Which description matches a cascading tiered approval process?

• A. Bucketed tiered approval
• B. Cascading tiered approval
• C. Adjustment approval level
• D. Rule-based routing

Answer: (B)

Approvals move through progressively higher levels of authority, with the request automatically escalating to the next tier if the current level can’t approve. This means a case starts at the lowest tier and, depending on the criteria or dollar amount, advances up the chain until it gets the necessary sign-off or is finally rejected. This setup balances speed and control: routine items get quick decisions at the first tier, while higher-risk or higher-value items receive appropriate oversight as the process cascades upward. It also creates a clear escalation path and audit trail.

Other descriptions don’t capture that automatic, stepwise progression through multiple levels. Grouping by category describes routing into buckets rather than a true sequence of escalating approvals. A generic adjustment level lacks the multi-tiered escalation aspect. Rule-based routing focuses on routing rules but doesn’t inherently require sequential escalation through tiers.