PMP Certification: Control Scope (based on PMBOK® Guide, 6th Edition)


  • WHAT Control Scope Is. Control Scope implies updating scope, plan, baseline, and WBS information with any approved and documented modification to the project and product scope.
  • WHY Control Scope Is Important. By measuring and assessing work performance data against the scope baseline, the Control Scope process prevents any uncontrolled change to the project scope – scope creep.
  • WHEN Control Scope Is Executed. Since scope baseline creation, a project manager performs the Control Scope process anytime scope changes are requested.
  • HOW Control Scope Operates.

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Control Scope 101

What Does Control Scope Involve and When Do You Perform It in a Project Life Cycle?


  • WHAT Control Scope Is. Control Scope implies updating scope, plan, baseline, and WBS information with any approved and documented modification to the project and product scope.
  • WHY Control Scope Is Important. By measuring and assessing work performance data against the scope baseline, the Control Scope process prevents any uncontrolled change to the project scope – scope creep.
  • WHEN Control Scope Is Executed. Since scope baseline creation, a project manager performs the Control Scope process anytime scope changes are requested.
  • HOW Control Scope Operates.
InputsTools and techniquesOutputs
  1. Project management plan
    • Scope management plan
    • Requirements management plan
    • Change management plan
    • Configuration management plan
    • Scope baseline
    • Performance measurement baseline
  2. Project documents
    • Lessons learned register
    • Requirements documentation
    • Requirements traceability matrix
    • Work performance data
  3. Organizational process assets
  1. Data analysis
    • Variance analysis
    • Trend analysis
  1. Work performance information
  2. Change requests
  3. Project management plan updates
    • Scope management plan
    • Scope baseline
    • Schedule baseline
    • Cost baseline
    • Performance measurement baseline
  4. Project documents updates
    • Lessons learned register
    • Requirements documentation
    • Requirements traceability matrix

Source: PMBOK® Guide, 6th ed., Chapter 5, section 5.6, p. 167.

Control Scope Key Terms

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What Are the Key Terms to Fully Understand the Process of  Controlling Scope?


  • Corrective Action. An intentional change made to bring expected future performance of the project in line with the plan.
  • Performance Reports. Documents that provide organized and summarized work performance information, earned value management parameters and calculations, and analyses of project work progress status.
  • Scope Change. Any modification to the agreed-upon project scope, as defined by the approved WBS. Often a scope change requires adjustments to cost, time, quality, or other project objectives.
  • Scope Change Control System. Procedures by which project scope may be changed – i.e., paperwork, tracking systems, and approval levels necessary for authorization.

Control Scope Tips

What Are the Best Tips to Answer Correctly the PMP Cerification Exam Questions on Control Scope Process?


  • Project Management Plan. If the PMP exam mentions the project management plan as input for a process, the execution of multiple subsidiary plans is implied.
  • Variance Analysis. Whenever the PMP exam mentions variance analysis as a tool in a process, you need to consider the corresponding baseline that is being checked for the variance.

Click here for a detailed analysis of each project management process group and knowledge area.

SOURCES: Project Management Institute (2017). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide). 6th ed. Newtown Square: Project Management Institute. Project Management Institute (2016)

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