hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
PK0-005 Practice Question: A project manager is reviewing the project's…
A project manager is reviewing the project's earned value data. The cost performance index (CPI) is 0.85, and the schedule performance index (SPI) is 1.05. What does this indicate about the project?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates often misinterpret CPI and SPI values, thinking that a value less than 1.0 always means 'bad' (behind schedule or over budget) without recognizing that SPI > 1.0 means ahead of schedule, leading them to incorrectly select 'behind schedule' options.
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
✓
The project is over budget and ahead of schedule
The Cost Performance Index (CPI) of 0.85 indicates that for every dollar spent, only $0.85 of earned value is received, meaning the project is over budget. The Schedule Performance Index (SPI) of 1.05 indicates that the project is progressing at 105% of the planned rate, meaning it is ahead of schedule. Therefore, the project is over budget and ahead of schedule, making option D correct.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The project is under budget but behind schedule
Why it's wrong here
CPI < 1 indicates over budget, not under.
- ✗
The project is over budget but behind schedule
Why it's wrong here
SPI > 1 indicates ahead of schedule, not behind.
- ✗
The project is under budget and ahead of schedule
Why it's wrong here
CPI < 1 means over budget, not under.
- ✓
The project is over budget and ahead of schedule
Why this is correct
CPI 0.85 (over budget) and SPI 1.05 (ahead of schedule).
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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.