CAPM Predictive Plan-Based Methodologies Practice Question
Which THREE of the following are key components of a project management plan for a predictive project?
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
✓
Schedule baseline
The schedule baseline (A) is a key component of the project management plan because it is the approved version of the schedule model used to measure and track schedule performance. The quality management plan (B) is also a core subsidiary plan that defines how quality policies, objectives, and responsibilities will be implemented and verified in the project. The scope management plan (E) is likewise a key component, as it describes how scope will be defined, validated, and controlled throughout the predictive project lifecycle. The cost performance index (C) is not a component of the plan; it is an earned value management metric calculated during execution to measure cost efficiency. The risk register (D) is a project document rather than a component of the project management plan, so it does not belong in this list.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Schedule baseline
Why this is correct
The schedule baseline is an approved version of the schedule model, forming part of the project management plan's baselines along with scope and cost. It provides the fixed reference against which schedule performance is measured and variances tracked.
- ✓
Quality management plan
Why this is correct
The quality management plan sits within the project management plan and specifies quality standards, objectives, roles and control activities for the project, satisfying the stem's requirement for a key component of a predictive project's management plan.
- ✗
Cost performance index
Why it's wrong here
The cost performance index is an earned value metric calculated during Monitoring and Controlling, not a plan component. It is tempting because it appears in the cost management plan's control thresholds, yet the plan itself contains estimating, budgeting and control approaches. The index would be the correct answer when asked which measurement assesses cost efficiency.
- ✗
Risk register
Why it's wrong here
A risk register is a subsidiary document, not a component of the project management plan itself. It is tempting because it is a core risk management artefact, and it would be the right choice if the question asked which outputs the Risk Management process produces, rather than which items constitute the plan.
- ✓
Scope management plan
Why this is correct
The scope management plan defines how scope is defined, validated and controlled, satisfying the stem's requirement for a key project management plan component. In predictive projects, it establishes the formal change control process for the scope baseline, preventing unapproved scope creep throughout delivery.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way 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. Which THREE of the following are components of the project management plan?
medium- ✓ A.Schedule baseline
- B.Quality metrics
- C.Risk register
- ✓ D.Cost baseline
- ✓ E.Scope baseline
Why A: The project management plan is the master document that integrates all subsidiary plans and baselines, and the three baselines it formally contains are the scope baseline (E), schedule baseline (A), and cost baseline (D) — these together form the performance measurement baseline used for earned value analysis. The scope baseline (E) is the approved version of the scope statement, WBS, and WBS dictionary; the schedule baseline (A) is the approved version of the schedule model; and the cost baseline (D) is the approved time-phased budget against which project performance is measured. By contrast, quality metrics (B) are a project document produced by Plan Quality Management, and the risk register (C) is also a project document created during Plan Risk Management — both are inputs/outputs tracked alongside, but not components of, the project management plan itself.
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.