Quick Answer
The correct answer is FS, FS, SS because the three dependency types described map exactly to Finish-to-Start, Finish-to-Start, and Start-to-Start. In project schedule dependency types, a Finish-to-Start (FS) relationship means a successor task cannot begin until its predecessor has finished, which applies to both “Task A starts after Task B finishes” and “Task C must be completed before Task D can start.” The third dependency, “Task E can start when Task F starts,” is a Start-to-Start (SS) relationship, where both tasks can begin simultaneously. On the CompTIA Project+ PK0-005 exam, you will often see these dependency types tested in scenario-based questions that require you to identify the correct relationship from plain-language descriptions. A common trap is confusing FS with SS when the wording uses “after” or “when,” so focus on whether the trigger is the finish or the start of the predecessor. Remember the mnemonic: “Finish-to-Start is the classic handoff; Start-to-Start means they kick off together.”
This PK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of project management concepts. 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 manager is developing the project schedule. Dependencies include: Task A starts after Task B finishes; Task C must be completed before Task D can start; Task E can start when Task F starts. Which dependency types are being used?
FS, FS, SS
First two are FS, third is SS.
SS, SS, SS
Why wrong: Only the last is SS.
FS, FS, SF
Why wrong: SF is Start-to-Finish, not applicable.
FS, FF, SS
Why wrong: FF is Finish-to-Finish, not used.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
FS, FS, SS
Option A is correct because the three dependency types described map exactly to Finish-to-Start (FS), Finish-to-Start (FS), and Start-to-Start (SS). 'Task A starts after Task B finishes' is FS; 'Task C must be completed before Task D can start' is also FS; 'Task E can start when Task F starts' is SS. These are the standard dependency definitions used in project scheduling per PMI guidelines.
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.
FS, FS, SS
Why this is correct
First two are FS, third is SS.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
SS, SS, SS
Why it's wrong here
Only the last is SS.
FS, FS, SF
Why it's wrong here
SF is Start-to-Finish, not applicable.
FS, FF, SS
Why it's wrong here
FF is Finish-to-Finish, not used.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse 'starts after finishes' with Start-to-Start (SS) or Start-to-Finish (SF), failing to recognize that 'starts after' implies the predecessor must finish first, which is the definition of Finish-to-Start (FS).
Detailed technical explanation
In project scheduling, dependency types define the logical relationship between tasks. FS is the most common, used for sequential tasks where the successor cannot start until the predecessor finishes. SS allows parallel execution, often used for overlapping phases (e.g., design and coding). A subtle behavior: SS can have a lag or lead time applied, such as 'Task E starts 2 days after Task F starts,' which is still an SS dependency with a positive lag. Real-world scenario: in software development, testing (Task E) might start when coding (Task F) begins, using SS to enable early defect detection.
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Project Management Concepts — study guide chapter
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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: FS, FS, SS — Option A is correct because the three dependency types described map exactly to Finish-to-Start (FS), Finish-to-Start (FS), and Start-to-Start (SS). 'Task A starts after Task B finishes' is FS; 'Task C must be completed before Task D can start' is also FS; 'Task E can start when Task F starts' is SS. These are the standard dependency definitions used in project scheduling per PMI guidelines.
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
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