A change control board (CCB) is a formally chartered group responsible for reviewing, evaluating, approving, deferring, or rejecting changes to a project. Its decisions and rationale are recorded so that every change is traceable.
In practice a change request is logged, analysed for its impact on scope, schedule, cost, quality, and risk, and then brought to the CCB for a decision. Approved requests move on to implementation and the affected baselines and plans are updated; the outcome is captured in the change log. The board’s authority and membership are defined in the change management plan.
How the CCB fits into the PMBOK Guide 8
The PMBOK Guide 8th edition frames change handling within project work and stresses disciplined, transparent decision-making. The CCB is the governance body that keeps changes from being made informally and protects the integrity of the project baselines.
Frequently asked questions
Who sits on a change control board?
Typically the project manager, sponsor or their delegate, and stakeholders whose areas are affected by the change.
What is the difference between a CCB and a change log?
The CCB is the group that decides on changes; the change log is the record of the requests and their status.
By Tom, PMP-certified since 2004. Last updated: July 2026.