Quick Answer
The answer is 0.83. This is correct because the cost performance index (CPI) is calculated by dividing earned value (EV) by actual cost (AC), so $50,000 divided by $60,000 equals 0.8333, which rounds to 0.83. On the CompTIA Project+ PK0-005 exam, this formula tests your ability to evaluate project cost efficiency; a CPI below 1.0, as seen here, signals the project is over budget since each dollar of work completed costs more than planned. A common trap is confusing CPI with SPI (schedule performance index), which uses planned value instead of actual cost, so always check whether the question asks about cost or schedule. For a quick memory tip, remember that CPI = EV/AC, and if the result is less than 1, you are “costing” more than you planned.
This PK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of tools and documentation. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A project has earned value (EV) of $50,000, actual cost (AC) of $60,000, and planned value (PV) of $55,000. What is the cost performance index (CPI)?
0.91
Why wrong: This value is SPI (EV/PV = 50,000/55,000 ≈ 0.91), not CPI.
1.20
Why wrong: This is the inverse of CPI (AC/EV = 1.2), not CPI itself.
0.83
CPI = EV/AC = 50,000/60,000 = 0.8333.
1.10
Why wrong: This does not match the correct calculation.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
0.83
The cost performance index (CPI) is calculated as EV divided by AC. With EV = $50,000 and AC = $60,000, CPI = 50,000 / 60,000 = 0.8333, which rounds to 0.83. A CPI less than 1.0 indicates the project is over budget, as each dollar of work completed costs more than planned.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
0.91
Why it's wrong here
This value is SPI (EV/PV = 50,000/55,000 ≈ 0.91), not CPI.
1.20
Why it's wrong here
This is the inverse of CPI (AC/EV = 1.2), not CPI itself.
0.83
Why this is correct
CPI = EV/AC = 50,000/60,000 = 0.8333.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
1.10
Why it's wrong here
This does not match the correct calculation.
Common exam traps
The trap here is confusing CPI with SPI (schedule performance index), leading candidates to mistakenly divide EV by PV instead of EV by AC, which yields option A (0.91).
Detailed technical explanation
CPI is a key EVM metric defined by the Project Management Institute (PMI) in the PMBOK Guide, calculated as EV/AC. It measures cost efficiency on a project; a CPI of 0.83 means for every dollar spent, only $0.83 of earned value is achieved. In real-world project tracking, CPI is used to forecast estimate at completion (EAC = BAC / CPI), helping project managers adjust budgets or resources proactively.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the PK0-005 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
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FAQ
Tools and Documentation — This question tests Tools and Documentation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: 0.83 — The cost performance index (CPI) is calculated as EV divided by AC. With EV = $50,000 and AC = $60,000, CPI = 50,000 / 60,000 = 0.8333, which rounds to 0.83. A CPI less than 1.0 indicates the project is over budget, as each dollar of work completed costs more than planned.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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.
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