Quick Answer
The answer is Expected Monetary Value (EMV) and Sensitivity Analysis. These are the two correct techniques because both are quantitative risk analysis methods that numerically evaluate the overall project risk exposure. Sensitivity analysis, often visualized with a tornado diagram, isolates one risk variable at a time to reveal which individual risks have the greatest potential impact on project outcomes. EMV, on the other hand, calculates the average outcome of uncertain events by multiplying each scenario’s probability by its monetary impact, then summing the results. On the CompTIA Project+ PK0-005 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish quantitative techniques from qualitative ones; a common trap is confusing EMV with qualitative probability and impact matrixes. Remember that quantitative analysis always involves numbers—EMV uses math to find a dollar value, while sensitivity analysis uses a one-at-a-time variable test. A quick memory tip: “EMV is math, Sensitivity is a chart—both are quantitative, not just smart.”
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.
Which TWO techniques are used in the Perform Quantitative Risk Analysis process? (Choose two.)
Sensitivity analysis
Quantitative technique to determine which risks have the most impact.
Expected monetary value (EMV)
Quantitative technique to calculate average outcome.
Risk auditing
Why wrong: Part of risk monitoring and control.
Probability and impact matrix
Why wrong: Used in qualitative risk analysis.
Risk categorization
Why wrong: Used in qualitative risk analysis.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Sensitivity analysis
Sensitivity analysis is a quantitative technique used to determine which individual risks have the most potential impact on project outcomes by varying one risk factor at a time while holding others constant. Expected monetary value (EMV) calculates the average outcome when the future includes scenarios that may or may not happen, using probability and impact values to quantify risk exposure. Both are core tools in the Perform Quantitative Risk Analysis process as defined in the PMBOK Guide.
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.
Sensitivity analysis
Why this is correct
Quantitative technique to determine which risks have the most impact.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Expected monetary value (EMV)
Why this is correct
Quantitative technique to calculate average outcome.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Risk auditing
Why it's wrong here
Part of risk monitoring and control.
Probability and impact matrix
Why it's wrong here
Used in qualitative risk analysis.
Risk categorization
Why it's wrong here
Used in qualitative risk analysis.
Common exam traps
CompTIA often tests the distinction between qualitative and quantitative risk analysis techniques, and the trap here is that candidates confuse the probability and impact matrix (a qualitative tool) with quantitative methods like EMV or sensitivity analysis, because both involve probability and impact values but serve different process groups.
Detailed technical explanation
Sensitivity analysis often uses a tornado diagram to display the relative importance of variables, with the width of each bar representing the range of outcome variation caused by that variable. EMV is calculated by multiplying the probability of each outcome by its monetary value and summing the results, which is particularly useful in decision tree analysis for comparing alternative courses of action. In practice, EMV is often applied in cost contingency reserves, where the sum of EMVs for all identified risks gives the expected total contingency needed.
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
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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: Sensitivity analysis — Sensitivity analysis is a quantitative technique used to determine which individual risks have the most potential impact on project outcomes by varying one risk factor at a time while holding others constant. Expected monetary value (EMV) calculates the average outcome when the future includes scenarios that may or may not happen, using probability and impact values to quantify risk exposure. Both are core tools in the Perform Quantitative Risk Analysis process as defined in the PMBOK Guide.
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 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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