Quick Answer
The answer is the project schedule. This is the correct document to update first when the critical path changes because the schedule is the single source of truth for task sequencing, dependencies, and timing; a delay that alters the critical path directly rewrites the longest chain of dependent tasks, so the schedule must be revised immediately to reflect new start and finish dates, float values, and path dependencies. On the CompTIA Project+ PK0-005 exam, this question tests your understanding that the schedule is the foundational artifact for all subsequent impact analysis—common traps include picking the risk register or change log first, but those updates depend on having the revised schedule data. A strong memory tip is to think “path first, paper later”: the schedule is the path, everything else is the paper that follows.
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.
A project manager is updating the project schedule and notices that the critical path has changed due to a delay in a key task. Which document should the project manager update first to reflect this change?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Risk register
Why wrong: Risk register documents risks, not schedule changes.
Stakeholder register
Why wrong: Stakeholder register lists stakeholders, not schedule updates.
Project schedule
The project schedule is the primary document for tracking task durations and dependencies.
Issue log
Why wrong: Issue log records problems, but the schedule change must be updated first.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Project schedule
The project schedule is the document that directly reflects the sequence, dependencies, and timing of tasks, including the critical path. When a delay causes the critical path to change, the schedule must be updated first to capture the new start and finish dates, float values, and path dependencies. This ensures the project manager has an accurate baseline for assessing impacts and communicating changes.
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.
Risk register
Why it's wrong here
Risk register documents risks, not schedule changes.
Stakeholder register
Why it's wrong here
Stakeholder register lists stakeholders, not schedule updates.
Project schedule
Why this is correct
The project schedule is the primary document for tracking task durations and dependencies.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Issue log
Why it's wrong here
Issue log records problems, but the schedule change must be updated first.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the principle that the project schedule is the primary document for time-related changes, and candidates mistakenly update the issue log or risk register first because they confuse a schedule delay with a risk or issue that needs logging.
Detailed technical explanation
The critical path is defined as the longest sequence of dependent tasks with zero total float; any delay on this path directly extends the project finish date. Updating the schedule first allows the project manager to recalculate float, identify new critical paths, and perform schedule compression techniques like crashing or fast-tracking. In practice, this update triggers downstream updates to the risk register (if new risks emerge) and the issue log (if the delay requires a formal issue), but the schedule is the authoritative source for time data.
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: Project schedule — The project schedule is the document that directly reflects the sequence, dependencies, and timing of tasks, including the critical path. When a delay causes the critical path to change, the schedule must be updated first to capture the new start and finish dates, float values, and path dependencies. This ensures the project manager has an accurate baseline for assessing impacts and communicating changes.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
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 →
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.