ACMP Global CCMP Certified Change Management Professional Exam Practice Test

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 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.)

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 emphasizesmulti-channel communicationbecause individuals absorb and retain information differently. Limiting all communications to a single channel (e.g., weekly email) risks low engagement and reduced retention. While routine can also cause disengagement (D), the stronger principle is thatvariety of format(town halls, videos, one-on-ones, digital platforms) ensures reinforcement and comprehension. Option C is aligned with ACMP’s guidance on communications effectiveness.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 4 – Execute Communications Plan; Best practice: Use multiple channels and formats for reinforcing key messages.)

Alearning needs assessmentidentifies theknowledge, skills, and behaviorsthat individuals and groups require to perform effectively in the future state. According to ACMP, this assessment is essential to determinegapsbetween current competencies and those required by the change. It informs the learning and development strategy that will close these gaps through training, coaching, or performance support. Availability (A) and methods (D) may influence design, but the fundamental purpose is defining thecapabilities needed to sustain the change. Sponsor approval (C) is an outcome of planning, not the purpose of assessment.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 1 – Readiness; Activity: Conduct learning needs assessment; Input to Process Group 3 – Develop Learning and Development Plan.)

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.)

Stakeholder analysisis the process of systematically identifying individuals and groups who are affected by the change and who have influence over its success. ACMP positions this as a foundational evaluation activity that informs communications, engagement, resistance management, and sponsorship strategy. Competency assessment focuses on skill gaps, sponsor assessment evaluates sponsor readiness, and learning needs analysis determines training requirements. The broad impact–influence mapping required here is stakeholder analysis.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 1 – Evaluate; Activities: Conduct stakeholder analysis and assess influence and impact.)

ACMP defines risk assessment as identifying factors that may undermine adoption and benefits realization. Thefour foundational inputsinclude: (1)Stakeholder analysis—who is impacted and their influence; (2)Change impact assessment—the degree and scope of disruption; (3)Organizational change capacity—how much concurrent change the organization can absorb; and (4)Culture assessment—underlying values and behaviors that may support or block change. These combined inputs provide a holistic picture of adoption risks. While strategy and performance measures matter, they belong to alignment and strategy formulation. Sponsor appetite is relevant but not a primary risk input. Thus, the most accurate answer is optionB.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 1 – Evaluate Change Impact and Readiness, Activities: Assess organizational culture, Assess capacity and saturation, Perform stakeholder analysis, and Assess impact.)

ACMP stresses thatmeasurement must be credibleto stakeholders. This credibility comes whenimpacted business unitsare directly involved in tracking and validating results. Including them ensures data reflects real adoption, usage, and performance outcomes rather than only top-down metrics. While sponsors (D) provide authority, credibility rests onoperational evidence. Risk stakeholders (C) or charismatic leaders (A) may influence perceptions but not measurement accuracy. Thus, someone from theimpacted business unitprovides the necessary trust and operational validation of results.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 5 – Close; Evaluate outcomes against objectives; Engage impacted groups in benefits validation.)

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.)

If employees do not understandwhythe change is happening, the issue lies in thebusiness rationale/case for changecomponent of the communication strategy. ACMP stresses that building awareness starts with a clear explanation of why change is needed, risks of not changing, and expected benefits. The other options (B–D) deal with ability, adaptability, or future readiness, which follow only after a strong rationale is understood. Thus, revising thebusiness rationale(A) is necessary.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 3 – Communication Plan; Activity: Communicate business rationale to build awareness and alignment.)

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.)

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.)

Definingsuccess criteria and measures to track progressis the essence of ameasurement and benefits realization strategy. ACMP defines this plan as a framework for identifying metrics, assigning accountability, and monitoring progress toward adoption and benefits. Sustainability (B) focuses on reinforcement after adoption, while evaluation strategies (C, D) are generic terms not part of the ACMP Standard. Thus, option A is the accurate and standard-aligned choice.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 3 – Measurement and Benefits Realization Plan; Purpose: Define success criteria and measures to track adoption.)

ACMP states that asponsorship planis developed using:

Thesponsorship strategy(how sponsors will be engaged overall).

Stakeholder analysis(to identify where sponsorship is required and what influence sponsors must exercise).

Sponsor assessment(to understand current sponsor effectiveness and gaps).The charter and business case inform higher-level strategy but are not direct inputs to the sponsorship plan. Therefore, option A accurately lists the three critical inputs.(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 2 – Sponsorship Strategy and Plan; Inputs: Stakeholder analysis and sponsor assessment; Output: Detailed sponsorship plan.)

At closure, ACMP requires practitioners to conduct alessons learned evaluation, documenting successes, challenges, and recommendations. This evaluation informs future change initiatives by providing a repository ofbest practices and pitfalls to avoid. A risk log (A) captures risks during execution but does not focus on future learning. The charter (B) and change management plan (C) are current-project tools, not future-facing. Therefore, the lessons learned evaluation (D) is the document explicitly created forfuture guidance.

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

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.)

ACMP underscores thatprogress trackingis only possible if ameasurement and benefits realization strategyis in place. This strategy defines adoption metrics, usage levels, and business KPIs that are monitored against targets. Without it, “things going okay” would be anecdotal rather than evidence-based. Stakeholder engagement (A) and risk strategies (C) support adoption, but they don’t measure it. Project management plans (B) track deliverables, not people-side outcomes. Thus, option D is the correct enabler of tracking.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 4 – Execute; Develop and implement measurement and benefits realization strategy.)

Theprimary purpose of lessons learnedis to identifyimprovements for future change programs. ACMP stresses that documenting successes, challenges, and corrective actions builds organizational capability for handling change. While metrics refinement (B) and gap correction (D) may occur, they are secondary. Informing stakeholders of future changes (A) is unrelated. The main purpose is to improvefuture practices, making option C correct.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 5 – Close; Activity: Conduct lessons learned evaluation to identify improvements for future efforts.)

ACMP stresses the importance ofintegration between project and change management. Incorporating the change management plan into the project plan ensures alignment of deliverables, avoids duplication of effort, and presents a unified roadmap for stakeholders. Separate plans (A) risk silos, while engagement and budgets (B, C) are important but not holistic solutions. Integration (D) reflects best practice for efficiency and consistency.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 3 – Develop Plan; Guidance: Integrate change management plan with project plan to align activities.)

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 when project and change managers collaborate for the first time, thefirst step is clarifying roles and responsibilities. This ensures alignment, avoids duplication, and sets expectations for collaboration. Stakeholder analysis (C) and monitoring tools (D) are important but premature without clarity on responsibilities. Sending a newsletter (A) adds no strategic value. Option B best aligns with ACMP’s guidance on establishing effective partnership between project and change managers.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 1 – Evaluate; Activity: Clarify roles and responsibilities to align change and project management efforts.)

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.)

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.)

ACMP emphasizes thatlearning and development plansare not limited to frontline employees — they also extend tomanagers and supervisors. Supervisors play a critical role in coaching, reinforcing, and clarifying expectations for their teams. The learning and development plan ensures that leaders are trained in the tools and techniques they need to guide employees effectively. Sustainability (A) occurs later to reinforce adoption. Performance planning (B) supports long-term integration, and stakeholder analysis (D) identifies who is impacted but does not provide tools. Therefore, the correct answer is C.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 3 – Learning and Development Plan; Purpose: Equip all levels, including supervisors, to support employees in change adoption.)

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.)

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.)

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.)

Thesponsorship planensures that senior executives are active, visible, and aligned throughout the change. It defines actions such as attending town halls, modeling new behaviors, and removing barriers. ACMP highlights that sponsorship is the most important predictor of success, and without structured engagement, leadership risks becoming passive. The change management plan (C) covers the broader initiative, but the sponsorship plan (D) specifically addresses executive involvement.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 2 – Sponsorship Plan; Purpose: Ensure senior executives are engaged and visible throughout.)

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.)

“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.)

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.)

A communications plan must includeclear stakeholder messagingtailored to different groups. ACMP emphasizes that during momentum phases, reinforcingwhat stakeholders need to know, feel, and dois critical. Feedback channels (B) and case studies (D) support engagement but are not the core requirement. Sponsors (A) are senders, not the message itself. Clear, relevant messaging ensures stakeholders remain aligned and supported.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 3 – Communication Plan; Key component: Targeted stakeholder messaging.)

ACMP positions sponsorship as theaccountablerole for realizing benefits and securing adoption within the sponsor’s span of control. Sponsors authorize, prioritize, visibly lead, and ensure middle managers and teams adopt new ways of working. While they also validate plans, give feedback, and help mitigate risks, their defining responsibility isensuring adoptionandbenefits realizationthrough visible, sustained leadership. (Reference:ACMP Standard, cross-cutting role of Sponsorship; Process Groups 2–5: Define sponsorship strategy, engage sponsors, coach sponsors, and sustain visible leadership.)

Readiness is about thecurrent state of people and the organization—beliefs, understanding, and capacity—to adopt the future state. ACMP recommends assessingperception gapsbetween leaders and the broader organization to calibrate approach, communications, and risk. Leader history or business case rigor are contextual, but the readiness linchpin is theexpectation–perception gap. (Reference:ACMP Standard, Process Group 1 – Readiness Assessment; Activities: Assess stakeholder sentiment, comprehension, and alignment gaps.)

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.)

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.)

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.)

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.)

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.)

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.)

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.)

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 directs practitioners to ground all plans inobjectives, goals, and intended outcomes. These provide clarity on what adoption looks like, what success means, and how progress will be measured. Resource availability (A), business case (B), and sponsorship (C) are critical, but they feed into or support the plan. Theanchorof the plan is defining objectives and outcomes. Thus, option D is correct.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 3 – Develop Plan; Activity: Define objectives and outcomes before designing activities.)

If customers indicate lack of readiness, the change manager mustadjust executionof the plan. This may involveslowing rollout, extending training, or revising communicationsuntil readiness increases. ACMP stresses flexibility during execution, making real-time adjustments based on feedback and adoption data. Modifying readiness assessment (B) is retrospective, not corrective. Feedback mechanisms (A) and measurement (D) are tools for detection, not immediate corrective action. Therefore,execution adjustmentsare required to align with stakeholder readiness.

(Reference: ACMP Standard, Process Group 4 – Execute; Activities: Monitor adoption and adjust implementation as required based on readiness feedback.)