The answer is Closure and Initiation. According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), the project life cycle is structured into distinct phases that guide a project from authorization through formal completion, with Initiation serving as the phase where the project is officially defined and authorized, and Closure marking the final phase where deliverables are handed over and the project is formally closed out. On the CompTIA Project+ PK0-005 exam, this concept tests your understanding of the PMI framework’s core phases, often appearing in questions that ask you to distinguish between life cycle phases and process groups—a common trap is confusing “Planning” or “Executing” (which are process groups) with actual life cycle phases. To remember, think of the bookends: every project starts with Initiation and ends with Closure, just like opening and closing a door.
PK0-005 Project Life Cycle Phases Practice Question
This PK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of project life cycle phases. 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.
Which TWO of the following are typically included as phases in a project life cycle according to the Project Management Institute (PMI)?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Initiation
According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), the project life cycle consists of phases that guide a project from start to finish. Initiation is the first phase where the project is formally authorized and defined, making option B correct. Closure is the final phase where the project is formally completed and handed over, making option E correct.
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.
✗
Procurement
Why it's wrong here
Procurement is a process, not a life cycle phase; it typically occurs during the execution phase.
✓
Initiation
Why this is correct
Initiation is the first phase where the project is defined and authorized.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Testing
Why it's wrong here
Testing is an activity within the execution phase, not a separate life cycle phase.
✗
Maintenance
Why it's wrong here
Maintenance occurs after project closure and is not part of the project life cycle.
✓
Closure
Why this is correct
Closure is the final phase where the project is formally completed and handed over.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse project life cycle phases (Initiation, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, Closure) with product life cycle phases (e.g., Testing, Maintenance) or with process groups (e.g., Procurement), leading them to select incorrect options.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The PMI project life cycle phases are typically Initiation, Planning, Executing, Monitoring and Controlling, and Closure. These phases are defined in the PMBOK Guide and are process-oriented, focusing on the work of the project, not the product. In contrast, product life cycles include phases like design, development, testing, and maintenance, which extend beyond project closure.
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 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
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 Life Cycle Phases — This question tests Project Life Cycle Phases — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Initiation — According to the Project Management Institute (PMI), the project life cycle consists of phases that guide a project from start to finish. Initiation is the first phase where the project is formally authorized and defined, making option B correct. Closure is the final phase where the project is formally completed and handed over, making option E correct.
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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