PMI-RMP Specialized Risk Analyses Practice Question
When interpreting the results of a cost simulation, what does the 'Distribution' (histogram) tell you that a 'Mean' value does not?
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
✓
The frequency and probability of different cost outcomes.
The distribution provides the range and shape of potential outcomes, including the likelihood of extreme events, whereas the mean is just a single point of average performance.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The total project budget.
Why it's wrong here
Budget is a project parameter, not a simulation output.
- ✓
The frequency and probability of different cost outcomes.
Why this is correct
The histogram displays the likelihood of all possible outcomes.
- ✗
The accuracy of the initial estimation team.
Why it's wrong here
The simulation assesses risk, not the performance of staff.
- ✗
The specific task that causes the budget overrun.
Why it's wrong here
Sensitivity analysis identifies the culprit, not the histogram.
About these practice questions
One of 200 original PMI-RMP practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official PMI exam blueprint
This PMI-RMP 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 PMI-RMP exam.