The answer is 0 days. Activity C has a total float of zero because it lies on the critical path, which is the longest sequence of dependent activities in the project schedule. Total float on the critical path is always zero, meaning any delay to activity C would directly push out the project’s finish date. On the CAPM exam, this concept tests your understanding of schedule network analysis and the definition of the critical path; a common trap is assuming that all activities have some float, but only non-critical paths have positive float. A reliable memory tip is “critical path, zero float,” since any activity on that path has no scheduling flexibility.
CAPM Practice Question: Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts
This CAPM practice question tests your understanding of project management fundamentals and core concepts. 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.
Exhibit
Activity | Duration | Predecessors
A | 5 | none
B | 3 | A (FS)
C | 4 | A (FS)
D | 6 | B, C (FS)
E | 2 | D (FS)
F | 3 | C (FS)
G | 4 | E, F (FS)
Refer to the exhibit. What is the total float of activity C?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
0 days
Activity C has a total float of 0 days because it lies on the critical path. In the network diagram, the critical path is the longest path through the project, and any delay on a critical path activity directly delays the project end date. Since activity C is on the critical path, its total float is zero.
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.
✗
2 days
Why it's wrong here
This would be the float if C were not on the critical path, but it is.
✓
0 days
Why this is correct
Activity C is on the critical path (A-C-D-E-G = 21 days), thus it has zero float.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
3 days
Why it's wrong here
This is not supported by the network diagram calculations.
✗
1 day
Why it's wrong here
Activity C is on the critical path, so its float is 0, not 1.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse total float with free float or miscalculate the critical path by not correctly summing durations, leading them to assign positive float to an activity that is actually on the critical path.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Total float is calculated as Late Start minus Early Start (or Late Finish minus Early Finish). For activities on the critical path, these values are equal, resulting in zero total float. In real-world project management, identifying the critical path is essential for prioritizing resources and managing schedule risk, as any delay on a critical path activity directly impacts the project completion date.
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 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
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: 0 days — Activity C has a total float of 0 days because it lies on the critical path. In the network diagram, the critical path is the longest path through the project, and any delay on a critical path activity directly delays the project end date. Since activity C is on the critical path, its total float is zero.
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.
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 →
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.
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.