# Policy Exception Management
One-sentence definition: Formal process to approve time-bound deviations from policy with compensating controls and documented risk acceptance.
## Key Facts
- Requires business justification, risk analysis, owner approval.
- Includes compensating controls and expiration/review dates.
- Track in register; report exceptions to governance.
- Reassess after changes/incidents; aim to remediate root cause.
- Prevents shadow IT and undocumented risk-taking.
- **Verify:** check official (ISC)² CBK and current exam outline.
## Exam Relevance
- Choose compliant path when teams can’t meet a standard.
**Mnemonic:** “**AIM**” → Approve, Implement compensations, Monitor.
## Mini Scenario
Q: Legacy app needs weak cipher—what’s compliant approach?
A: File exception with compensating controls and end date.
## Revision Checklist
- Name 4 required fields in an exception.
- Define compensating control.
- State reporting cadence.
## Related
[[Security Policy Hierarchy]] · [[Risk Response Strategies]] · [[Security Control Baselines and Tailoring]] · [[Risk Register and Reporting]] · [[Compliance and Regulatory Concepts]] · [[Domain 1 - Index]]