The answer is that the project is behind schedule due to Task C. This is correct because Task C has a negative float of -2 days, meaning it is already two days late relative to its latest allowable finish date. Since Task C lies on the critical path—where total float is normally zero—any negative float directly indicates a delay that pushes out the entire project’s completion date. On the CompTIA Project+ PK0-005 exam, this scenario tests your ability to interpret schedule variance by linking negative float on the critical path to overall project status; a common trap is assuming any negative float is acceptable or ignoring that only critical path delays affect the finish date. Remember the memory tip: “Negative float on the critical path equals a late project—no float, no buffer, no excuse.”
PK0-005 Project Management Concepts Practice Question
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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
Project Schedule (Gantt Chart) – Excerpt:
Task A: 1/1 - 1/10
Task B: 1/5 - 1/15
Task C (dependent on A and B): 1/16 - 1/25
Task D: 1/20 - 1/25
Current Date: 1/18. Task A and B are 100% complete. Task C has not started. Task D started on schedule.
Refer to the exhibit. The project manager is reviewing the schedule. What is the status of the project?
Refer to the exhibit.
Project Schedule (Gantt Chart) – Excerpt:
Task A: 1/1 - 1/10
Task B: 1/5 - 1/15
Task C (dependent on A and B): 1/16 - 1/25
Task D: 1/20 - 1/25
Current Date: 1/18. Task A and B are 100% complete. Task C has not started. Task D started on schedule.
A
The project is slightly ahead of schedule
Why wrong: Task C delay offsets any ahead status.
B
The project is on schedule
Why wrong: Task C is late.
C
The project is behind schedule due to Task C
Task C should have started but hasn't.
D
The project is critically delayed because of Task D
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The project is behind schedule due to Task C
Task C has a negative float of -2 days, indicating that it is behind schedule by 2 days. Since Task C is on the critical path (float = 0 in the original schedule), any delay directly extends the project completion date. The project is therefore behind schedule due to Task C.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The project is slightly ahead of schedule
Why it's wrong here
Task C delay offsets any ahead status.
✗
The project is on schedule
Why it's wrong here
Task C is late.
✓
The project is behind schedule due to Task C
Why this is correct
Task C should have started but hasn't.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The project is critically delayed because of Task D
Why it's wrong here
Task D started on time.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume any task with a delay (like Task D) is the cause of project delay, but only tasks on the critical path with negative float actually delay the project; Task D has positive float and is not critical.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Float (or slack) is calculated as Late Start minus Early Start (or Late Finish minus Early Finish). A negative float indicates that the task is already behind schedule and will delay the project end date unless corrective action is taken. In project management, the critical path is the sequence of tasks with zero or negative float; any delay on these tasks directly extends the project duration. Real-world scheduling tools like Microsoft Project or Primavera P6 automatically calculate float and highlight critical paths, making this a key metric for project control.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Project Management Concepts — This question tests Project Management Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The project is behind schedule due to Task C — Task C has a negative float of -2 days, indicating that it is behind schedule by 2 days. Since Task C is on the critical path (float = 0 in the original schedule), any delay directly extends the project completion date. The project is therefore behind schedule due to Task C.
What should I do if I get this PK0-005 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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