HKSM

A specific sign or circumstance that warns a risk event is likely to happen soon.

Key Points

• Serves as an early warning indicator that a known risk may materialize.
• Defined and recorded in the risk register during risk planning.
• Monitored throughout the project to decide when to launch risk responses.
• Often tied to clear thresholds or metrics (e.g., dates missed, counts exceeded).

Example

In a software project, the team sets a trigger condition: "Open critical defects exceed 30 for three days in a row." When this occurs, the project manager initiates the contingency plan to add test resources and re-sequence tasks to reduce schedule risk.

PMP Example Question

Which term refers to a predefined sign, such as "the supplier misses two consecutive delivery milestones," that prompts the team to activate a risk response plan?

1. Trigger condition
2. Risk owner
3. Residual risk
4. Risk tolerance

Correct Answer: A — Trigger condition

Explanation: A trigger condition is a monitored indicator or circumstance that signals a risk is imminent and that the planned response should be executed.