PK0-005 Project Life Cycle Practice Question
A project manager is monitoring project performance. Which TWO earned value metrics are used to assess cost efficiency?
⚠ Common exam trap
PK0-005 often tests the distinction between cost and schedule metrics; candidates may incorrectly select SV or SPI as cost efficiency measures.
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
✓
Cost Variance (CV)
Cost Variance (CV) is correct because it is calculated as EV minus AC (CV = EV − AC), and a positive value indicates the project is under budget while a negative value indicates overspending, directly measuring cost efficiency in absolute terms. Cost Performance Index (CPI) is correct because it is calculated as EV divided by AC (CPI = EV / AC), and a value greater than 1.0 means the project is getting more value per dollar spent, directly measuring cost efficiency as a ratio. The other options do not assess cost efficiency: Estimate at Completion (EAC) is a forecast of total project cost rather than an efficiency measure, Schedule Variance (SV) measures schedule performance as EV minus PV, and Schedule Performance Index (SPI) measures schedule efficiency as EV divided by PV.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Estimate at Completion (EAC)
Why it's wrong here
EAC forecasts the total cost at completion, a projection, not a measure of cost efficiency against work performed. It is tempting because EAC derives from cost data, and would be correct when the question asks for the forecast final project cost rather than efficiency ratios.
- ✗
Schedule Variance (SV)
Why it's wrong here
SV compares earned value against planned value in currency terms, measuring schedule performance, not cost efficiency. It is tempting because variance analysis is central to earned value management, and would be correct when the question asks whether the project is ahead of or behind schedule.
- ✓
Cost Variance (CV)
Why this is correct
Cost Variance (CV) measures cost efficiency by subtracting actual cost from earned value (CV = EV − AC). A positive CV indicates the project is under budget; a negative CV signals overspending. This directly satisfies the stem's requirement to assess cost efficiency, unlike schedule-based metrics such as SV or SPI.
- ✗
Schedule Performance Index (SPI)
Why it's wrong here
SPI divides earned value by planned value, an index of schedule performance rather than cost. It is tempting because index-based earned value metrics look like cost indicators, and would be correct when assessing whether schedule work is proceeding at the planned rate.
- ✓
Cost Performance Index (CPI)
Why this is correct
The Cost Performance Index divides earned value by actual cost, expressing cost efficiency as a ratio: values above 1.0 mean work is costing less than planned, below 1.0 means overspending. This directly satisfies the stem's requirement for a cost-efficiency metric, unlike schedule-based measures such as SPI.
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Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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