PK0-005 Project Life Cycle Practice Question
A project manager is estimating the cost of a software development project. Using data from a similar past project, she adjusts for size and complexity. Which estimation technique is she using?
⚠ Common exam trap
PK0-005 often tests the confusion between analogous estimation and parametric estimation, as both use historical data; the key differentiator is that analogous uses a similar project as a whole, while parametric uses a statistical relationship per unit.
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 estimation
Analogous estimation uses historical data from a similar past project as the basis for estimating the current project, then adjusts for known differences such as size and complexity. This top-down approach is quick and requires less detailed information, making it ideal when limited data is available. The key is that the estimate is derived from analogy to a comparable project, not from a mathematical model or detailed breakdown.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Bottom-up estimation
Why it's wrong here
Bottom-up estimation aggregates cost from individual work package or task estimates, so it requires detailed decomposition rather than historical project data. It is tempting because it produces accurate, granular figures for well-defined scope, but the scenario describes analogous historical data adjusted for size and complexity, which is analogous estimation.
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Parametric estimation
Why it's wrong here
Parametric estimation applies a statistical relationship between cost and measurable variables such as lines of code or function points, using a formula rather than a whole past project. It is tempting because it also uses historical data, but the scenario adjusts a similar past project for size and complexity, which is analogous estimation.
- ✓
Analogous estimation
Why this is correct
Analogous estimation uses historical data from a comparable past project, adjusted for size and complexity, to derive the current estimate. The reliance on a similar prior project rather than decomposed work packages identifies this technique.
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Three-point estimation
Why it's wrong here
Three-point estimation derives an expected cost from optimistic, pessimistic and most likely values to reflect uncertainty. It is tempting because it also draws on prior experience, but it requires three estimates per activity rather than one analogous project adjusted for size and complexity, so it does not match the described technique.
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Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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.