ACMP Global CCMP Certified Change Management Professional Exam Practice Test

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.)

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.)

When evaluatingmarket factors, capacity, and saturation, the activity is anorganizational change capacity assessment. ACMP defines this as analyzing how much change the organization can absorb, considering both external and internal factors. Readiness assessment (A) looks at willingness and preparedness, culture assessment (B) focuses on values and behaviors, and alignment assessment (C) ensures change supports strategic objectives. Option D specifically reflects capacity and saturation analysis.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 1 – Evaluate; Activity: Conduct change capacity and saturation assessment.)

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.)

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.)

Feedback is valuable only if it isshared and acted upon. ACMP directs that performance feedback should be:

Shared with project leadershipto enable decision-making and corrective action.

Incorporated into future change management activitiesto continuously improve.While stakeholder sharing (B and C) may be appropriate, the critical accountability lies with leadership and the improvement of change practices. Option D reflects this continuous improvement cycle, making it the most aligned answer.(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 4 – Execute; Activity: Capture, analyze, and integrate feedback into current and future change activities.)

ACMP requires aformal evaluation of outcomes against objectivesas part of closure. This ensures accountability, provides evidence of success, and informs future projects. Reviewing the change lead (A), employee competencies (B), or sponsor effectiveness (C) may contribute to lessons learned but do not represent the core closure evaluation. The correct evaluation step is option D.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 5 – Close; Activity: Evaluate outcomes compared to initial objectives.)

ACMP outlinesclosure as a structured process. Before approval, three critical conditions must be satisfied:

Evaluation of outcomes vs. objectives– validating adoption and benefits achievement.

Lessons learned report– capturing successes, gaps, and recommendations for future efforts.

Agreement of transfer of ownership– ensuring accountability is shifted from the project to operations for sustainability.Options A and B miss the explicit ownership transfer, while C lacks outcome evaluation. Option D captures all required closure conditions.(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 5 – Close; Activities: Evaluate outcomes, document lessons, and transfer ownership to operational owners.)

A clear vision of the future state requires integrating multiple elements:

Organizational vision, mission, and values– define long-term direction and cultural anchors.

Business case– establishes rationale, risks, and benefits of the change.

Strategic planning– ensures the change aligns with enterprise goals and priorities.Together, these deliverables define not onlywhat the future will look likebut alsowhy it mattersandhow it aligns to the larger organization’s purpose. Other options omit critical components. Option D best reflects the ACMP framework.(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 2 – Formulate Strategy; Define Future State Vision and ensure strategic alignment with organizational purpose and business case.)

Building organizational competency in change requiresongoing assessment of readiness. ACMP emphasizes institutionalizing practices such as evaluating capacity, leadership alignment, stakeholder preparedness, and cultural enablers. While reviewing outcomes (A), sponsorship effectiveness (C), and goal clarity (D) contribute to maturity, the most comprehensive practice for competency building iscontinuous readiness assessment, ensuring the organization is prepared for future changes.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 1 – Evaluate; Activity: Conduct ongoing readiness assessments to build organizational change competency.)

Sustaining positive outcomes requires capturing and applying lessons learned. ACMP defines thelessons learned evaluationas a closure activity that not only reflects on performance but also shares insights for sustaining gains and improving future initiatives. Revising objectives (B), vision (C), or communication methods (D) may help but do not institutionalize learning. Option A ensures sustainability through reflection and sharing of best practices.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 5 – Close; Activity: Conduct lessons learned to sustain improvements and build organizational capability.)

ACMP highlights that culture is apowerful enabler or barrierto change. Cultural norms, values, and shared assumptions can eitherpropel adoptionby aligning with the change vision orretard progressif they contradict the desired state. Culture cannot be quickly shifted by inducements or commands; it evolves slowly. Deep cultural traits exist in all organizations, not just old ones. It is not inherently agile, but rather contextual—supportive in some cases, resistant in others. Thus, the accurate framing is that culture can eitherpropel or hinderthe direction of change.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 1 – Evaluate; Assess organizational culture and readiness for change; Risks and opportunities.)

Subject matter expertise is aresource requirement. If expertise is unavailable, theresource planis impacted, since this plan defines roles, skills, and availability required to support the change. Risk mitigation (B) may eventually address consequences, but the direct plan affected is the resource plan. Learning (A) and sustainability (D) come later, after execution and adoption.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 3 – Develop Resource Plan; Identify skill requirements, assign resources, and address gaps in expertise.)

When a change significantly affects financial health, it is classified as ahigh-risk initiative. ACMP highlights that risk increases with larger impacts on finances, operations, and culture. Awareness (A), commitment (B), and adoption (D) are important factors for success but do not describe the inherent risk. Therefore, the correct framing of financial impact ishigh level of risk(C). This requires stronger governance, sponsor involvement, and monitoring.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 1 – Evaluate; Activity: Risk assessment considers organizational financial performance as a major factor.)

During sponsor identification, ACMP recommends capturingmotivation, abilities, expectations, and concerns. This information helps in coaching, aligning, and ensuring sponsors are prepared to fulfill their role. Obstacles (B), culture (C), and risks (D) are important but are addressed in separate analyses. The sponsorship process focuses specifically on individual leaders’ readiness and capabilities, making option A the correct answer.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 2 – Sponsorship; Activity: Identify sponsors and capture motivations, expectations, and abilities.)

According to ACMP, sponsors areaccountable for benefits realization. They provide authority, resources, and alignment to ensure the change achieves its intended outcomes. While sponsors often influence (D) and are usually senior executives (B), their defining characteristic isaccountability for adoption and benefits. Direct contribution (C) may occur, but the unique responsibility is realizing the value of the change.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 2 – Sponsorship Strategy; Role of Sponsors: Accountable for benefits realization and adoption.)

Thelearning and development strategyis designed to close competency gaps by identifying and addressing the skills, knowledge, and behaviors stakeholders need to adopt the change. According to ACMP, this plan includes training design, coaching, and knowledge transfer activities that prepare individuals for the future state. Stakeholder engagement (B) ensures participation, impact and readiness (C) measure preparedness, and communications (D) raise awareness. However, the plan that directlycloses the competency gapis option A.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 3 – Learning and Development Plan; Purpose: Equip stakeholders to build competencies required in the future state.)

Change impact assessmentevaluates the depth and breadth of the change across processes, people, technology, and culture. ACMP specifies this activity determinessize, scope, timing, and complexityof the effort. Stakeholder identification (B) and sponsorship assessment (C) are complementary but not sufficient to define overall impact. Benefits realization (A) occurs later during execution. Thus, option D directly corresponds with this critical evaluation activity.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 1 – Evaluate; Activity: Conduct change impact assessment.)

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 defines a communication plan as specifyingwho (target audience), what (key messages), and why (desired outcomes). These three elements ensure communications are intentional, audience-centered, and outcome-oriented. Frequency, RACI, channels, and measures are helpful details, but the essential backbone isaudience, message, and intended effect. Option B captures these essentials.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 3 – Communication Plan; Required components: Audience segmentation, message definition, and outcomes alignment.)

Theresource planoutlines what human resources are needed and whatskills and capabilitieseach role must possess. ACMP stresses defining competencies and filling gaps with training, reassignment, or external sourcing. Financial resources and costs are managed in budgets, not in the resource plan itself. Benefits are addressed in the business case and measurement plan, not the resource plan. Thus, option C reflects the ACMP definition.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 3 – Develop Resource Plan; Define roles, skills, and competencies needed for change success.)

Thesustainability planensures results arereinforced and maintainedafter initial adoption. ACMP explains that this plan integrates reinforcement mechanisms, monitoring adoption, aligning performance management, and recognizing behaviors. Transition plans (A) handle operational handoffs, stakeholder engagement (B) supports involvement, and human resource plans (D) address capacity. To ensure outcomes are sustained, the correct plan is the sustainability plan (C).

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 4 – Execute; Sustainability Plan ensures long-term adoption and embedding into operations.)

ACMP stresses thatintegration of change and project management plans must occur at the startof the project. This ensures people-focused activities (communications, training, resistance management) are aligned with technical deliverables from the outset. Waiting until after assessments (A, C) or months into the project (B) risks misalignment, duplicated efforts, and resistance. Thus, option D reflects best practice for integrated planning.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 2 – Formulate; Guidance: Integrate change management and project management early, ideally at project initiation.)

ACMP stresses that sponsors must remainactive and visible throughout the change. The change manager sustains this engagement by providingregular updates, coaching, and reminders of required actions. Delegating responsibilities (D) dilutes sponsor accountability. Engaging lower-level managers (B) or bypassing to front-line staff (C) weakens sponsorship. The best practice is to keep sponsors informed and aligned throughconsistent updates(A).

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 4 – Sponsorship; Activity: Sustain sponsor engagement with regular updates and coaching.)

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.)

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.)

Aclear vision of the future stateprovides stakeholders with a compelling picture of what the organization will look like after the change. ACMP highlights this as crucial for aligning actions, reducing uncertainty, and directing energy toward anticipated outcomes. Objectives and measurements (C, D) support the vision, but they are not the vision itself. The operating state (A) describes details after adoption, but thevision (B) provides direction and clarity before and during implementation.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 2 – Vision of Future State; Purpose: Direct focus to results and anticipated outcomes.)

The key inputs for ameasurement and benefits realization strategyare:

Strategic plan(provides organizational alignment).

Case for change(explains rationale and expected benefits).

Success criteria(defines measurable adoption outcomes).Risk and budget plans (A, C) are supporting but not primary inputs. Sustainability and vision (D) help later but are not the basis for measurement. Thus, option B provides the most relevant inputs as defined in the ACMP Standard.(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 3 – Measurement and Benefits Realization Plan; Inputs: Case for change, success criteria, and strategic objectives.)

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.)

Sponsorship strategy identifieswho owns the changeand clarifiesaccountabilityfor adoption and benefits. ACMP stresses connecting initiatives to executive owners who can authorize, remove barriers, and model commitment. Budget support is vital, but the sponsorship task primarily establishesownership and accountabilityfor outcomes. (Reference:ACMP Standard, Process Group 2 – Formulate Strategy; Sponsorship Strategy & Plan: define sponsors, accountabilities, engagement/visibility expectations.)

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.)

Completing thecase for changeensures that all stakeholders understand thereasons for the change and its expected benefits. According to ACMP, this creates awareness, builds urgency, and drives sponsor alignment. Deliverables and activities (A), methodologies (C), and effort/resource estimates (D) are subsequent steps in planning but not the primary purpose of the case for change. Thus, option B is the correct answer.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 2 – Case for Change; Purpose: Identify rationale and benefits for change.)

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.)

Thechange management plandetails the scope of people-related activities, controls for governance, and monitoring methods for adoption and benefits realization. ACMP differentiates between the strategy (D), which defines the overarching approach, and the plan (C), which provides actionable detail. Project management plans (A) cover deliverables, not adoption. Business models (B) address strategic design, not execution controls. Thus, option C is correct.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 3 – Develop Plan; Outputs: Scope, monitoring, and controls for change activities.)

ACMP emphasizes that project and change plans must bealigned, not competing or siloed. Alignment ensures technical deliverables (project management) and people-focused activities (change management) reinforce each other, avoiding duplication and confusion. Making one plan the “master” (A, B) risks imbalance, while independence (C) causes misalignment. Thus, the correct approach is option D — alignment between project and change management plans.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 2 – Integration; Activity: Align change management and project management plans to increase efficiency and reduce duplication.)

When assessments highlighthigh risk, ACMP advises incorporatingresistance management activitiesinto the mitigation plan. These activities include addressing concerns, clarifying roles, and creating feedback mechanisms. Hiring vendors (B) may help with training but does not address resistance. Reinforcing the vision (C) is important but not comprehensive, and budget increases (D) are reactive. Proactively managing resistance (A) is the recommended mitigation.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 2 – Risk Management Strategy; Activity: Include resistance management activities in mitigation planning.)

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 frames Human Resources as astrategic partnerin change efforts. Beyond administrative hiring/firing, HR ensures thattalent deployment, skills alignment, and workforce strategiesenable successful adoption. HR collaborates with change leaders to identify where skills must be developed, how performance management systems reinforce new behaviors, and how recognition and rewards sustain the change. By focusing on theeffective use of people, HR connects workforce planning to change adoption and benefits realization. Options A, C, and D describe tactical or narrow roles, but ACMP emphasizes HR’sstrategic function in aligning people and organizational goals.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 3 – Resource Plan; and ACMP Standard, Execution: Align HR systems such as performance, rewards, training with change goals.)

ACMP definesorganizational change capacityas the ability to take on and sustain change. While historical experience, budgets, and project size influence readiness, the most significant element is whetherkey stakeholders can adopt the change. Adoption is the ultimate enabler or constraint: without willingness and ability of stakeholders, resources and planning have limited impact. This aligns with ACMP’s focus on people as the primary determinant of benefits realization. Thus, option C is the most accurate.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 1 – Evaluate; Activities: Assess capacity and stakeholder readiness to adopt change.)

If thecase for change is weak, employees struggle to understand why the change is necessary, how it benefits the organization, and what it means for their daily work. ACMP stresses that articulating a compelling case for change is foundational for awareness and buy-in. Inadequate planning (D) or behavior assessment (C) cause other risks, and weak sponsorship (A) compounds resistance, but thedirect barrier to understandingis a weak case for change.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 2 – Formulate; Activity: Define the case for change to establish rationale and benefits.)

ACMP emphasizes that communications are most effective when tailored toaudience trust. For personal questions like “What’s in it for me?”, employees expect to hear from theirdirect supervisors, who understand their roles, daily work, and concerns. Executives are the best senders of enterprise-level “why” messages, and the change management team ensures consistency of strategy. HR provides procedural clarity but lacks the direct authority over daily impact. Thus,supervisors are the preferred sendersfor WIIFM communication.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 4 – Execute Plan; Communications activities: Define senders/receivers for message types; Linkage to stakeholder analysis and impact assessment.)

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.)

Thesponsorship planoutlines how sponsors will be engaged, coached, and supported throughout the change. According to ACMP, this plan includes expectations for visible behaviors, communications, and governance participation. Sponsor assessments (B and D) help evaluate readiness and alignment, while strategy (C) is higher-level. Theplan(A) provides actionable guidance, ensuring the sponsor understands roles and receives support.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 2 – Sponsorship Plan; Output: Define sponsor responsibilities and provide coaching/support activities.)

Alessons learned evaluationcaptures what worked well and what did not during a change effort, producing insights for future initiatives. ACMP specifies that documenting lessons is essential for organizational learning and improving maturity in change management. While transferring ownership (B) and evaluating outcomes (D) are important closure steps, the action that most directly enhances the organization’s ability tohandle future changesis conducting and sharing a lessons learned evaluation.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 5 – Close; Activity: Document lessons learned and share with organization.)

Integration ensures that technical deliverables and people-focused activities arealigned to facilitate adoption. ACMP stresses that managing the technical and people sides in silos leads to delays, resistance, or failure to realize benefits. While risk alignment (D) and charter integration (C) are helpful, the overarching objective is ensuringactivities are coordinated to drive adoption. Thus, option B reflects the correct purpose.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 2 – Integration of Change and Project Plans; Objective: Align technical and people tasks for adoption success.)