Quick Answer
The answer is 13 days. This is the correct choice because the critical path is the longest sequence of dependent activities in a project network diagram, and it determines the shortest possible project duration with zero float. By calculating critical path duration along path A→C→E→F→G, you sum the activity durations: 2 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 2, which equals 13 days. On the CompTIA Project+ PK0-005 exam, this concept tests your ability to identify the critical path by tracing all paths and selecting the one with the greatest total duration—a common trap is to mistakenly include non-critical paths with slack or to misread the diagram’s dependencies. A helpful memory tip: remember that the critical path is the “longest shortest” path—it’s the longest in duration but the shortest timeline in which the project can finish.
This PK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of tools and documentation. 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.
Task | Duration | Predecessors A | 3 days | None B | 4 days | A C | 3 days | B D | 3 days | C
Refer to the exhibit. What is the total duration of the project on the critical path?
Task | Duration | Predecessors A | 3 days | None B | 4 days | A C | 3 days | B D | 3 days | C
14 days
Why wrong: 14 days is longer than the critical path duration.
12 days
Why wrong: 12 days is close but not accurate; the correct sum is 13.
13 days
The sum of durations on the critical path (A+B+C+D) is 3+4+3+3=13 days.
10 days
Why wrong: 10 days is too low; the sum of durations is 13 days.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
13 days
The critical path is the longest path through the project network diagram, determining the shortest possible project duration. By summing the durations of all activities on the critical path (A→C→E→F→G), the total is 2 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 2 = 13 days. Option C is correct because this path has no float and directly controls the project finish date.
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.
14 days
Why it's wrong here
14 days is longer than the critical path duration.
12 days
Why it's wrong here
12 days is close but not accurate; the correct sum is 13.
13 days
Why this is correct
The sum of durations on the critical path (A+B+C+D) is 3+4+3+3=13 days.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
10 days
Why it's wrong here
10 days is too low; the sum of durations is 13 days.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may incorrectly sum all activity durations or pick a path that appears longest but includes a dependency that is not actually on the critical path due to parallel activities or misread durations.
Detailed technical explanation
In project management, the critical path method (CPM) identifies the sequence of tasks with zero total float; any delay on these tasks directly extends the project. The exhibit likely uses a network diagram with activities and dependencies, where the critical path is found by forward and backward pass calculations. In real-world scenarios, missing a critical path update can lead to schedule overruns, especially when resource leveling or crashing is applied.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Tools and Documentation — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Tools and Documentation practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All PK0-005 questions
500 questions across all exam domains
CompTIA Project+ PK0-005 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
PK0-005 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise PK0-005 questions linked to Project Life Cycle Phases.
Practise PK0-005 questions linked to Basics of IT Infrastructure and IT Project Management.
Practise PK0-005 questions linked to Project Management Concepts.
Practise PK0-005 questions linked to Tools and Documentation.
Practise PK0-005 questions linked to PK0-005 fundamentals.
Practise PK0-005 questions linked to PK0-005 scenario.
Practise PK0-005 questions linked to PK0-005 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Tools and Documentation — This question tests Tools and Documentation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: 13 days — The critical path is the longest path through the project network diagram, determining the shortest possible project duration. By summing the durations of all activities on the critical path (A→C→E→F→G), the total is 2 + 4 + 3 + 2 + 2 = 13 days. Option C is correct because this path has no float and directly controls the project finish date.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
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. Refer to the exhibit. What is the total duration of the critical path?
mediumWhy C: The critical path is the longest path through the network diagram, determining the minimum project duration. By summing the durations along each path, Path A-B-E-F totals 3+5+2+2=12 days, which is longer than the other paths (A-C-F: 3+4+2=9 days; A-D-F: 3+6+2=11 days). Therefore, the total duration of the critical path is 12 days, making option C correct.
Variation 2. Refer to the exhibit. What is the duration of the critical path?
easyWhy B: The critical path is A-C-D: 2 + 4 + 2 = 8 days. Path A-B-D is 2+3+2=7 days, so 8 is longer. Option B (7) is the other path. Options C (9) and D (10) are not possible.
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.