Risk Register vs Issue Log: What They Are, When to Use Them, and Free Templates
- Roberto Piccin
- Sep 10, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 5, 2025
Introduction
Every project carries uncertainty. Some challenges are only potential, while others are already happening. To manage both effectively, project managers rely on two essential tools: the Risk Register and the Issue Log.
Although closely related, these tools serve different purposes. Understanding how and when to use them helps avoid confusion, improves transparency, and ensures that project teams stay aligned. To make this easier, we are sharing two ready-to-use Excel templates that you can download and apply directly to your projects.
Risks vs Issues: The Key Difference
A risk is something that could happen. It is an uncertain event that, if it occurs, may have a positive or negative impact on the project.
An issue is something that has already happened. It is a problem, decision, or conflict that is affecting the project right now and needs resolution.
In simple terms: Risks are potential, issues are actual.
The Risk Register
A Risk Register is the central place where all identified risks are documented, analyzed, and tracked.
It typically includes fields such as:
Risk ID and description - what the risk is
Probability and impact - how likely it is to happen, and how severe the effect would be
Response strategy – mitigate, transfer, accept, or exploit (for positive risks)
Owner – who is responsible for monitoring the risk
Status – open, closed, or under monitoring
Key Point: A good risk register is not just a list, it is a decision-making tool. It allows the project team to prepare in advance, prioritize resources, and respond proactively instead of reactively.
The Issue Log
An Issue Log records all problems and decisions that arise during project execution.
It usually includes fields like:
Issue ID and description – what the issue is
Date raised and due date – when it was identified, and when it should be resolved
Impact – on scope, cost, schedule, or quality
Owner – who is responsible for solving it
Status – open, in progress, resolved, or closed
Key Point: An issue log is about accountability and follow-up. It ensures that every open point has an owner, a due date, and a record of how it was resolved.
How the Two Work Together
Risks and issues are linked. A risk that materializes often becomes an issue. For example:
Risk: “Key component may be delayed in delivery”
Issue (if it happens): “Component delivery is two weeks late, impacting commissioning”
Both tools are necessary. The risk register helps anticipate and plan, while the issue log helps manage reality as it unfolds.
Risk Register | Issue Log |
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Free Excel Templates
To support project teams, we are sharing two Excel templates that we use in real projects. They are simple, practical, and aligned with PMI® best practices.
Each file is ready to use, with dropdown menus, status tracking, and basic conditional formatting. You can adapt them to your project size and complexity.
How to Use Them
Risk Register: Start at the beginning of the project, update it regularly during planning and execution, and use it to brief stakeholders and prioritize attention.
Issue Log: Start as soon as execution begins, keep it updated daily or weekly, and use it during team meetings to ensure nothing gets lost or forgotten.
Conclusion
Clear documentation of risks and issues builds trust, improves decision-making, and helps projects stay on course.
From our experience at Casaltech, the difference between success and failure often lies in transparency: identifying potential risks early, and resolving issues quickly once they arise.
Try our free templates today and adapt them to your next project. Templates provided by Casaltech, inspired by project management best practices, not official PMI® materials.
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