Quick Answer
The answer is 16 days. This is correct because the critical path duration is defined as the longest sequence of dependent activities in a project network diagram, and in this case, path A-B-D-E totals 3 + 5 + 6 + 2 = 16 days, while path A-C-D-E totals only 15 days, making the longer path the critical one. On the Certified Associate in Project Management CAPM exam, this concept tests your ability to identify the critical path by summing durations across all possible paths, a fundamental skill for schedule management and earned value analysis. A common trap is to assume the path with the most activities is longest, but duration, not activity count, determines the critical path. To remember, think of the critical path as the bottleneck: it dictates the project’s minimum completion time, so always add up every possible route and pick the highest total. A handy mnemonic is “Longest Path, Shortest Time”—the longest duration path gives you the shortest possible project finish date.
This CAPM practice question tests your understanding of predictive plan-based methodologies. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Activity | Duration (days) | Predecessor A | 3 | None B | 5 | A C | 4 | A D | 6 | B, C E | 2 | D
Refer to the exhibit. What is the critical path duration?
Activity | Duration (days) | Predecessor A | 3 | None B | 5 | A C | 4 | A D | 6 | B, C E | 2 | D
14 days
Why wrong: No path has a duration of 14 days.
17 days
Why wrong: No path has a duration of 17 days.
16 days
The critical path (A-B-D-E) totals 16 days.
15 days
Why wrong: This is the duration of the non-critical path.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
16 days
The critical path is the longest path through the network. Path A-B-D-E: 3+5+6+2=16 days. Path A-C-D-E: 3+4+6+2=15 days. Therefore, the critical path duration is 16 days.
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
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
14 days
Why it's wrong here
No path has a duration of 14 days.
17 days
Why it's wrong here
No path has a duration of 17 days.
16 days
Why this is correct
The critical path (A-B-D-E) totals 16 days.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
15 days
Why it's wrong here
This is the duration of the non-critical path.
Common exam traps
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
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.
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
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
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.
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FAQ
Predictive Plan-Based Methodologies — This question tests Predictive Plan-Based Methodologies — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
The correct answer is: 16 days — The critical path is the longest path through the network. Path A-B-D-E: 3+5+6+2=16 days. Path A-C-D-E: 3+4+6+2=15 days. Therefore, the critical path duration is 16 days.
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.
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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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.
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