How to Answer "What Should You Do FIRST?" on PMP

The Most Dreaded Question Type on the PMP Exam

Questions that ask "What should the project manager do FIRST?" are among the most challenging on the PMP exam. The difficulty is not that you cannot identify the correct answer — it is that all four options often seem reasonable. The challenge lies in determining the correct sequence of actions according to PMI's framework.

These questions test your ability to prioritize. PMI wants to see that you follow a structured approach rather than jumping to action. Mastering this question type can significantly improve your exam score because these questions appear frequently across all three domains.

The PMI Priority Framework

When faced with a FIRST question, apply this general priority order:

Assess and understand the situation: Before taking any action, gather information. Review documents, analyze data, understand the root cause.
Follow established processes: Check whether the project management plan, organizational policies, or PMI processes define the appropriate response.
Engage stakeholders appropriately: Communicate, consult, or escalate based on the situation.
Take corrective action: Implement changes through proper channels (change control, team direction, etc.).

Assessment Always Comes First

In almost every FIRST question, the correct answer involves some form of assessment before action. If the answer choices include options like "analyze the situation," "review the project plan," "assess the impact," or "determine the root cause," one of these is likely the correct first step.

Consider this example: "During execution, a team member reports a significant issue with a deliverable. What should the project manager do FIRST?"

A) Inform the sponsor about the issue
B) Assess the impact of the issue on project objectives
C) Submit a change request
D) Call a team meeting to discuss the issue

The answer is B. Before informing anyone, submitting changes, or holding meetings, you need to understand what you are dealing with. Assessment precedes communication, which precedes action.

Common FIRST Question Patterns

Problem Discovery

When a problem is discovered, the first step is typically to assess the impact and determine the root cause. Do not jump to solutions, escalation, or blame.

Change Requests

When a stakeholder requests a change, the first step is usually to evaluate the impact of the change on all project constraints (scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk). Then submit a formal change request through integrated change control.

Conflict Situations

When a conflict arises, the first step is typically to understand the underlying cause of the conflict. PMI prefers the collaborative approach — bring the parties together to find a win-win solution, but only after understanding the conflict.

New Project Situations

When assigned to a new project, the first step is to review the project charter (if it exists) or understand the business case. Do not start planning before understanding the project's authorization and objectives.

The "Eliminate and Rank" Technique

When you encounter a FIRST question:

Eliminate obviously wrong answers: Look for options that skip steps (e.g., implementing a solution before understanding the problem).
Rank remaining options in logical sequence: Arrange the remaining answers in the order they would occur. The earliest action is your answer.
Apply the PMI mindset: PMI values planning over reacting, assessment over assumption, and proper process over shortcuts.

Red Flags in Answer Choices

These phrases in answer choices are rarely the FIRST thing to do:

"Implement" or "execute" — action usually follows assessment
"Escalate to management" — try resolving at your level first
"Revise the plan" — understand the situation before modifying documents
"Inform the sponsor" — assess the situation before reporting

Practice FIRST questions extensively with our PMP exam simulator, which includes detailed explanations for why each answer choice is or is not the best first step.