What is a Phase-Gate Review?
A phase-gate review is a formal decision point in a program's life cycle where the program's governance board evaluates whether the program has met the criteria to move forward into the next phase. Think of it as a checkpoint — the board looks at performance data, risks, and alignment with strategic goals before giving the green light to continue.
These reviews happen at the transition between major phases: from definition to delivery, and from delivery to closure. They are not just progress meetings. The board has real authority to approve the next phase, ask for corrective actions, or in rare cases, recommend termination if the program no longer makes business sense.
For the PgMP exam, remember: the program manager's job heading into a phase-gate is to prepare the documentation that proves the phase objectives were met and that proceeding is the right call.
Worked example
Example: A national infrastructure program has just finished its definition phase — business case approved, high-level schedule set, governance structure in place. Before any delivery work begins, the steering committee holds a phase-gate review. The program manager presents the program management plan, risk summary, and stakeholder readiness assessment. The board approves the transition and formally authorizes the delivery phase.
Related terms
Practice Question
PMP / PMI-ACP StyleMaximum-difficulty scenario. Two options appear plausible — only one is the correct PMI-aligned choice.
Scenario
A two-year infrastructure program is approaching the end of its definition phase. Several original governance board members have been replaced by new executives who have limited program history. During the scheduled phase-gate review, some board members express confusion about their decision-making authority.
What should the program manager do?
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