The answer is work performance data and the project management plan. Work performance data is correct because the Control Schedule process relies on raw observations of actual start and finish dates and progress against the schedule baseline to calculate schedule variance and assess performance. The project management plan, specifically the schedule management plan, is also a key input as it defines the thresholds for variance and reporting formats used to control the schedule. On the PMP exam, this question tests your understanding of the distinction between inputs, tools, and outputs in the Monitoring and Controlling Process Group; a common trap is confusing work performance data with work performance information, which is an output, not an input. Remember the memory tip: “Data goes in, information comes out” — work performance data is the raw input you feed into the control process to produce meaningful reports.
PMP Process — Managing Technical Aspects Practice Question
This PMP practice question tests your understanding of process — managing technical aspects. 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 are inputs to the Control Schedule process? (Choose two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Project management plan
The Control Schedule process monitors the status of project activities and manages schedule changes. The project management plan (B) is a key input because it contains the schedule management plan, which defines how the schedule will be controlled, including thresholds for variance and reporting formats. Work performance data (C) provides the raw observations and measurements of actual start/finish dates and progress against the schedule baseline, which is essential for calculating schedule variance.
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.
✗
Schedule data
Why it's wrong here
Schedule data is an output of Control Schedule, not an input.
✓
Project management plan
Why this is correct
The schedule management plan is a component of the project management plan and is an input to Control Schedule.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Work performance data
Why this is correct
Work performance data provides actual start/finish dates and is an input to Control Schedule.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Organizational process assets
Why it's wrong here
OPAs are inputs to Develop Schedule but not listed as inputs to Control Schedule.
✗
Schedule forecasts
Why it's wrong here
Schedule forecasts are an output of Control Schedule.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is confusing inputs with outputs: candidates often select schedule forecasts or schedule data because they sound like 'data' needed for control, but PMBOK defines them as outputs generated during the process, not inputs.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Schedule data is an output of Control Schedule, not an input.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, Control Schedule uses the schedule management plan from the project management plan to define acceptable variance thresholds (e.g., ±5% on critical path). Work performance data includes raw field data like actual start dates (AS) and percent complete, which is then analyzed using earned value management (EVM) metrics like schedule variance (SV = EV - PV) and schedule performance index (SPI = EV/PV). In a real-world scenario, if a construction task is 50% complete against a planned 70%, the work performance data triggers a variance analysis, and the schedule management plan dictates whether a change request is needed.
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 practitioner preparing for the PMP 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this PMP question in full detail.
Process — Managing Technical Aspects — This question tests Process — Managing Technical Aspects — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Project management plan — The Control Schedule process monitors the status of project activities and manages schedule changes. The project management plan (B) is a key input because it contains the schedule management plan, which defines how the schedule will be controlled, including thresholds for variance and reporting formats. Work performance data (C) provides the raw observations and measurements of actual start/finish dates and progress against the schedule baseline, which is essential for calculating schedule variance.
What should I do if I get this PMP 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.
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Question Discussion
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