PMI Scheduling Professional Certification (PMI-SP) Practice Exam

What is considered a fundamental characteristic of activities on the critical path?

1. They can be completed in any order

2. They have zero float

3. They are less important than other activities

4. They are randomly selected

The correct answer is: They have zero float

The fundamental characteristic of activities on the critical path is that they have zero float. This means that any delay in these activities directly affects the project's overall duration because they are essential in determining the minimum time needed to complete the project. When an activity has zero float, there is no leeway for delays—any time lost on a critical path activity leads to a corresponding delay in the project's completion date. This characteristic is crucial for project managers to understand, as it helps prioritize where to focus their attention and resources. By identifying critical path activities, project managers can effectively manage scheduling challenges, making sure that these activities are completed on time to keep the project on track. Understanding the implications of zero float also aids in risk management, as any risks to these activities can have significant impacts on project delivery.