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PK0-005 Practice Question: A project sponsor asks the project manager to…
A project sponsor asks the project manager to accelerate the schedule. Which TWO schedule compression techniques could the project manager consider?
⚠ Common exam trap
PK0-005 often tests whether candidates confuse schedule compression (fast-tracking, crashing) with schedule estimation or resource optimization techniques (Monte Carlo, resource leveling) — the trap is picking a technique that sounds time-related but does not actually shorten the schedule.
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
✓
Fast-tracking
Fast-tracking (A) is a valid schedule compression technique because it overlaps activities that would normally be performed sequentially, thereby shortening the critical path duration, though it increases risk of rework. Crashing (B) is also a valid compression technique because it adds resources (often at increased cost) to critical path activities to reduce their duration. Monte Carlo simulation (C) is a quantitative risk analysis technique that models schedule uncertainty; it does not compress the schedule. Resource leveling (D) adjusts activity start/finish dates to resolve resource over-allocation, which typically extends the schedule rather than compressing it. Scope reduction (E) is scope change or descoping, not a recognized schedule compression technique.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Fast-tracking
Why this is correct
Fast-tracking overlaps sequential activities to shorten duration without adding cost, directly addressing the sponsor's acceleration request. It suits tasks that can run in parallel, though it raises rework risk. Crashing, the alternative, adds resources and cost instead. Both are recognised schedule compression techniques, satisfying the stem's requirement for two options.
- ✓
Crashing
Why this is correct
Crashing adds resources to critical-path activities to shorten duration, directly satisfying the sponsor's request to accelerate the schedule. It trades increased cost for compressed time, unlike fast-tracking, which overlaps tasks and raises risk without added cost.
- ✗
Monte Carlo simulation
Why it's wrong here
Monte Carlo simulation models schedule risk probabilistically to forecast completion dates; it produces no acceleration. It is tempting because it analyses the schedule quantitatively, but it is a risk-analysis tool — crashing and fast tracking are the techniques that actually shorten the critical path.
- ✗
Resource leveling
Why it's wrong here
Resource levelling resolves over-allocation by delaying tasks within their float, which typically extends the schedule rather than compressing it. It is tempting because it adjusts the schedule, but it belongs to resource optimisation; crashing or fast tracking are the compression techniques that shorten duration.
- ✗
Scope reduction
Why it's wrong here
Scope reduction removes deliverables, which changes the project baseline rather than compressing the existing schedule. It is tempting because less work finishes sooner, but it is scope management, not a compression technique; crashing and fast tracking accelerate the agreed scope without altering it.
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JA
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
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.