Quick Answer
The answer is analogous estimating. This technique is the most appropriate because it relies on historical data from similar projects to produce a cost estimate, using actual values from past work as a baseline for the current project’s scope. In a predictive lifecycle, where requirements are stable and well-defined, analogous estimating offers a quick, top-down approach that leverages expert judgment and historical records to approximate costs, making it ideal when detailed information is scarce. On the CAPM exam, this question tests your understanding of estimation methods under the Project Cost Management knowledge area, often appearing as a scenario where you must choose between analogous, parametric, bottom-up, or three-point estimating. A common trap is confusing analogous with parametric estimating; remember that analogous uses broad historical similarity, while parametric uses statistical relationships between variables. Memory tip: think “Analogous = Alike” — if the past project is alike in nature, use analogous estimating.
This CAPM practice question tests your understanding of predictive plan-based methodologies. 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 team is conducting cost estimation for a project that uses a predictive lifecycle. They have historical data from similar projects. Which estimation technique is MOST appropriate?
Three-point estimating
Why wrong: Three-point uses optimistic, pessimistic, and most likely, not historical data.
Analogous estimating
Analogous uses historical data from similar projects.
Parametric estimating
Why wrong: Parametric uses statistical relationships, not directly from similar projects.
Bottom-up estimating
Why wrong: Bottom-up is detailed and requires decomposition.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Analogous estimating
Analogous estimating uses historical data from similar projects, making it appropriate. Option D is correct.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Three-point estimating
Why it's wrong here
Three-point uses optimistic, pessimistic, and most likely, not historical data.
Analogous estimating
Why this is correct
Analogous uses historical data from similar projects.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Parametric estimating
Why it's wrong here
Parametric uses statistical relationships, not directly from similar projects.
Bottom-up estimating
Why it's wrong here
Bottom-up is detailed and requires decomposition.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Similar concept trap
Parametric uses statistical relationships, not directly from similar projects.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the CAPM 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
Identify which CAPM exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Predictive Plan-Based Methodologies — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Predictive Plan-Based Methodologies practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All CAPM questions
503 questions across all exam domains
Certified Associate in Project Management CAPM study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
CAPM practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise CAPM questions linked to Agile Frameworks and Methodologies.
Practise CAPM questions linked to Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts.
Practise CAPM questions linked to Predictive Plan-Based Methodologies.
Practise CAPM questions linked to Business Analysis Frameworks.
Practise CAPM questions linked to CAPM fundamentals.
Practise CAPM questions linked to CAPM scenario.
Practise CAPM questions linked to CAPM troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Predictive Plan-Based Methodologies — This question tests Predictive Plan-Based Methodologies — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Analogous estimating — Analogous estimating uses historical data from similar projects, making it appropriate. Option D is correct.
Identify which CAPM exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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 →
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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.