PMP · Question #945
As part of project execution, a contractor proposed and conducted site acceptance tests and pre- implementation technical training. However, during the implementation phase, the project manager notes
The correct answer is C. Performed a proper training needs assessment. To avoid a post-training competency gap within the project team, the project manager should have first performed a proper training needs assessment.
Question
As part of project execution, a contractor proposed and conducted site acceptance tests and pre- implementation technical training. However, during the implementation phase, the project manager notes a clear gap in the project team's competence in following the implementation of the technical requirements. What should the project manager have done to avoid this situation?
Options
- AEnsured the training conducted by the contractor used standard methods
- BReviewed the proposed training with the contractor
- CPerformed a proper training needs assessment
- DPrepared proper training outcome measurements
How the community answered
(36 responses)- A8% (3)
- B3% (1)
- C83% (30)
- D6% (2)
Why each option
To avoid a post-training competency gap within the project team, the project manager should have first performed a proper training needs assessment.
Ensuring standard training methods does not guarantee that the content or focus of the training will adequately address the specific technical requirements or the team's existing skill gaps.
While reviewing the proposed training with the contractor is a good practice, without a prior needs assessment, the review might not effectively identify if the proposed training truly aligns with the team's specific competency requirements.
A training needs assessment is a systematic process of identifying the gap between current and desired skills, knowledge, and abilities within the project team. By conducting this assessment proactively, the project manager ensures that any training provided, even by a contractor, is specifically tailored to address the actual competency deficits and technical requirements, thus preventing inadequate skill acquisition.
Preparing proper training outcome measurements helps evaluate the effectiveness of the training *after* it has been conducted, but it does not proactively prevent the initial situation of a competency gap if the training itself was not correctly targeted.
Concept tested: Resource development and training needs assessment
Source: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/project/identify-and-allocate-resources
Topics
Community Discussion
3
Luis F.Apr 26, 2026C is the answer here. The PM skipped the training needs assessment, so they had no way to know if the contractor's training actually matched what the team needed before implementation started.
Toby R.May 5, 2026Passed last month and got this exact one. I first leaned toward B because reviewing the training with the contractor sounded reasonable on the surface. But the real issue is that the team lacked competence, which means the training itself was not aligned to what they actually needed. You have to figure out the skill gaps before anyone designs training, and that is a training needs assessment. Without that step you are just hoping the contractor guesses right.
Bao N.May 12, 2026Picked B first since reviewing the contractor's training plan sounded like the obvious PM action, but the real issue is the team lacked competence they should have been assessed for beforehand, which points straight to C.