PMI Scheduling Professional Certification (PMI-SP) Practice Exam

What does a decrease in total float indicate about a project activity?

1. That it becomes less critical

2. That it is becoming more flexible

3. That it may affect the project's end date

4. That it is completed

The correct answer is: That it may affect the project's end date

A decrease in total float for a project activity indicates that there is less flexibility available in the schedule for that particular activity. Total float represents the amount of time that an activity can be delayed without affecting the project's completion date. When total float decreases, it means that the activity is closer to being on the critical path, where any delay would directly impact the project's end date. As total float diminishes, the risk of affecting the overall project timeline increases because there is less leeway to accommodate delays. If the activity were to take longer than planned, it could lead to a delay in the project's completion, showcasing its critical nature and importance to maintaining the original schedule. While lower total float may suggest that an activity is becoming more critical, it does not indicate that it is less flexible. Instead, it highlights the increasing urgency of completing the activity on time to avoid any knock-on effects on the project's overall schedule. Thus, the correct understanding is that a decrease in total float signifies a relationship with the project's end date, reinforcing the need for timely completion of that particular activity.