easyMultiple Select
PK0-005 Practice Question: Which TWO of the following are methods of…
Which TWO of the following are methods of schedule compression? (Select TWO).
⚠ Common exam trap
PK0-005 often tests the confusion between schedule compression techniques (crashing, fast-tracking) and schedule analysis techniques (Monte Carlo, variance analysis, resource leveling) — candidates pick analysis tools thinking they compress the schedule.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Crashing
Crashing (A) is a schedule compression technique that shortens the project duration by adding resources (e.g., more staff, overtime, or extra equipment) to critical path activities, trading increased cost for reduced duration. Fast-tracking (C) is the other recognized schedule compression method; it overlaps activities that would normally be performed sequentially, such as starting a successor task before its predecessor finishes, to shorten the overall timeline. Monte Carlo simulation (B) is a quantitative risk analysis technique that models probability distributions to forecast schedule or cost outcomes, not a compression method. Variance analysis (D) is a control technique that compares actual versus planned performance (e.g., schedule variance) to detect deviations, not to compress the schedule. Resource leveling (E) adjusts start and finish dates to resolve resource over-allocation, which typically extends rather than compresses the schedule.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Crashing
Why this is correct
Crashing shortens the schedule by adding resources to critical-path activities, trading increased cost for reduced duration. It directly satisfies the compression requirement, unlike fast-tracking (which overlaps tasks) or scope reduction, which alters deliverables rather than compressing the existing plan.
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Monte Carlo simulation
Why it's wrong here
Monte Carlo simulation models probabilistic duration ranges to forecast completion dates and confidence levels; it quantifies risk rather than shortening the critical path. It is tempting because it operates on schedule data, but it is a quantitative risk-analysis technique, not a compression method.
- ✓
Fast-tracking
Why this is correct
Fast-tracking overlaps phases or activities that would normally run sequentially, compressing the schedule without adding cost. It satisfies the stem's demand for a schedule compression technique, distinct from crashing, which shortens duration by adding resources. The trade-off is increased risk of rework when dependent tasks run in parallel.
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Variance analysis
Why it's wrong here
Variance analysis compares planned against actual schedule or cost performance to flag deviations, so it reports slippage rather than shortening the critical path. It is tempting because it belongs to the same control-schedule process as compression techniques, but it is monitoring, not duration reduction.
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Resource leveling
Why it's wrong here
Resource levelling resolves overallocation by shifting tasks within their float, which typically extends the schedule rather than compressing it. It is tempting because it adjusts the same resource assignments that crashing and fast tracking manipulate, but it is a resource-optimisation technique, not a duration-reduction one.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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