Quick Answer
The answer is crashing and fast tracking. Crashing works by adding extra resources to critical path activities to finish them faster, while fast tracking compresses the schedule by performing tasks in parallel that were originally planned in sequence. On the CAPM exam, these are the only two valid schedule compression techniques for predictive projects, and the question tests your ability to distinguish them from schedule-altering traps like resource leveling, which can actually lengthen the schedule, or adding lag, which increases duration. A common mistake is confusing fast tracking with crashing—remember that crashing costs more resources, while fast tracking costs more risk. For a quick memory tip, think “crash cash, fast risk” to recall that crashing adds money and fast tracking adds overlapping activities.
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.
Which TWO of the following are valid techniques for schedule compression in a predictive project?
Fast tracking
Fast tracking performs activities in parallel.
Adding lag
Why wrong: Lag increases duration.
Monte Carlo simulation
Why wrong: Simulation is for analysis, not compression.
Crashing
Crashing adds resources to shorten duration.
Resource leveling
Why wrong: Resource leveling often extends the schedule.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Fast tracking
Options B and D are correct. Crashing adds resources, fast tracking overlaps activities. Option A is wrong because resource leveling can lengthen schedule. Option C is wrong because lag increases duration. Option E is wrong because Monte Carlo simulation is a modeling technique, not compression.
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.
Fast tracking
Why this is correct
Fast tracking performs activities in parallel.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Adding lag
Why it's wrong here
Lag increases duration.
Monte Carlo simulation
Why it's wrong here
Simulation is for analysis, not compression.
Crashing
Why this is correct
Crashing adds resources to shorten duration.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Resource leveling
Why it's wrong here
Resource leveling often extends the schedule.
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.
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.
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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: Fast tracking — Options B and D are correct. Crashing adds resources, fast tracking overlaps activities. Option A is wrong because resource leveling can lengthen schedule. Option C is wrong because lag increases duration. Option E is wrong because Monte Carlo simulation is a modeling technique, not compression.
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.
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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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