Phase Entry and Exit Criteria: Resource Availability, Viability, and Organizational Alignm…

PMBOK v8 Definition

Factors such as resource availability, verification of the project’s viability, and current alignment with organizational goals may determine the entry criteria for a project phase. Entry criteria are the conditions that must be met before a phase can begin, while exit criteria are the conditions that must be achieved—such as acceptance criteria for deliverables, contractual obligations, or specific performance targets—before proceeding to the next phase. These criteria are checked during phase gate reviews or decision point reviews to ensure the project remains viable and aligned with organizational objectives.

Why It Matters for the Exam

This concept appears frequently in PMI exam questions about phase management, governance, and project initiation decisions. Questions often test your ability to distinguish between entry criteria and exit criteria, and to identify which factors (resource availability, viability verification, organizational alignment) are used as entry gates rather than exit gates. Expect scenario-based questions where you must determine whether a project should proceed to the next phase based on these criteria.

Key Points to Remember (for the exam)

• Entry Criteria: Conditions that must be met before a phase can start—includes resource availability, viability verification, and alignment with organizational goals
• Exit Criteria: Conditions that must be achieved before moving to the next phase—includes acceptance criteria, contractual obligations, performance targets
• Phase Gate Review: A decision point where both entry and exit criteria are checked; the project may be approved to continue, redirected, or terminated
• Common Confusion: Entry criteria are NOT the same as exit criteria—entry focuses on readiness to start, exit focuses on completion and quality of deliverables
• Key Input Factors: Resource availability (do we have the people, budget, materials?), viability verification (is the project still feasible?), organizational alignment (does this still support strategic goals?)
• Decision Types: At a phase gate, decisions include proceed, proceed with modifications, hold, or terminate the project
• Tangible Measures: Exit criteria are tied to specific, measurable outcomes—acceptance criteria for deliverables, contractual obligations, performance targets

Typical PMI Exam Example

A project manager is preparing to begin the second phase of a large infrastructure project. The sponsor asks whether the team has confirmed that sufficient budget and skilled personnel are available, whether the business case remains valid, and whether the project still supports the organization's current strategic priorities. These questions are evaluating the project's entry criteria for the next phase.

PMI Exam Traps

• Trap: Confusing entry criteria with exit criteria Reality: Entry criteria = readiness to start (resources, viability, alignment); Exit criteria = deliverables completed and accepted

• Trap: Thinking resource availability is only checked at project initiation Reality: Resource availability is checked at every phase gate as an entry criterion before proceeding

• Trap: Assuming viability verification is a one-time activity Reality: Viability is verified at each phase gate to confirm the project should continue

• Trap: Confusing phase gate reviews with milestone reviews Reality: Phase gates use both entry AND exit criteria; milestones only check completion of specific deliverables

Important PMI Connections

Quick Review Questions

1. A project has completed its planning phase. Before starting execution, what three types of entry criteria should be verified?

2. During a phase gate review, the project manager discovers that the organization's strategic priorities have shifted away from the project's objectives. What decision should the governance body consider?

3. A contractual obligation requires that all deliverables meet specific performance targets before the next phase can begin. Is this an entry criterion or an exit criterion?

4. What is the difference between checking resource availability at project initiation versus at each subsequent phase gate?

5. A project team has completed all deliverables for Phase 1, but the organization has reallocated the budget to another initiative. Should the project proceed to Phase 2?

PMBOK v8 Reference

Section 2.4 - Project Phases and Phase Gates (based on the context provided regarding phase entry and exit criteria, resource availability, viability verification, and organizational alignment)