CompTIA Project+ Practice Test 2026 – Complete Exam Preparation

A stakeholder is best defined as an individual or organization that can affect or be affected by a project. This definition encompasses a wide range of people and groups who have a vested interest in the project’s outcomes, including project sponsors, team members, customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.

Understanding who the stakeholders are is crucial for effective project management because their interests, requirements, and contributions can significantly influence the project's direction, risks, and success. Engaging with stakeholders helps ensure that their needs are acknowledged and that they are kept informed and involved throughout the project life cycle.

The other choices are more specific and limit the broader concept of stakeholders. For instance, while a person responsible for managing project schedules plays a key role, they do not encapsulate the wider array of people who have a stake in the project. An external consultant can be a valuable resource, but they represent one type of stakeholder, not the full spectrum. Similarly, a team member assigned to a task is indeed part of the project team but does not illustrate the broader stakeholder perspective that includes those impacted by project decisions outside of direct team interaction.