PMP · Question #1353
A project manager finds that there are knowledge gaps in the project team relating to the core competencies required to deliver the desired results. What should the project manager do to achieve the d
The correct answer is D. Communicate the situation to the team and plan for the necessary training and coaching. When a project manager identifies knowledge gaps in the team regarding core competencies, the appropriate action is to communicate with the team and plan for necessary training and coaching.
Question
Options
- APlan to hire more experienced team members and lay off a few of the existing team members.
- BCommunicate the situation to the customer and inform them about potential delays in delivery.
- CReport the situation back to upper management and request to have the scope changed.
- DCommunicate the situation to the team and plan for the necessary training and coaching
How the community answered
(19 responses)- B5% (1)
- C16% (3)
- D79% (15)
Why each option
When a project manager identifies knowledge gaps in the team regarding core competencies, the appropriate action is to communicate with the team and plan for necessary training and coaching.
Hiring new team members and laying off existing ones should be a last resort, as it impacts team morale and project continuity, and doesn't prioritize developing current talent.
Communicating potential delays to the customer is a consequence, not a solution to the knowledge gap itself, and should only happen if remediation efforts fail.
Requesting a scope change due to internal team skill gaps avoids addressing the root cause and could impact project value or objectives.
When knowledge gaps are identified, the project manager's primary responsibility is to develop the existing team's capabilities. Openly communicating the situation to the team and implementing a plan for targeted training and coaching empowers them to acquire the necessary skills, ultimately improving project delivery and fostering team growth.
Concept tested: Project team development and skill gap resolution
Topics
Community Discussion
4
Mateus R.Apr 5, 2026D is correct. Think of it like a farmer noticing his crew doesn't know how to properly operate the new harvesting equipment, so he arranges a training session before the big harvest rather than firing everyone or begging to shrink the harvest. In project management, when competency gaps surface, the PM's job is to address them directly through training, coaching, or mentoring to build the team's capacity and keep the project moving. Options A, B, and C all dodge the real problem by either churning personnel or offloading the issue to stakeholders instead of actually developing the team you already have.
Imani T.Apr 6, 2026D is right but the farming analogy is doing way too much heavy lifting here - just remember that Develop Team is the process name and training is almost always the correct answer when you see competency gaps on the exam.
Imani T.Apr 3, 2026D is the obvious pick but does PMI expect you to budget training or use contingency reserves?
Nina C.Apr 10, 2026Going with D here, since the PM's job is to address gaps with training and coaching before escalating or changing scope. Quick question for anyone who has sat the exam already, do they usually want us to assume the training budget is already there, or should we be looking for a choice that references updating the resource management plan first?