CAPM Predictive Plan-Based Methodologies Practice Question
A project manager is reviewing the project schedule and sees that Task D depends on the completion of Task C, but Task C can start only after Task B finishes. Task B can start only after Task A. This is an example of which dependency?
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
✓
Sequential dependency
The tasks are linked in a series: A→B→C→D. Option A is wrong because parallel dependency allows tasks to overlap, not sequential. Option C is wrong because lag dependency refers to a delay between tasks, not a sequential chain. Option D is wrong because merge activity is when multiple predecessors converge on a single task, which is not the case here.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Parallel dependency
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Parallel dependency allows tasks to overlap, but here tasks are strictly sequential.
- ✓
Sequential dependency
Why this is correct
Correct. The tasks are in a sequential chain: A must finish before B starts, B before C, C before D.
- ✗
Lag dependency
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Lag dependency is a delay inserted between tasks, not a sequencing relationship.
- ✗
Merge activity
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Merge activity occurs when multiple predecessor tasks converge on a single successor, not a chain of dependencies.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
This CAPM question is part of Courseiva's 487-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.