CISSP Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Prep Guide

Qualitative risk analysis is characterized by its use of scenarios and rating systems to evaluate risks. This approach focuses on assessing the significance and impact of potential risks through subjective means, such as expert opinion, historical data, and established criteria. By creating scenarios, qualitative analysis enables teams to visualize how risks might manifest in real-world situations and their potential consequences on the organization.

Rating systems are often employed to classify the likelihood and impact of these risks, allowing stakeholders to prioritize them based on their severity and potential effect on organizational objectives. This method is particularly useful for organizations that may not have access to precise numerical data but still need to understand their risk landscape in a structured way.

While quantitative risk analysis employs numerical values for measuring risk and calculating potential losses, and statistical risk analysis often relies on mathematical models and historical data, qualitative risk analysis provides a more narrative-based approach that captures the complexities of risks that may not be easily quantifiable. Critical path analysis, on the other hand, is focused on project management and network diagramming, hence it does not pertain to risk analysis in the same sense.