Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM) 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The purpose of a change order is to modify contractual requirements within the contract's scope. Change orders are essential tools used in contract management to document amendments or adjustments agreed upon by both parties after the original contract has been executed. This may include changes in the scope of work, specifications, timelines, or other aspects of the agreement, allowing for flexibility in project execution while maintaining compliance with the terms of the contract.

When modifications are necessary due to unforeseen circumstances or changes in project needs, a change order provides a structured approach to implement these changes legally and transparently. It ensures that all parties are aware of the alterations and can agree to the revised terms, thus protecting their interests.

While other options touch on various aspects of contract management—such as termination, contract value increases, and complaint registration—they do not encapsulate the primary function of a change order, which is to facilitate agreed-upon modifications within the established contractual framework.