hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
How to Calculate Critical Path Duration
Exhibit
Task | Duration | Predecessors A | 3 days | None B | 4 days | A C | 3 days | B D | 3 days | C
Refer to the exhibit. What is the total duration of the project on the critical path?
Quick Answer
The answer is 13 days. This is the correct choice because the critical path is the longest sequence of dependent activities in a project network diagram, and it determines the shortest possible project duration with zero float. By calculating critical path duration along path A→C→E→F→G, you sum the activity durations: 2 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 2, which equals 13 days. On the CompTIA Project+ PK0-005 exam, this concept tests your ability to identify the critical path by tracing all paths and selecting the one with the greatest total duration—a common trap is to mistakenly include non-critical paths with slack or to misread the diagram’s dependencies. A helpful memory tip: remember that the critical path is the “longest shortest” path—it’s the longest in duration but the shortest timeline in which the project can finish.
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates may incorrectly sum all activity durations or pick a path that appears longest but includes a dependency that is not actually on the critical path due to parallel activities or misread durations.
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
✓
13 days
The critical path is A→B→C→D, with activity durations of 3, 4, 3, and 3 days respectively, summing to 13 days. This path has the longest total duration and determines the project's minimum completion time.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
14 days
Why it's wrong here
14 days is longer than the critical path duration.
- ✗
12 days
Why it's wrong here
12 days is close but not accurate; the correct sum is 13.
- ✓
13 days
Why this is correct
The sum of durations on the critical path (A+B+C+D) is 3+4+3+3=13 days.
- ✗
10 days
Why it's wrong here
10 days is too low; the sum of durations is 13 days.
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Same concept, more angles
2 more ways this is tested on PK0-005
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Refer to the exhibit. What is the total duration of the critical path?
medium- A.10 days
- B.13 days
- ✓ C.12 days
- D.11 days
Why C: The critical path is the longest path through the network diagram, determining the minimum project duration. In this exhibit, Path A-C-D-E totals 3+4+3+2=12 days, which is longer than Path A-B-D-E at 3+5+2+1=11 days. Therefore, the total duration of the critical path is 12 days, making option C correct.
Variation 2. Refer to the exhibit. What is the duration of the critical path?
easy- A.10 days
- ✓ B.8 days
- C.7 days
- D.9 days
Why B: The critical path is A-C-D: 2 + 4 + 2 = 8 days, which corresponds to option B. Path A-B-D is 2+3+2=7 days, which is option C. Options A (10) and D (9) are not possible given the durations.
JA
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.