hardMultiple SelectObjective-mapped
PK0-005 Practice Question: A project manager is building a project schedule…
A project manager is building a project schedule and needs to identify the critical path. Which TWO techniques are commonly used in project scheduling tools to help determine the critical path?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse Earned Value Management (EVM) with schedule analysis, but EVM measures performance against a baseline, not the logical sequence of tasks that determines the critical path.
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
✓
Gantt chart with dependency links
A Gantt chart with dependency links is correct because it visually represents task sequences and dependencies, allowing project managers to trace the longest path of dependent tasks, which defines the critical path. The Critical Path Method (CPM) is a mathematical algorithm that calculates the longest path through the project network by determining early start, early finish, late start, and late finish dates for each activity, directly identifying the critical path.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Gantt chart with dependency links
Why this is correct
Gantt charts with dependencies can visually represent the critical path and many tools calculate it automatically.
- ✓
Critical Path Method (CPM)
Why this is correct
CPM is specifically designed to identify the critical path.
- ✗
Earned Value Management (EVM)
Why it's wrong here
EVM measures project performance against plan, not critical path.
- ✗
Monte Carlo simulation
Why it's wrong here
Monte Carlo simulation is for probabilistic risk analysis, not direct critical path identification.
- ✗
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
Why it's wrong here
WBS is a deliverable-oriented decomposition, not a scheduling technique for critical path.
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Same concept, more angles
2 more ways this is tested on PK0-005
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A construction project is underway, and the project manager is using a Gantt chart to track progress. The project is divided into five phases: Foundation, Framing, Plumbing, Electrical, and Finishing. The project manager notices that the Framing phase is behind schedule because of a delayed material shipment. The Gantt chart shows that Framing has a predecessor of Foundation and a successor of Plumbing. The project manager updates the Gantt chart to reflect the delay. Which action should the project manager take next?
medium- ✓ A.Recalculate the critical path to determine impact on finish date
- B.Add a buffer to the Plumbing phase
- C.Crash the project by adding resources to Framing
- D.Inform stakeholders that the timeline has been updated
Why A: When a delay occurs on a task (Framing) that is on the critical path (as it has predecessor and successor dependencies), the critical path may be affected, so recalculating the critical path is necessary to determine the impact on the project finish date. Option B is incorrect because adding a buffer to Plumbing without analyzing the overall schedule impact is premature and not a systematic response. Option C is incorrect because crashing (adding resources) should be considered only after assessing the critical path and determining if compression is needed. Option D is incorrect because informing stakeholders without first analyzing the impact is incomplete; the project manager should first understand the effect before communicating.
Variation 2. A project manager is using a Gantt chart to track progress. Which tool would BEST complement the Gantt chart to show task dependencies and the critical path?
hard- ✓ A.Network diagram
- B.Change log
- C.Work breakdown structure
- D.Risk register
Why A: A network diagram (e.g., activity-on-node or PERT chart) is the best complement to a Gantt chart because it explicitly maps task dependencies (finish-to-start, start-to-start, etc.) and calculates the critical path using forward and backward pass methods. While a Gantt chart shows progress over time, it does not inherently display the logical relationships between tasks or the float/slack values needed to identify the critical path.
JA
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.