PK0-005 Tools and Documentation Practice Question
A project has a cost performance index (CPI) of 1.2 and a schedule performance index (SPI) of 0.9. Which of the following best describes the project's status?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that a CPI greater than 1.0 means over budget, when in fact it means the project is under budget because the earned value exceeds the actual cost.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Under budget and behind schedule
A CPI of 1.2 means the project is earning $1.20 for every $1.00 spent, indicating it is under budget. An SPI of 0.9 means the project is earning only $0.90 for every $1.00 of planned work, indicating it is behind schedule. Therefore, the project is under budget and behind schedule, making option B correct.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Over budget and behind schedule
Why it's wrong here
CPI > 1 means under budget, not over budget; SPI < 1 means behind schedule. This option incorrectly states over budget.
- ✓
Under budget and behind schedule
Why this is correct
CPI = 1.2 > 1 indicates under budget; SPI = 0.9 < 1 indicates behind schedule. This option correctly describes the status.
- ✗
Under budget and ahead of schedule
Why it's wrong here
CPI > 1 indicates under budget (correct), but SPI < 1 indicates behind schedule, not ahead. This option incorrectly states ahead of schedule.
- ✗
Over budget and ahead of schedule
Why it's wrong here
CPI > 1 indicates under budget, not over budget; SPI < 1 indicates behind schedule, not ahead. This option is incorrect on both counts.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This PK0-005 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the PK0-005 exam.