Quick Answer
The answer is scope, along with time and cost, as these three form the traditional triple constraint in project management. This is correct because the triple constraint model defines the core trade-offs every project must balance: any change in scope inevitably impacts either the time required or the cost incurred, and vice versa. On the Certified Associate in Project Management CAPM exam, this concept tests your understanding of foundational project constraints, often appearing in questions that ask you to identify which elements belong to the original triple—a common trap is confusing quality or resources as part of this core trio, when they are separate knowledge areas. To remember, think of the mnemonic “SCT” for Scope, Cost, Time, and recall that quality is a result, not a constraint.
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.
Which TWO of the following are considered key constraints in project management that form the traditional 'triple constraint'?
Quality
Why wrong: Quality is often considered an additional constraint, not part of the original triple.
Resources
Why wrong: Resources are part of cost or separate, not in the traditional triple.
Time
Time is a core constraint of the triple constraint.
Scope
Scope is a core constraint of the triple constraint.
Risk
Why wrong: Risk is a separate knowledge area, not a constraint in the triple.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Time
The triple constraint traditionally includes scope, time, and cost. Quality is often added but not part of the original triple. Risk and resources are separate knowledge areas.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Quality
Why it's wrong here
Quality is often considered an additional constraint, not part of the original triple.
Resources
Why it's wrong here
Resources are part of cost or separate, not in the traditional triple.
Time
Why this is correct
Time is a core constraint of the triple constraint.
Related concept
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
Scope
Why this is correct
Scope is a core constraint of the triple constraint.
Related concept
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
Risk
Why it's wrong here
Risk is a separate knowledge area, not a constraint in the triple.
Common exam traps
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Detailed technical explanation
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
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. OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related CAPM OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
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FAQ
Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts — This question tests Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
The correct answer is: Time — The triple constraint traditionally includes scope, time, and cost. Quality is often added but not part of the original triple. Risk and resources are separate knowledge areas.
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related CAPM OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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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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