Quick Answer
The answer is 8 days. This is correct because the PERT three-point estimate formula calculates a weighted average using (Optimistic + 4×Most Likely + Pessimistic) / 6, which for the given estimates of 4, 7, and 16 days yields (4 + 28 + 16) / 6 = 48 / 6 = 8 days. The formula is designed to account for uncertainty in tasks with no historical data by giving the most likely estimate four times the weight of the optimistic and pessimistic values, producing a more realistic expected duration. On the CompTIA Project+ PK0-005 exam, this question tests your ability to apply the PERT technique for estimating activity durations under uncertainty, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must distinguish it from simple averaging or triangular distribution. A common trap is forgetting to multiply the most likely estimate by four or incorrectly dividing by three instead of six. To remember the formula, think “PERT = (O + 4M + P) / 6” — the number 4 and 6 rhyme, helping you recall the weighting and divisor.
This PK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of project management concepts. 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 is estimating the duration of a task that has never been done before. The team provides three estimates: optimistic (4 days), most likely (7 days), and pessimistic (16 days). Using the PERT three-point estimate formula, what is the expected duration?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Clue: "never"
Why it matters: Absolute qualifier. True only if the statement has zero exceptions — be cautious of options that seem obvious but break down in edge cases.
9 days
Why wrong: 9 is the simple average, not PERT.
8 days
Correct PERT calculation.
7 days
Why wrong: 7 is the most likely estimate only.
10 days
Why wrong: 10 is the average of optimistic and pessimistic.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
8 days
The PERT three-point estimate formula is (Optimistic + 4×Most Likely + Pessimistic) / 6. Plugging in the values: (4 + 4×7 + 16) / 6 = (4 + 28 + 16) / 6 = 48 / 6 = 8 days. This weighted average accounts for uncertainty in tasks with no historical data, giving more weight to the most likely estimate.
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.
9 days
Why it's wrong here
9 is the simple average, not PERT.
8 days
Why this is correct
Correct PERT calculation.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "most likely", "never" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
7 days
Why it's wrong here
7 is the most likely estimate only.
10 days
Why it's wrong here
10 is the average of optimistic and pessimistic.
Common exam traps
CompTIA often tests the PERT formula by including a distractor that is the simple arithmetic mean (9 days), tempting candidates who forget the weighted 4× multiplier for the most likely estimate.
Detailed technical explanation
The PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) formula derives from a beta distribution, which models task durations with skew. The standard deviation is (Pessimistic - Optimistic) / 6 = (16-4)/6 = 2 days, giving a variance of 4 days². In practice, this allows the project manager to calculate confidence intervals (e.g., ±1σ gives ~68% probability the task finishes between 6 and 10 days).
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the PK0-005 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Project Management Concepts — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Project Management Concepts — This question tests Project Management Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: 8 days — The PERT three-point estimate formula is (Optimistic + 4×Most Likely + Pessimistic) / 6. Plugging in the values: (4 + 4×7 + 16) / 6 = (4 + 28 + 16) / 6 = 48 / 6 = 8 days. This weighted average accounts for uncertainty in tasks with no historical data, giving more weight to the most likely estimate.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "most likely", "never". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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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