Quick Answer
The answer is analogous estimating. This technique is the correct choice for early project phases because it relies on historical data from similar past projects to generate a rough order-of-magnitude (ROM) estimate when only a high-level scope is available, requiring no detailed breakdown of work packages. On the CompTIA Project+ PK0-005 exam, this question tests your understanding of how to match estimation methods to project constraints; a common trap is choosing parametric estimating, which demands measurable parameters you lack at this stage. Remember, analogous estimating is your go-to for top-down, quick estimates when information is scarce—think of it as using a “similar project snapshot” to forecast costs. A helpful memory tip: “Analogous = Alike past projects” to anchor the concept.
This PK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of project management concepts. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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 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?
Three-point estimating
Why wrong: Used for more refined estimates.
Parametric estimating
Why wrong: Needs statistical relationship and data.
Bottom-up estimating
Why wrong: Requires detailed scope definition.
Analogous estimating
Best for early, high-level estimating.
Answer choices
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.
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.
Three-point estimating
Why it's wrong here
Used for more refined estimates.
Parametric estimating
Why it's wrong here
Needs statistical relationship and data.
Bottom-up estimating
Why it's wrong here
Requires detailed scope definition.
Analogous estimating
Why this is correct
Best for early, high-level estimating.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
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.
Detailed technical explanation
Analogous estimating is a top-down technique that leverages historical data from similar projects, adjusting for differences in size, complexity, or inflation. It is often used in the initiation phase to provide a quick, ballpark figure (typically -25% to +75% accuracy) for budget approval. In practice, project managers may combine analogous estimating with expert judgment to refine the estimate when historical data is sparse.
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
Project Management Concepts — This question tests Project Management Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: 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.
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 30, 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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