Quick Answer
The answer is the critical path method (CPM), which is the correct technique for identifying the longest path of dependent tasks in a project schedule. CPM works by calculating early start, early finish, late start, and late finish for each task to determine total float; the critical path is the sequence with zero total float, meaning any delay on this path directly extends the project’s minimum duration. On the CompTIA Project+ PK0-005 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish CPM from PERT—a common trap is confusing PERT’s probabilistic time estimates with CPM’s deterministic focus on task dependencies and float. Remember, PERT is for uncertainty (three-point estimates), while CPM is for identifying the longest dependent path. A simple memory tip: “CPM = Critical Path, no slack; PERT = Probability, three-point track.”
This PK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of tools and documentation. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A project manager wants to analyze the project schedule to identify the longest path of dependent tasks. Which technique should be used?
Critical path method
CPM identifies the longest sequence of dependent tasks.
PERT analysis
Why wrong: PERT is used for estimating task durations with uncertainty.
Gantt chart
Why wrong: Gantt chart does not calculate the critical path.
Monte Carlo simulation
Why wrong: Monte Carlo simulates outcomes based on probability distributions.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Critical path method
The critical path method (CPM) is used to identify the longest sequence of dependent tasks in a project schedule, which determines the minimum project duration. By calculating early start, early finish, late start, and late finish for each task, CPM highlights the path with zero total float, meaning any delay on this path directly delays the project. This technique is specifically designed for analyzing task dependencies and durations to find the critical path.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Critical path method
Why this is correct
CPM identifies the longest sequence of dependent tasks.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
PERT analysis
Why it's wrong here
PERT is used for estimating task durations with uncertainty.
Gantt chart
Why it's wrong here
Gantt chart does not calculate the critical path.
Monte Carlo simulation
Why it's wrong here
Monte Carlo simulates outcomes based on probability distributions.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse PERT analysis with CPM because both use network diagrams, but PERT is for probabilistic duration estimation while CPM is for deterministic critical path identification.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, CPM calculates forward and backward passes through the network diagram: the forward pass determines early start and early finish by adding durations along each path, while the backward pass calculates late start and late finish by subtracting durations from the project end. The critical path is the set of activities where total float (late start minus early start) equals zero, meaning any delay directly extends the project finish date. In real-world scenarios, multiple critical paths can exist, and project managers must monitor all of them to avoid schedule slippage.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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FAQ
Tools and Documentation — This question tests Tools and Documentation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Critical path method — The critical path method (CPM) is used to identify the longest sequence of dependent tasks in a project schedule, which determines the minimum project duration. By calculating early start, early finish, late start, and late finish for each task, CPM highlights the path with zero total float, meaning any delay on this path directly delays the project. This technique is specifically designed for analyzing task dependencies and durations to find the critical path.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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.
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