The answer is adding more resources to critical path tasks. This action is correct because it applies crashing, a schedule compression technique that focuses on the critical path—the longest sequence of dependent activities determining the project’s duration. By adding resources to those specific tasks, you reduce the overall project timeline without altering scope, which is the ethical and effective way to bring a project back on track when behind schedule. On the Certified Associate in Project Management CAPM exam, this question tests your understanding of schedule compression methods and the distinction between crashing and fast-tracking. A common trap is choosing to reduce scope without approval, which violates the PMI Code of Ethics, or adding resources to non-critical tasks, which does nothing to shorten the schedule. Remember the mnemonic “Crash the Critical” to recall that crashing always targets the critical path for time savings.
CAPM Practice Question: Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts
This CAPM practice question tests your understanding of project management fundamentals and core concepts. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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.
A project manager notices that the project is behind schedule. Which of the following actions is most appropriate to bring the project back on track?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Add more resources to critical path tasks.
Option B is correct because adding resources to critical path tasks is a common schedule compression technique. Option A reduces scope without approval, which is unethical. Option C may cause burnout and low quality. Option D will worsen the delay.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Reduce the project scope without stakeholder approval.
Why it's wrong here
Scope changes require stakeholder approval.
✗
Ask team members to work overtime without compensation.
Why it's wrong here
This can lead to burnout and quality issues, and may violate policies.
✗
Ignore the delay as it will recover later.
Why it's wrong here
Ignoring delays typically leads to further slippage.
✓
Add more resources to critical path tasks.
Why this is correct
Crashing the schedule by adding resources can help recover time.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CAPM NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts — This question tests Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Add more resources to critical path tasks. — Option B is correct because adding resources to critical path tasks is a common schedule compression technique. Option A reduces scope without approval, which is unethical. Option C may cause burnout and low quality. Option D will worsen the delay.
What should I do if I get this CAPM question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CAPM NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A project is behind schedule. Which schedule compression technique involves adding additional resources to critical path activities?
medium
A.Resource leveling
B.Monte Carlo simulation
C.Rolling wave planning
✓ D.Crashing
Why D: Crashing is a schedule compression technique that adds resources to critical path activities to reduce duration. Option B is correct. Option A (Monte Carlo simulation) is for risk analysis. Option C (rolling wave planning) is a progressive elaboration technique. Option D (resource leveling) adjusts start and finish dates based on resource constraints, not compression.
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.