The answer is T2. The error log explicitly states 'Dependency not met for T2: predecessor T1 not completed,' which means T2 cannot start because its finish-to-start predecessor, T1, is still unfinished—a direct violation of the logical sequence defined in the project schedule. This tests your ability to read error logs and map them to dependency types, a common scenario on the CAPM exam where you must identify schedule logic failures rather than just memorizing definitions. A frequent trap is confusing a successor’s dependency issue with a predecessor’s delay; here, the problem belongs to T2, not T1. Remember the mnemonic: "The successor suffers when the predecessor stumbles."
CAPM Practice Question: Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts
This CAPM practice question tests your understanding of project management fundamentals and core concepts. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
T2
The error log shows 'Dependency not met for T2: predecessor T1 not completed'. This indicates T2 has a dependency issue because its predecessor task (T1) has not finished, violating the logical relationship defined in the project schedule. In project management, a finish-to-start dependency requires the predecessor to be 100% complete before the successor can begin.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
T3
Why it's wrong here
T3 has a resource overallocation warning, not a dependency issue.
✗
T1
Why it's wrong here
T1 is the predecessor mentioned, but the issue is with T2.
✗
T4
Why it's wrong here
T4 has a schedule variance error, not a dependency issue.
✓
T2
Why this is correct
The log shows 'Task T2 - dependency not met'.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
PMI often tests the distinction between which task has the dependency issue (the successor) versus which task is causing the issue (the predecessor), leading candidates to incorrectly select the predecessor task (T1) instead of the successor (T2).
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In project scheduling, dependency issues often arise from incorrect predecessor-successor relationships, such as finish-to-start (FS), start-to-start (SS), or finish-to-finish (FF). The error log indicates a FS dependency where T1 must finish before T2 starts. Under the hood, project management software validates these constraints during schedule calculation; if a predecessor is incomplete, the successor's early start date is pushed out, potentially causing critical path delays. In real-world scenarios, this is common when tasks are added or modified without updating dependencies, leading to resource overallocation or missed milestones.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts — This question tests Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: T2 — The error log shows 'Dependency not met for T2: predecessor T1 not completed'. This indicates T2 has a dependency issue because its predecessor task (T1) has not finished, violating the logical relationship defined in the project schedule. In project management, a finish-to-start dependency requires the predecessor to be 100% complete before the successor can begin.
What should I do if I get this CAPM question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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