CAPM® · PMI · Predictive, Plan-Based Methodologies · Bank updated 2026-07-03
CAPM® practice questions: Predictive, Plan-Based Methodologies
5 free questions from 30 on this area · answer and explanation for each · no sign-up
These 5 questions come from the Predictive, Plan-Based Methodologies section of our CAPM® bank (30 questions on this area, which carries 17% of the real exam). Every question is original, with the correct answer explained and linked to the source it is drawn from.
1/5 · Predictive, Plan-Based Methodologies
What is a 'work package' in a work breakdown structure (WBS)?
AThe single top-level box in the WBS that names the overall project.
BThe lowest level of decomposition in the WBS, representing a deliverable-oriented component of work that can be scheduled, estimated, and assigned.
CA narrative description of stakeholder requirements found in the project charter.
DA list of risks associated with a control account in the risk register.
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2/5 · Predictive, Plan-Based Methodologies · hard
Activity X has a total float of 5 days and a free float of 2 days. If Activity X is delayed by 3 days, what is the MOST likely impact on the schedule?
AThe project finish date will be delayed by 3 days.
BThe early start of Activity X's immediate successor will be delayed by 1 day, but the project finish date will remain unaffected.
CNo activity will be affected at all, because 3 days is less than the total float.
DThe critical path will immediately shift to run entirely through Activity X.
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3/5 · Predictive, Plan-Based Methodologies
Which of the following BEST distinguishes quality planning from quality control on a predictive project?
AQuality control defines the acceptance criteria for deliverables, while quality planning inspects the deliverables against those criteria.
BQuality planning identifies the quality requirements and standards to be used; quality control monitors specific project results to determine whether they comply with those standards.
CQuality planning and quality control are the same activity, both performed exclusively by an external auditor.
DQuality planning occurs only during project closure, and quality control occurs only during initiation.
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4/5 · Predictive, Plan-Based Methodologies · easy
During WBS development for a new product launch, the project manager must decide when to stop decomposing a deliverable into smaller components. Which guideline correctly determines the appropriate stopping point for the lowest-level components of a WBS?
ADecomposition stops once the WBS has exactly the same number of levels as a prior, similar project.
BDecomposition stops when every activity in the schedule network diagram has been listed individually.
CDecomposition stops when a component can be reliably estimated, scheduled, and managed as a single work package.
DDecomposition stops as soon as the sponsor signs and approves the project charter.
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5/5 · Predictive, Plan-Based Methodologies
At the current status date, a project's planned value (PV) is $80,000, its earned value (EV) is $72,000, and its actual cost (AC) is $90,000. Which statement correctly reports the cost performance index (CPI) and its meaning?
ACPI = 1.25, calculated as AC divided by EV, meaning the project is under budget and using resources efficiently.
BCPI = 0.90, because CPI is calculated as EV divided by PV.
CCPI = 0.80, meaning the project is behind schedule but within its approved budget.
DCPI = 0.80 (EV ÷ AC), meaning the project is spending more than the value of the work performed — an unfavorable cost variance.
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D is correct. CPI is calculated as EV ÷ AC, which here equals 72,000 ÷ 90,000 = 0.80, meaning the project has spent more than the value of work completed — an unfavorable cost variance. Confusing CPI with the SPI formula (EV ÷ PV) or inverting the ratio are common calculation errors, and CPI must not be interpreted as a schedule indicator, since schedule performance is measured separately by SPI.
↗ the CAPM Examination Content Outline (PMI, 2023) — Predictive, Plan-Based Methodologies
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