Risk audit versus Risk reassessment

I came across this question in a practice test and it had me confused.

Q. Which of the following is best described as an action to verify that all risks have been identified, that plans have been created to handle risks, and that individuals responsible for responding to the risks are prepared to take action?

a. Risk reassessment
b. Risk audit
c. Workaround
d. Reserve analysis

By process of elimination, [c] & [d] can be ruled out.
Both [a] and [b] deals with identifying risks and responding to risks. So, the keyword here is "plans have been created to handle risks". So, right answer is [b]

To become PMI member or not?

While I decided to take the PMP certification, I kept wondering if I should take up the PMI membership or not. The PMI membership is optional, and not required for taking the membership.

Cost of certification without PMI membership: $550

Cost of certification with PMI membership: $544 to $569
   a. PMI membership: $139
   b. Certification fees: $405
   c. Local chapter membership: $10 to $25

Advantages of PMI membership:

1. In case you have to re-appear for the exam if you fail to clear the first time, then fees will be $275 for 2nd attempt

2. You can download the PMBOK 6th edition free of cost, so you don't have to buy the book
3. You get to interact with other PMI members, share ideas and get to know of if there are PM positions open
4. You can attend local PMI chapter meets and this will give you PDUs which you can accumulate to keep the validity of PMP certification else it expires.

Keeping the above points in mind, I registered for PMI membership today.

Let's start from the very beginning ... Why PMP?

PMP has been on mind for 3-4 years now. I have been a PM for more than 5+ years, but never felt the need for a certification. Even as a Java developer, I never believed in getting a SCJP. A certification does not really help in a real world scenario, but its always good to have it under your belt as an ego boost.

The best programmers learn during the process of development. A certification only serves as a reminder to his peers/boss that they have a command over the programming language. That's the reason I never valued PMP much and put my prep in the back burner while handling important project activities of meeting deadline deliverables.

Of the drivers who meet with an accident, most of them have a Driving Permit, and yet they are involved in collisions. While the driving permit does not make them a better driver, it does teach them how to handle certain situations and how to avoid an accident. Same goes for PMP.

So, while the certification itself cannot guarantee project success, having it can save us from assured pitfalls. Hence, the sudden need for this PMP certification.