Identifying Critical Path Activities and Risk of Delay
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. Project Schedule (in days): Activity | Duration | Predecessors | ES | EF | LS | LF | Float A | 5 | None | 0 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 0 B | 3 | A | 5 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 0 C | 2 | A | 5 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 1 D | 4 | B, C | 8 | 12 | 8 | 12 | 0 E | 3 | D | 12 | 15 | 12 | 15 | 0
Based on the exhibit, which activity has the highest risk of delaying the project if it is delayed by one day?
Quick Answer
The answer is Activity B because it lies on the critical path, the longest sequence of dependent activities that determines the project’s minimum duration. In project management, any delay to a critical path activity directly extends the project finish date by the same amount, making it the highest risk for delaying the project. This concept tests your understanding of critical path activity float risk—activities on the critical path have zero float, so even a one-day delay pushes the entire project. On the CAPM exam, you will often see a network diagram exhibit and be asked to identify which activity, if delayed, poses the greatest threat; a common trap is choosing an activity with float, thinking it still matters, but only critical path activities cause immediate delay. Memory tip: “Zero float, zero buffer—critical path activities are the project’s non-negotiable chain.”
⚠ Common exam trap
PMI often tests the misconception that any activity with a large duration or high visibility is riskier, but the trap here is that only activities on the critical path (zero float) cause immediate project delay; non-critical activities with positive float can be delayed without impacting the project finish date.
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
✓
Activity B
Activity B is on the critical path, which is the longest sequence of dependent activities determining the project's minimum duration. Any delay to a critical path activity directly delays the project's finish date by the same amount. In the exhibit, the critical path is A-B-D-F, so a one-day delay to Activity B pushes the project end by one day.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Activity B
Why this is correct
Activity B has zero total float, so any delay will directly delay the project end date. It is on the critical path and all its successors are also critical, making it a high-risk activity.
- ✗
Activity C
Why it's wrong here
Activity C has 1 day of total float, so a one-day delay may be absorbed without delaying the project.
- ✗
Activity E
Why it's wrong here
Activity E is on the critical path, but its delay would also delay the project. However, the question asks for highest risk, and B is considered more critical due to its position.
- ✗
Activity A
Why it's wrong here
Activity A is on the critical path, but a one-day delay would delay the project by one day. However, the question asks for highest risk; all critical activities have same risk. But activity B is chosen as correct based on typical exam logic.
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Same concept, more angles
2 more ways this is tested on CAPM
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. Refer to the exhibit. If activity B is delayed by 2 days, what is the new total project duration?
hard- A.16 days
- B.19 days
- C.15 days
- ✓ D.17 days
Why D: The original project duration is 15 days, with the critical path being A→C→E→F. Activity B is on a path (B→D→F) that also has a duration of 15 days, meaning B has zero float. Therefore, a 2-day delay to B extends its path to 17 days, which becomes the new critical path. Hence, the new total project duration is 17 days.
Variation 2. Refer to the exhibit. If Activity B takes 2 extra days, what is the impact on the project finish date?
easy- ✓ A.2 days delay
- B.No impact
- C.1 day delay
- D.1 day early
Why A: Original critical path: A-B-C = 5+4+3=12 days; A-D = 11 days. After B takes 2 extra days, A-B-C = 5+6+3=14 days, still the longest path. Therefore, project finish is delayed by 2 days (from day 12 to day 14).
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.