PMP Change Control: Practice Questions & Exam Tips

Change control on the PMP exam is part of the Process domain and ties into integrated change management. Baselines (scope, schedule, cost) are approved and then changes are processed through a formal process: request, impact analysis, approval or rejection, and updates to plans and documents.

You need to know that not all changes go through the same rigor—some are pre-approved (e.g. within contingency), while others require the change control board (CCB) or similar authority. Documentation is critical: change requests, decisions, and updates to the baseline and project management plan.

Common traps include bypassing the change control process when “it’s a small change,” or confusing configuration management (version control of deliverables) with change control (deciding whether to change baselines). Another trap is having the PM approve scope or baseline changes alone when the project has a CCB or sponsor who must approve.

Practice change control questions in the Process domain. Look for scenarios where the PM receives a change request and must choose the correct “next” step—often it’s to document, assess impact, or take the request to the appropriate authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the change control board (CCB)?
The CCB is a group (often including the sponsor and key stakeholders) that reviews and approves or rejects change requests that affect baselines. The PM often presents the request and impact analysis; the CCB decides.
Can the PM approve changes?
It depends on the project’s change management plan. Some changes (e.g. within contingency) may be pre-approved for the PM. Baseline changes often require the CCB or sponsor. The PM should not unilaterally approve changes that go beyond their authority.
What is integrated change control?
Integrated change control is the process of reviewing, approving, and managing changes across the project (scope, schedule, cost, etc.) in a coordinated way so that the project management plan and baselines stay consistent.
What is the change request process on the PMP exam?
The standard flow is: document the change request → perform impact analysis (scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk) → submit to the appropriate authority (CCB or sponsor for baseline changes) → approve or reject → update baselines and project management plan → communicate. The PM does not typically approve baseline changes unilaterally when a CCB exists.
When can the PM approve a change without the CCB?
When the change is within pre-approved limits (e.g. using contingency reserve for a known risk) or when the change management plan grants the PM authority for that type of change. Baseline changes that affect scope, schedule, or cost baseline usually require CCB or sponsor approval. Exam questions often test whether to escalate or approve.
How many change control questions are on the PMP exam?
PMI does not publish topic-specific counts. Change control is part of the Process domain (41% of the active PMP Version 8 exam) and integrated with scope, schedule, and cost control. Expect several scenario questions where the PM receives a change request—the correct 'next step' is usually to document, assess impact, or take the request to the CCB, not to implement immediately.