hardMultiple Choice
PK0-005 Practice Question: A project manager uses a quantitative risk…
A project manager uses a quantitative risk analysis tool that runs thousands of simulations to determine the probability of completing the project by a certain date. Which technique is being used?
⚠ Common exam trap
PK0-005 often tests the confusion between quantitative risk techniques — candidates see 'simulation' and pick decision tree or EMV because they associate those with probability, but only Monte Carlo explicitly runs thousands of iterations.
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
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Monte Carlo simulation
Monte Carlo simulation is a quantitative risk analysis technique that runs thousands of iterations with random values for uncertain variables to produce a probability distribution of possible outcomes, such as the likelihood of completing the project by a specific date. It is specifically designed for schedule and cost risk modeling under uncertainty.
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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Decision tree analysis
Why it's wrong here
Decision tree analysis evaluates expected monetary value across discrete, mutually exclusive branches, not thousands of randomised iterations. It suits choosing between defined alternatives with probabilities. Monte Carlo simulation, by contrast, repeatedly samples duration distributions to produce the probability of finishing by a given date, which is exactly what the stem describes.
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Monte Carlo simulation
Why this is correct
Monte Carlo simulation repeatedly samples probability distributions for cost and duration to model thousands of possible outcomes, producing a distribution of completion dates. This satisfies the requirement for quantitative schedule-probability analysis, unlike deterministic or qualitative techniques.
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Expected monetary value analysis
Why it's wrong here
Expected monetary value analysis multiplies probabilities by financial outcomes to produce a single weighted figure, not a distribution of completion dates. Monte Carlo simulation, which iterates thousands of times across variable ranges, is the technique described.
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Sensitivity analysis
Why it's wrong here
Sensitivity analysis varies one input at a time to show which variable most affects the outcome, a tornado diagram being typical. It identifies influential drivers rather than producing a completion-date probability. Monte Carlo simulation, which samples all duration distributions together across thousands of iterations, generates the cumulative probability the stem requires.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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