ACMP Global CCMP Certified Change Management Professional Exam Practice Test

Thestakeholder engagement planis built onstakeholder analysis, which identifies who is impacted, their influence, and readiness. ACMP stresses that without this input, engagement efforts risk being misaligned or incomplete. Clear metrics (A) and communication (D) are valuable, but they don’t ensure outcomes unless the plan is grounded in a thoroughanalysis of stakeholders. Thus, option B is the correct answer.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 3 – Stakeholder Engagement Plan; Input: Stakeholder analysis ensures alignment of engagement to intended outcomes.)

ACMP distinguishes betweenhuman, financial, and physical resources. Physical resources include tangible assets such asfacilities, workspaces, equipment, technology, and toolsnecessary to support the change. They are not people (B), staff (C), or costs (D) but the material infrastructure required. Identifying these ensures that adoption is not hindered by inadequate tools or environments. Thus, option A correctly defines physical resources in the context of the resource plan.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 3 – Resource Plan; Categories: Human, financial, and physical resources.)

ACMP notes that thechange management lead, often in collaboration with theproject manager, conducts the lessons learned evaluation. This ensures both technical and people-side perspectives are included. While sponsors (C) and broader teams (D) may contribute input, the responsibility lies with those accountable for the initiative’s delivery. Option A excludes the change lead, which is incorrect. Therefore, option B is the most accurate.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 5 – Close; Activity: Change lead and project manager conduct lessons learned evaluation.)

“Change maturity” describes systematic, consistent use of methods, tools, and governance across initiatives. ACMP encourages assessing organizational maturity to tailor approach and risk posture. Capacity/absorption relate to the volume/timing of changes; alignment relates to strategy fit. (Reference:ACMP Standard, Process Group 1 – Evaluate; Organizational context & maturity considerations for tailoring the approach.)

Stakeholder analysis is thefoundational activitythat identifies individuals and groups affected by the change. ACMP explains that without knowingwho is impacted, it is impossible to design effective communications, engagement, resistance management, or training. While risks, pitfalls, and strategies are informed by analysis, the primary reason for conducting it is tomap out the population of stakeholders and their level of impact/influence. Thus, option C is correct.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 1 – Stakeholder Analysis; Outputs: List of impacted stakeholders with impact/influence mapping.)

Themeasurement and benefits realization planprovides data on whether objectives were met and what gaps remain. This input is critical for analyzing results against change objectives and determining corrective or next steps. While lessons learned inform future practices, and schedules/scopes are important for project management, thedirect evidence base for outcome analysiscomes from the measurement and benefits realization plan.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 5 – Evaluate outcomes; Inputs: Measurement and benefits realization data.)

When stakeholders struggle to adopt, the problem often lies ininsufficient preparation through learning and development. ACMP highlights the importance of equipping employees with the skills, knowledge, and behaviors to operate effectively in the new environment. While communications raise awareness, they do not ensure ability. Sustainability strategies help maintain adoption once achieved, and benefit realization measures outcomes after adoption. Revisiting thelearning and development strategyaddresses capability gaps that hinder adoption.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 3 – Learning and Development Plan; Ensure stakeholders are equipped to adopt change successfully.)

ACMP highlightsvolume of concurrent changesas a primary constraint on capacity. For a small restaurant that doubled in size, growth already consumes resources and attention. Adding an IT change during this period could exceed capacity to absorb more change. External stability (C), cultural assessment (B), and factor analysis (A) are relevant but less impactful than concurrent workload. Thus, option D best reflects ACMP’s view on saturation as a capacity limiter.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 1 – Capacity and Saturation Assessment; Factor: Volume of concurrent changes as capacity constraint.)

Thebusiness caseprovides a structured explanation of opportunities, risks, consequences, and benefits associated with the change. It ensures stakeholders understand why the change is required and how it aligns with strategic objectives. Change definition (C) focuses on scope, success measures (B) define evaluation, and research (A) provides background but not justification. Thus, option D is correct.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 2 – Case for Change; Output: Business case articulates rationale, risks, and benefits.)

A sustainability strategy ensures that adoption isreinforced over time. ACMP identifiesrewards and recognition systemsas critical components, since they motivate stakeholders to maintain new behaviors and discourage reversion to old ways. Readiness (A) occurs before implementation, schedules (B) are project-oriented, and resource planning (D) addresses capacity, not sustainability. Thus,rewards and recognition (C)are essential to sustain adoption.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 4 – Execute; Sustainability Plan activities: Include reinforcement through rewards and recognition.)

Theprimary objective of closureis totransition to maintenance and sustainabilityactivities, ensuring the change becomes part of everyday operations. ACMP explains that this involves transferring ownership to operational leaders, embedding reinforcement mechanisms, and releasing resources. Assessing capacity (B) and preparing for continuous improvement (C) are useful lessons learned, but they are not the closure objective. Revising targets (D) is a tactical step, not a closure requirement. Option A is the correct answer.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 5 – Close; Objective: Transition ownership to sustain adoption and benefits.)

ACMP highlights that sponsors providevision, direction, and authorityfor change. Losing a sponsor disrupts clarity on vision and alignment, leaving the initiative without executive-level accountability. While momentum may also be affected, the most critical risk is theloss of vision and directionuntil a new sponsor is identified. This underscores why succession planning and sponsorship continuity are essential in change management.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 2 – Sponsorship Strategy; Outcomes: Ensure active, continuous sponsorship to maintain direction and vision.)

To minimize the risk ofunsustainability, ACMP highlights three essential levers:

Communication plan– ensures consistent reinforcement of key messages.

Learning and development plan– builds knowledge, skills, and behaviors for sustaining change.

Reward and recognition system– reinforces desired behaviors and motivates continued adoption.Other options contain valuable tools, but none combine reinforcement, capability building, and recognition in the same way. Option D directly addressessustainability riskby embedding and rewarding new ways of working.(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 4 – Execute; Activities: Communication execution, learning and development, reinforcement via recognition systems.)

Thechange impact and readiness strategysets out thescope, approach, and responsibilitiesfor evaluating how the change will affect the organization and preparing stakeholders. ACMP specifies this as part of strategy formulation, feeding into detailed planning. Stakeholder engagement and learning strategies are developed later, and measurement focuses on outcomes, not readiness. Thus, option C best represents the formal strategy that governs impact analysis and readiness planning.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 2 – Formulate; Change Impact and Readiness Strategy.)

The process of identifyinggoals, objectives, and success criteriacreates measurable outcomes that define progress toward adoption. ACMP stresses that without clearly defined criteria, it is impossible to measure adoption and benefits realization. Resource identification (A), stakeholder roles (C), and risks (D) are important but do not directly providetangible success measures. Thus, option B aligns with ACMP’s requirement for measurable progress.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 2 – Formulate; Activity: Define goals, objectives, and criteria for success.)

ACMP emphasizes the importance of definingclear goals, objectives, and criteria for successbefore rolling out change. These provide atangible and measurable baselinefor tracking progress and adoption. Success criteria guide communications, training, resistance management, and sponsor accountability. While alignment to strategy (C) and stakeholder commitment (A) are important, they are broader considerations. Accountability (D) is part of sponsorship planning. The key purpose is to establishmeasurable progress indicatorsto ensure the change achieves adoption and intended outcomes.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 2 – Formulate; Activity: Identify goals, objectives, and criteria for success.)

Sponsor coaching is critical because sponsorship is thetop success factorin change management. Coaching should focus on ensuring the sponsor understands and enacts theirrole and responsibilities, including visible support, active communication, resource allocation, and barrier removal. While lessons learned may help inform, and funding requests may arise, thecore content of sponsor coachingmust emphasize what they mustdoto be effective. This includesvisible leadership behaviors, stakeholder engagement, and role modeling commitment.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 2 – Sponsorship Strategy and Coaching Plan; Key activities: Define sponsor role, actions, visibility, and accountability.)

In ACMP practice, resource planning involves assessingskill gapsacross impacted groups and support roles. If the gap analysis demonstrates thatexisting internal staff already possess the required competencies, then external consultants are not justified. Resource augmentation decisions are made based on evidence from skill inventories, competency analysis, and readiness assessments. Budgeting and definition clarity are relevant, but the decisive factor in rejecting consultants is proof thatinternal capacity is sufficient. This reflects both responsible resource use and alignment with ACMP’s principle of leveraging existing organizational strengths before seeking outside support.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 3 – Develop Plan; Resource Plan: Define roles, assess skills, identify gaps, and plan to close gaps with internal or external resources.)

Execution meanscarrying out the workdefined in the plan. According to ACMP, this includes delivering communications, stakeholder engagement activities, training and development, resistance management, and measurement activities. Monitoring and controlling (A) is a project management function but not the primary purpose. Providing guidance (C) and clarifying roles (D) are important but achieved through earlier planning. Execution ensures thatresources and strategies are applied in practiceto achieve adoption and benefits realization.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 4 – Execute the Change Management Plan; Core outcome: Implement planned activities for adoption and benefits.)

Once roles are defined, the next step is conducting askill gap analysis. ACMP emphasizes this activity to identify whether existing staff possess the competencies required or if additional training, hiring, or external support is needed. Risk assessment (A) and readiness (D) are broader evaluations, while sponsorship planning (C) focuses on leadership. To align resources with capability needs,skill gap analysisis the correct follow-up.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 1 – Evaluate; Activity: Conduct skill gap analysis after defining roles.)

Maintaining momentum requirestransparent communication of adjustmentsto all relevant stakeholders. ACMP emphasizes that changes in sponsorship or leadership demand careful communication so stakeholders understand impacts on scope, expectations, and behaviors. Communicating only to governing bodies (B) risks disengagement. Identifying a responder (A) is insufficient, and deleting plans (D) removes valuable history. Option C aligns with ACMP’s standard for ensuring adjustments are widely communicated to sustain confidence and momentum.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 3 – Plan Development; Guidance: Communicate plan changes clearly to all relevant stakeholders.)

TheACMP Code of Ethicsestablishes five duties:Honesty, Responsibility, Respect, Objectivity, and Advancing the Discipline and Supporting Practitioners. These duties guide ethical behavior in decision-making, stakeholder engagement, and professional conduct. Options A, C, and D include terms not explicitly codified (e.g., Integrity, Due Diligence, Confidentiality) or omit “Objectivity.” The correct reference is option B, which matches theofficial ACMP Code of Ethics structure.

(Reference: ACMP Code of Ethics, Sections: Duties of Honesty, Responsibility, Respect, Objectivity, and Advancing the Discipline.)

Once thecase for changehas been defined, ACMP recommends developing aclear vision of the future state. This provides a compelling picture of what success will look like, aligning stakeholders and guiding all downstream planning. Determining why the change is required (A) is already covered by the case for change. The charter (B) formalizes scope later, and success criteria (D) are developed after the vision is articulated. Thus, option C reflects the logical next step.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 2 – Formulate; Activities: Define case for change, then articulate a vision of the future state.)

Organizational readiness involves assessing bothinternal and external conditions. ACMP identifies three crucial factors:

Level of comprehension– Do stakeholders understand the change and its implications?

Culture– Do organizational values and norms support or resist the change?

Sponsorship– Are sponsors active, visible, and aligned to lead the effort?These factors help predict adoption barriers and inform risk and strategy design. While perceptions (D) matter, readiness assessments go deeper intocomprehension. Market factors (A and B) are important at the strategic alignment stage, but not central to readiness evaluation.(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 1 – Evaluate; Readiness Assessment Activities: Assess comprehension, culture, sponsorship, and contextual enablers/barriers.)

ACMP stresses thateffective sponsorshipis the strongest predictor of success in change initiatives. It requires leaders to beactive, visible, and aligned— recognizing the people side of change and engaging directly with stakeholders. Communication (A) is a tool, while change management (D) is the discipline. Top-down management (C) implies directive authority rather than visible, supportive engagement. Thus, option B correctly defines the concept.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 2 – Sponsorship; Critical Success Factor: Active and visible sponsorship.)

Formal closure of a change management effort requiresapproval from the senior sponsor. This ensures the accountable executive validates that outcomes were achieved, ownership transferred, and sustainability measures are in place. The project manager approves project closure, while the change lead and training lead execute tasks but do not have the authority to formally close. Thus, the sponsor’s approval is required to ensure accountability for benefits realization.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 5 – Close; Activity: Seek formal sponsor approval for closure.)

Thestakeholder engagement planis the document that translates insights from stakeholder analysis intospecific engagement activities. It specifies how stakeholders will be engaged, when, by whom, and with what tools. ACMP defines it as a core output of stakeholder analysis. Resource plans (A) address capacity, while risk charters (C) and sustainability (D) focus on later stages. Thus, the correct plan isstakeholder engagement plan.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 3 – Stakeholder Engagement Plan; Output: Activities linked directly to stakeholder analysis results.)

ACMP emphasizes that a good communications plan must includefeedback channels. These allow two-way communication, enabling leaders to check understanding, adjust messages, and ensure relevance. While clarity (C), repetition (B), and inclusivity (A) are valuable, the distinguishing factor of high-quality communication isfeedback and dialogue. This ensures that timing, content, and audience needs are properly aligned.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 3 – Communication Plan; Best Practice: Incorporate feedback loops to confirm message effectiveness.)

The ACMP Standard defines asustainability strategyas the plan that ensures the change becomes “the new normal” within the organization. It includes reinforcement activities, continuous improvement, recognition programs, and alignment of performance management. Options B and D represent partial benefits but not the comprehensive purpose. Option C is unrelated to change adoption and focuses instead on organizational survival. Thus, option A best describes the overarching purpose.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 4 – Sustainability Plan; Objective: Ensure the change is embedded into daily organizational functioning.)

Sustainability activities are designed toembed new behaviorsinto normal operations. If these are ineffective, employees oftenrevert to old ways of working. This backsliding undermines adoption, erodes benefits realization, and threatens the credibility of change management. While delays (B), customer behavior (C), and vision alignment (D) are concerns, the most direct risk of ineffective sustainability practices is aretreat to the prior current state.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 4 – Sustainability Activities: Reinforce adoption, monitor usage, adjust systems, and prevent reversion.)

Theprimary purpose of determining why change is requiredis to articulate thecase for change— explaining opportunities, risks, consequences of not changing, and expected benefits. ACMP highlights that this rationale is foundational for building awareness, stakeholder alignment, and sponsor commitment. Future state direction (B), structural effects (D), and identifying the change (C) follow from this rationale, but the starting point is always explainingwhy change is necessary.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 2 – Case for Change; Purpose: Clarify opportunities, risks, consequences, and benefits.)

The ACMP Standard states that a strong communication plan is built onthree critical inputs:

Change impact assessment(defines what will change and who is impacted).

Organizational change readiness assessment(measures preparedness to receive messages).

Stakeholder analysis(identifies audiences and influencers).Customer input (A, D) and operational strategies (C) may provide context, but they are not the essential core inputs. Option B matches ACMP guidance for communication planning.(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 3 – Communication Plan; Inputs: Impact assessment, readiness assessment, and stakeholder analysis.)

Closure requiresformal transfer of outcomesto operational owners. ACMP explains this ensures sustainability by embedding responsibility into business operations. Business operations planning (A), surveys (C), and education plans (D) may support continuity, but the required condition for closure is documented transfer of ownership. Without this, the change may revert or fail to sustain. Thus, option B aligns with ACMP best practices.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 5 – Close; Activity: Transfer ownership of outcomes to operational resources.)

The stakeholder engagement strategy defineshow individuals and groups impacted by the change will be engagedthroughout the initiative. According to ACMP, the purpose is to build trust, reduce resistance, and strengthen adoption by ensuringthose affected are actively involved in the process. While resistant employees (B) and managers (A) are subsets of stakeholders, the broader objective is inclusivity of all affected groups (option D). Identification (C) is part of stakeholder analysis, not the engagement strategy itself.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 2 – Stakeholder Engagement Strategy; Outcome: Ensure engagement of individuals and groups impacted by the change.)

ACMP emphasizes thecriticality of sponsorship. If leadership is absent or unclear about their responsibilities, the change manager must create or refine asponsorship plan. This plan specifies sponsor roles, required visible behaviors, engagement activities, and alignment with stakeholders. Communications and resource plans address supporting activities, but they cannot substitute for active leadership. Without a sponsorship plan, resistance increases, employees lack direction, and adoption falters. Therefore, the most direct remedy to leadership absence is option D.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 2 – Sponsorship Strategy and Plan; Activities: Define sponsor role, create plan for engagement and visibility, coach leaders.)

The purpose of alearning and development strategyis to closeskills and competency gapsidentified in the learning needs assessment. It must demonstrate what knowledge, skills, and behaviors are required for success in the future state and how these will be built. While training methods (B, C) are included in planning, thecore demonstrationis the competency framework aligned to the change. Individual impact (A) may be measured later but is not the strategy’s primary output. Thus, option D best aligns with ACMP guidance.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 3 – Develop Learning and Development Plan; Outputs: Defined competencies and skill-building activities.)

The effect of learning should be measured throughobservable performance outcomes. ACMP highlights job performance as the most direct indicator, showing that knowledge and skills gained in training are being applied. Communication (A) and teamwork (C) may improve indirectly, while stress reduction (D) is harder to quantify. Tangible evidence comes when employeesperform their roles effectively in the new state, making job performance (B) the correct answer.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 3 – Learning and Development Plan; Activity: Measure effectiveness of training through performance outcomes.)

If an initiative suffers from low support and engagement, it signals a failure in theoverall change management strategy. ACMP emphasizes that the strategy must address sponsorship, stakeholder engagement, communication, and readiness. Interventions should begin by reviewing and strengthening thechange management strategy(option B) to re-align with organizational goals and re-engage stakeholders. Risk, communication, and stakeholder strategies are components, but the overarchingchange strategydefines how all are coordinated to regain momentum.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 2 – Formulate Change Management Strategy; Outcome: Define integrated strategy for adoption and benefits realization.)

Stakeholder analysis reveals who is impacted, their level of influence, and their readiness. ACMP specifies this analysis as aninput to multiple plans, particularly:

Stakeholder engagement plan(who needs to be engaged and how),

Communication plan(what messages to whom, by whom, and when),

Training plan(who requires what type of capability development).Resistance and coaching plans also use insights, but the most direct set linked to stakeholder analysis is answer A.(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 3 – Develop Plan; Inputs: Stakeholder analysis; Outputs: Stakeholder engagement, communication, and learning plans.)

Thelearning and development plandirectly uses inputs such as skills inventories and gap analyses. These tools determine what competencies are missing and what training or coaching is required to prepare stakeholders for the future state. Transition planning (A) focuses on operational handovers, engagement (D) on involvement and buy-in, and measurement (B) on success criteria. Only option C ties directly to the skill inventory and gap analysis process.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 3 – Learning and Development Plan; Inputs: Skills inventory and gap analysis.)

Thechange impact assessmentidentifies who is affected, how they are affected, and the level of change required. ACMP emphasizes this as a critical input to the communication strategy because it allows tailoring ofmessages to audience needs and impacts. Budget and resource assessments inform feasibility, while risk assessment helps mitigate issues, but they do not define messaging needs. Thus, the change impact assessment is the most relevant input.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 3 – Communication Plan; Inputs: Change impact assessment and stakeholder analysis.)

To ensure alignment with its vision of being socially responsible, leaders shouldadjust the change management planas needed — adding, eliminating, or realigning components. ACMP highlights that plans are dynamic and must evolve to remain consistent with organizational values and vision. While communication (C), measurement (D), and reinforcement (B) are valuable, the comprehensive approach is torealign the plan itselfto reinforce vision consistency.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 3 – Develop Plan; Guidance: Adjust plans as necessary to align with organizational vision and strategic priorities.)

ACMP distinguishes between incremental and transformational change.Transformational change, particularly when it requires cultural shifts, causes the greatest disruption because it challenges organizational norms, values, and long-standing behaviors. New technology (D) or role changes (B) can be significant but typically occur within existing frameworks. Incremental changes (A) are small and evolutionary. Thus,transformational change with culture changeis the most disruptive.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Introduction; Defines transformational change as a high-impact shift involving culture and behaviors, creating greater disruption than technical or incremental adjustments.)

When identifyingobstacles to achieving the desired future state, the output is arisk register. ACMP defines this as a document cataloging risks, their probability, impacts, and mitigation strategies. Culture assessments (B) and stakeholder analysis (C) provide input for identifying risks, but the final deliverable is the risk register. Change input (A) is too vague. Thus, option D is correct.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 1 – Evaluate; Output: Risk register documenting identified risks and mitigation plans.)

Engagement is best ensured through astakeholder strategy, which specifies how each stakeholder will be involved, supported, and motivated. Readiness (A) and impact analysis (B) provide insights into where engagement is needed, and training strategies (D) address skill gaps. However, the plan that directly ensuresengagement of individualsis the stakeholder strategy. It aligns activities to roles, influence, and readiness levels, making engagement intentional and personalized.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 2 – Stakeholder Engagement Strategy; Outcome: Ensure meaningful engagement of stakeholders in the change effort.)