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PK0-005 Practice Question: A project manager is reviewing the project…
A project manager is reviewing the project schedule and notices that a critical path activity has a variance of -2 days. What does this indicate?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse variance direction (negative vs. positive) or forget that critical path activities have zero float, leading them to incorrectly choose that the activity can be delayed (Option D).
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 activity is behind schedule and will delay the project.
A negative variance on the critical path indicates the activity is behind schedule. Since the critical path has zero float, any delay directly extends the project's finish date. A variance of -2 days means the activity is 2 days late, which will delay the project by 2 days unless corrective action is taken.
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 activity is ahead of schedule.
Why it's wrong here
Negative variance means behind schedule.
- ✗
The activity is on schedule.
Why it's wrong here
Variance of 0 would indicate on schedule.
- ✓
The activity is behind schedule and will delay the project.
Why this is correct
Negative variance on critical path means delay.
- ✗
The activity has float and can be delayed.
Why it's wrong here
Critical path activities have zero float.
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