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Project Constraints: The Triple Constraint in PMBOK
Which THREE of the following are commonly recognized project constraints according to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)?
Quick Answer
The answer is time, cost, and scope. These three elements form the classic triple constraint in the PMBOK Guide, which states that any change to one constraint will inevitably impact at least one of the other two. For the CompTIA Project+ PK0-005 exam, this concept tests your understanding of how project constraints interact to define project success, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must identify which constraint is most affected by a given change. A common trap is confusing quality or resources as a primary constraint, but PMBOK specifically recognizes scope, time, and cost as the core triple constraint. To remember this, think of the mnemonic "S-T-C" for Scope, Time, Cost—or simply recall that every project must answer "What will we do, how long will it take, and how much will it cost?"
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the distinction between project constraints (scope, time, cost) and knowledge areas (e.g., communication, risk, quality), leading candidates to mistakenly select communication or quality as primary constraints.
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
✓
Cost
Cost is a core project constraint in the PMBOK framework, representing the financial resources required to complete the project. It is part of the classic 'triple constraint' (scope, time, cost) that forms the foundation of project management. Managing cost involves budgeting, monitoring expenditures, and controlling changes to prevent budget overruns.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Cost
Why this is correct
Correct. Cost (budget) is a primary constraint.
- ✗
Communication
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Communication is a knowledge area, not a constraint.
- ✓
Scope
Why this is correct
Correct. Scope is a fundamental constraint that defines the work to be done.
- ✗
Quality
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Quality is often considered a constraint, but in the classic triple constraint it is not always included. However, the question specifies 'commonly recognized' which typically refers to scope, time, and cost.
- ✓
Time
Why this is correct
Correct. Time (schedule) is a key constraint affecting project completion.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way 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. Which TWO of the following are commonly considered as project constraints according to the Project Management Body of Knowledge?
medium- A.Communication
- B.Quality
- C.Resources
- ✓ D.Scope
- ✓ E.Budget
Why D: According to the PMBOK Guide, the triple constraint (also known as the iron triangle) traditionally includes scope, time, and cost (budget). Scope defines the work required to deliver the project's deliverables, and any change to scope directly impacts time and cost. Therefore, Scope (D) is a core project constraint.
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.