hardMultiple Choice
PK0-005 Practice Question: A project team is performing quantitative risk…
A project team is performing quantitative risk analysis using a technique that runs thousands of simulations to determine the probability of completing the project on a specific date. Which technique is being used?
⚠ Common exam trap
PK0-005 often tests the confusion between Monte Carlo simulation (probabilistic schedule/cost outcomes) and sensitivity analysis (which risks matter most) — candidates pick sensitivity analysis when the question mentions probability of a specific completion date.
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
✓
Monte Carlo simulation
Monte Carlo simulation is a quantitative risk analysis technique that runs thousands (or tens of thousands) of iterations using probability distributions for cost and schedule variables to produce a probability distribution of project completion dates. It answers questions like 'what is the probability of finishing by date X?' by sampling from input distributions. This matches the question's description exactly.
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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Sensitivity analysis
Why it's wrong here
Sensitivity analysis, often shown as a tornado diagram, identifies which individual variables most affect an outcome by varying one at a time. It does not run thousands of randomised iterations. Monte Carlo simulation, which repeatedly samples probability distributions to model schedule outcomes, is the technique described.
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SWOT analysis
Why it's wrong here
SWOT analysis is a qualitative strategic planning tool that catalogues internal strengths and weaknesses against external opportunities and threats. It produces no probability distribution and runs no iterations. Monte Carlo simulation, which repeatedly samples distributions to model completion dates, is the technique described.
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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 alternative courses of action under uncertainty. Monte Carlo simulation, which repeatedly samples probability distributions to model schedule outcomes, is the technique described.
- ✓
Monte Carlo simulation
Why this is correct
Monte Carlo simulation runs thousands of iterations, sampling probability distributions for cost and schedule variables, to produce a distribution of possible completion dates. This directly satisfies the stem's requirement for simulation-based quantitative risk analysis determining the probability of finishing on a specific date.
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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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