CAPM Predictive Plan-Based Methodologies Practice Question
A construction project has a predefined budget and strict deadline. The project manager is using a work breakdown structure (WBS) to decompose deliverables. Which level of the WBS provides the basis for estimating and scheduling?
⚠ Common exam trap
CAPM often tests the hierarchy of WBS components; candidates may confuse control accounts or planning packages with work packages, but only the work package is the basis for estimating and scheduling.
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
✓
Work package
The work package is the lowest level of the WBS and represents the smallest unit of work that can be estimated, scheduled, monitored, and controlled. It is the basis for developing the project schedule and cost estimates, making it the correct answer.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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WBS dictionary
Why it's wrong here
The WBS dictionary describes each work package's scope, deliverables and acceptance criteria; it does not itself provide the estimating and scheduling basis. Work packages at the lowest WBS level do. It is tempting because the dictionary is genuinely used alongside work packages to clarify scope before estimating.
- ✗
Control account
Why it's wrong here
Control accounts aggregate work packages for performance measurement and are where budgets and earned value are tracked, not the level used to estimate and schedule individual work. Work packages serve that purpose. It is tempting because control accounts are the correct choice when the question concerns cost control and variance reporting.
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Planning package
Why it's wrong here
A planning package holds work not yet decomposed into work packages, so its scope, duration and cost cannot be reliably estimated or scheduled. Work packages provide that basis. It is tempting because planning packages are the correct answer when the question asks where undefined future work is held within the WBS.
- ✓
Work package
Why this is correct
The work package is the lowest WBS level, where deliverables are decomposed enough to assign, estimate cost and duration, and schedule. It satisfies the stem's estimating and scheduling basis because effort and resources can be quantified per package.
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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 PMI exam blueprint
This CAPM practice question is part of Courseiva's free PMI 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 CAPM exam.