CAPM Predictive Plan-Based Methodologies Practice Question
You are managing a software development project following a predictive plan-based methodology. The project schedule is based on the critical path method (CPM). While reviewing the schedule, you notice that a non-critical path has a total float of -5 days, indicating a scheduling error. The project is in the planning phase, and the baseline has not yet been set. What should you do to resolve this negative float?
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
✓
Analyze the schedule logic, correct any errors in dependencies or duration estimates, and recalculate the schedule.
Negative total float on a non-critical path typically indicates an error in the schedule logic, such as incorrect dependencies, misestimated durations, or a logical loop. Since the project is still in the planning phase and no baseline is set, the correct action is to analyze the schedule, identify and correct the errors in dependencies or duration estimates, and then recalculate the schedule. This resolves the negative float without unnecessary compression. Option A is incorrect because applying schedule compression (crashing or fast-tracking) to a non-critical path is inappropriate; compression should be reserved for critical paths when schedule acceleration is needed. Option C is incorrect because ignoring the negative float could propagate errors. Option D is incorrect because adding the non-critical path to the critical path artificially changes the schedule logic without addressing the underlying error.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Apply schedule compression techniques like crashing or fast-tracking to the non-critical path.
Why it's wrong here
Compression is used for critical path, not for fixing negative float.
- ✓
Analyze the schedule logic, correct any errors in dependencies or duration estimates, and recalculate the schedule.
Why this is correct
Correcting the schedule logic resolves negative float.
- ✗
Ignore the negative float since it's not on the critical path.
Why it's wrong here
Negative float indicates an error that must be fixed.
- ✗
Add the non-critical path to the critical path to eliminate the negative float.
Why it's wrong here
This incorrectly changes the definition of critical path.
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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.