PK0-005 Project Life Cycle Practice Question
During project planning, the team creates a hierarchical decomposition of the total scope of work to be carried out by the project team. Each descending level represents an increasingly detailed definition of the project work. What is this called?
⚠ Common exam trap
PK0-005 often tests the distinction between scope decomposition (WBS) and scheduling tools (network diagram, schedule), so candidates must recognize that the hierarchical breakdown of deliverables is the WBS, not a schedule or risk document.
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
✓
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
A Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is a hierarchical decomposition of the total scope of work to be carried out by the project team. It breaks down the project deliverables into smaller, more manageable components, with each descending level providing increasingly detailed definitions of the work. This matches the 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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Network diagram
Why it's wrong here
A network diagram maps task dependencies and sequencing, not scope decomposition, so it cannot represent the deliverable hierarchy described. It is tempting because both artefacts are created during planning and both break work into components. A network diagram would be correct when the requirement is to determine the critical path or schedule logic between activities.
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Project schedule
Why it's wrong here
A schedule sequences activities over time with dates and dependencies; it does not decompose scope into descending levels of detail. It is tempting because schedules also break work into tasks, and would be correct when the requirement is to show timing, duration and sequencing rather than scope decomposition.
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Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
Why this is correct
The WBS decomposes total project scope hierarchically, with each descending level giving progressively finer detail of deliverables and work packages. This matches the stem's description of scope decomposition, forming the basis for estimating, scheduling and cost control.
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Risk register
Why it's wrong here
A risk register records identified risks, their probability, impact, and mitigation owners; it does not decompose scope into hierarchical deliverables. It is tempting because risk management is a core planning activity, and a register would be the correct artefact when the goal is documenting and tracking threats rather than defining the work breakdown.
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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
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.