easyMultiple Choice
PK0-005 Practice Question: A project manager is assigned to a new project
A project manager is assigned to a new project. The sponsor provides a high-level scope and asks for a cost estimate. Which estimation technique should the project manager use at this early stage?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that parametric estimating is always more accurate than analogous, but at the early stage with high-level scope, parametric lacks the required defined parameters, making analogous the correct choice despite its lower accuracy.
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
✓
Analogous estimating
At the early stage of a project when only a high-level scope is available, analogous estimating is the most appropriate technique. It uses historical data from similar past projects to produce a rough order-of-magnitude (ROM) estimate quickly, without requiring detailed breakdowns. This aligns with the PMBOK guide's recommendation for early, top-down estimates when information is limited.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Three-point estimating
Why it's wrong here
Three-point estimating requires optimistic, pessimistic and most likely values per activity, which a high-level scope does not provide; it refines estimates once activities are identified. It is tempting because it quantifies uncertainty, and it is correct during detailed planning, but the sponsor needs a rough order of magnitude now.
- ✗
Parametric estimating
Why it's wrong here
Parametric estimating applies a unit rate multiplied by a quantity drawn from historical data; the high-level scope supplies no reliable parameter or cost driver. It is tempting because it is fast and scalable, and it is correct when comparable historical metrics exist, but none are available at this early stage.
- ✗
Bottom-up estimating
Why it's wrong here
Bottom-up estimating aggregates detailed work-package costs, which the high-level scope cannot supply at this stage; it demands a decomposed WBS. It is tempting because it yields the most accurate figures, and it is correct once detailed requirements exist, but here only a rough order of magnitude is possible.
- ✓
Analogous estimating
Why this is correct
Analogous estimating uses historical data from comparable past projects to produce a top-down estimate when only high-level scope is available. It satisfies the stem's early-stage constraint, where detailed requirements are absent, delivering a fast, low-cost approximation. Its lower accuracy is acceptable before the work breakdown structure exists.
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