Quick Answer
The correct answer is 0.83. This is determined by the schedule performance index (SPI) calculation, which divides earned value (EV) by planned value (PV), giving 500 divided by 600, or 0.8333 rounded to 0.83. The SPI measures schedule efficiency, and a value below 1.0 like this one means the project is behind schedule—only $500 of work was completed against the $600 planned. On the CompTIA Project+ PK0-005 exam, this formula is a core earned value management concept, often tested with a simple numeric scenario to see if you can distinguish SPI from cost performance index (CPI). A common trap is confusing EV and PV or using actual cost (AC) in the denominator; remember that SPI always uses PV, not AC. For a quick memory tip, think “SPI = EV / PV: if the result is less than 1, the project is behind schedule—you’ve earned less than you planned.”
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.
At a certain point in the project, the earned value (EV) is $500, the planned value (PV) is $600, and the actual cost (AC) is $400. What is the schedule performance index (SPI)?
0.83
Correct calculation: EV/PV = 500/600 = 0.83.
1.25
Why wrong: 1.25 would result from dividing PV by AC or similar miscalculation.
0.67
Why wrong: 0.67 would result from dividing PV by EV or similar miscalculation.
1.20
Why wrong: 1.20 would result from dividing AC by EV or similar miscalculation.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
0.83
The Schedule Performance Index (SPI) is calculated as EV / PV. With EV = $500 and PV = $600, SPI = 500 / 600 = 0.8333, which rounds to 0.83. An SPI less than 1.0 indicates the project is behind schedule because less value has been earned than planned.
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.
0.83
Why this is correct
Correct calculation: EV/PV = 500/600 = 0.83.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
1.25
Why it's wrong here
1.25 would result from dividing PV by AC or similar miscalculation.
0.67
Why it's wrong here
0.67 would result from dividing PV by EV or similar miscalculation.
1.20
Why it's wrong here
1.20 would result from dividing AC by EV or similar miscalculation.
Common exam traps
CompTIA often tests the distinction between SPI (EV/PV) and CPI (EV/AC), and the trap here is that candidates mistakenly use AC in the denominator for SPI, leading to the incorrect 1.25 answer (Option B).
Trap categories for this question
Similar concept trap
1.25 would result from dividing PV by AC or similar miscalculation.
Detailed technical explanation
SPI is a key performance indicator in Earned Value Management (EVM) that measures schedule efficiency by comparing the value of work completed (EV) to the value of work planned (PV). An SPI of 0.83 means the project is progressing at 83% of the planned rate, which can be used to forecast the project's completion date using the formula Estimate at Completion (EAC) = Budget at Completion (BAC) / SPI. In real-world scenarios, a consistently low SPI may trigger schedule compression techniques like crashing or fast-tracking.
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.
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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: 0.83 — The Schedule Performance Index (SPI) is calculated as EV / PV. With EV = $500 and PV = $600, SPI = 500 / 600 = 0.8333, which rounds to 0.83. An SPI less than 1.0 indicates the project is behind schedule because less value has been earned than planned.
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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