What is a substitute for an operational exercise for testing recovery plans?

The correct answer is an actual recovery response. This method provides a real-world scenario where the recovery plans can be put into practice, allowing teams to experience the processes and procedures firsthand. By responding to an actual incident, the effectiveness of the recovery strategies can be assessed in real time, which helps identify strengths and weaknesses in the plans.

Conducting an actual recovery response goes beyond theory and simulation, enabling teams to face the dynamic challenges that may arise during a disaster or unexpected incident. This practical approach ensures that plans are robust and can be adjusted based on the lessons learned during the actual event, leading to improved preparedness for future incidents.

In contrast, the other options do not provide the same level of practical insight. A planned interview with team members largely focuses on discussion without testing the recovery protocols. A full-scale evacuation drill, while valuable for preparedness, does not directly address recovery plans specifically, as it mainly focuses on egress and safety protocols during an incident. A theoretical planning session emphasizes academic discussion and planning but lacks the functional element of implementing recovery procedures in real-life scenarios.