PMI Scheduling Professional Certification (PMI-SP) Practice Exam

How is total float calculated?

1. Early Finish - Late Start

2. Early Finish - Late Finish

3. Late Finish - Early Start

4. Early Start - Late Start

The correct answer is: Early Finish - Late Finish

Total float, also known as total slack, is a key concept in project scheduling that indicates how much a schedule activity can be delayed without affecting the project's overall completion date. It is calculated by determining the difference between two important milestones in the scheduling process: the Early Finish (EF) and the Late Finish (LF). When you subtract the Late Finish from the Early Finish, you get the total float for that specific activity. If the total float is zero, it indicates that the activity is on the critical path and any delay in this activity will lead to a delay in the project's completion. Conversely, if there is positive float, it means the activity has some leeway or flexibility in its timing without impacting the project’s end date. Understanding total float helps project managers make informed decisions about resource allocation, scheduling, and prioritizing activities to ensure timely project completion. This calculation is fundamental for efficient project schedule management and is essential knowledge for those pursuing the PMI-SP certification.