan and baselines are updated, the change is implemented and stakeholders are informed. The change log records every request and decision.
In agile projects, new requests go to the product backlog and the product owner prioritizes them. The team does not change the sprint goal in the middle of a sprint. Small corrective actions within the PM’s authority may not need the board, but changes to a baseline always do.
Real example
The customer asks for an extra report two months before go-live. You record the request, estimate that it adds three weeks and $15k, share the options with the customer (add it now, or deliver it in phase 2) and take it to the change control board. Nothing is built until it is approved.
The common trap
Tempting wrong answers: “implement the change because the customer asked,” “refuse the change to protect the baseline,” “ask the team to work overtime to fit it in.” First analyze the impact, then follow the change control process.
Remember: Document → analyze impact → decide (CCB) → update the plan → communicate.
🗝 Words to notice in the question
“the customer asks for a change”, “new requirement” → assess the impact first, then a change request. “approved change” → update baselines and inform
Try 2 practice questions
Choose an answer, or open “Show the answer.”
Question 1 A key stakeholder asks the project manager to add a new feature. What should the project manager do FIRST?
Show the answer
Answer: C. Before anyone can decide, the PM must understand the impact. Then a formal change request goes to the change control board.
Question 2 The change control board has approved a change that adds two weeks to the schedule. What should the project manager do NEXT?
Show the answer
Answer: A. After approval, the PM updates the plan and baselines, implements the change and communicates it.
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