CAPM Predictive Plan-Based Methodologies Practice Question
A project manager is developing a project schedule for a software development project using a predictive approach. After identifying activities and sequencing them, what is the NEXT step?
⚠ Common exam trap
CAPM often tests the exact sequence of the six schedule management processes, and candidates frequently jump to 'Develop Schedule' before realizing that duration estimation must occur first.
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
✓
Estimate activity durations
In PMBOK's predictive (waterfall) schedule management process, the sequence is: Plan Schedule Management → Define Activities → Sequence Activities → Estimate Activity Durations → Develop Schedule → Control Schedule. Since the question states activities have already been identified and sequenced, the next step is to estimate how long each activity will take, which is 'Estimate Activity Durations.' Only after durations are estimated can the schedule be developed.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Control schedule
Why it's wrong here
Control schedule is the monitoring and controlling process that tracks progress against the baseline, so it occurs after the schedule exists and work has begun. It is tempting because schedule control is genuinely a project manager's ongoing duty, but it cannot precede the creation of the schedule baseline it measures against.
- ✗
Define activities
Why it's wrong here
Activities were already identified and sequenced, so repeating that step adds nothing; the next step is estimating activity durations. It is tempting because defining activities is genuinely the first scheduling process, and it would be correct if the stem had stopped before activities were listed.
- ✗
Develop schedule
Why it's wrong here
Developing the schedule follows estimating activity durations and resources, which the stem has not yet mentioned; sequencing alone yields only a network diagram. It is tempting because it is the natural next process in the Planning group, but the immediate step after sequencing is estimating activity durations.
- ✓
Estimate activity durations
Why this is correct
Estimating activity durations follows sequencing in the Planning Process Group, satisfying the stem's predictive scheduling sequence. Durations for each sequenced activity feed the schedule model, enabling development of the project schedule. Without duration estimates, the critical path and start/finish dates cannot be calculated.
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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.