Key points
- The coordinator handles all inter-subagent communication, error handling, and information routing.
- Subagents run in isolated context; they do not inherit the coordinator's conversation.
- The coordinator decomposes, delegates, aggregates, and decides which subagents a query needs.
- Decomposing a broad topic too narrowly leaves coverage gaps even when every subagent succeeds.
- Scope should be partitioned (distinct subtopics or source types) so subagents do not duplicate work.
- Synthesis output should be checked for gaps and improved by targeted re-delegation.
Common misconceptions
- "If every subagent succeeded, the report must be complete." Gaps are often created at decomposition time.
- "The synthesis agent should find missing topics." It can only work with what it was given.
- "Letting subagents talk directly is a harmless shortcut." It breaks tracing and uniform error handling.
Watch for
Always running the full pipeline, overlapping subagent scopes, and side channels that bypass the coordinator.
Practice Task 1.2
Start with the free 10-question check to see where you stand across all five domains. In CCA Prep Studio, 58 practice items cover this task, each tracked toward your mastery score.