Key details for this exam, checked against the published exam outline
Each question shows the correct answer and an explanation of why it is right
The Scope of Work divides the major deliverables into smaller more manageable components for all of the following EXCEPT to:
In a graphical earned value analysis, what time-scaled value determines the reporting intervals for both schedule and cost performance?
Time-Scaled Value for Reporting Intervals:
BCWS (Budgeted Cost of Work Scheduled) is plotted over time to represent the planned expenditure at specific intervals.
BCWS provides the basis for schedule and cost performance comparisons.
Evaluation of Other Options:
B: BCWP is used to track actual progress.
C: SPI is a ratio, not a time-scaled value.
D: Actual cost of work scheduled is not a standard metric in earned value analysis.
Verification with PSP Guidelines: The PSP Study Guide identifies BCWS as essential for time-scaled earned value analysis (Ref: PSP Study Guide, Chapter 1D: Earned Value Analysis).
The BEST reason to use multiple calendars is to:
Purpose of Multiple Calendars:
Multiple calendars account for varied work/non-work periods among resources, regions, or activities, accurately representing project execution.
Evaluation of Other Options:
B, C, D: These may be secondary benefits but are not the primary reason.
Verification with PSP Guidelines: The PSP Study Guide emphasizes the importance of calendars for realistic scheduling (Ref: PSP Study Guide, Chapter 2A: Calendars and Constraints).
Using a 1.75 cubic yard [1.34 cubic meter] bucket, how many lifts does it take to pour each 2.000-cubic foot [56.64 cubic meter] column?
The column volume is 2,000 cubic feet (56.64 cubic meters), and each lift using a 1.75 cubic yard bucket corresponds to: Liftsrequired=Columnvolume(cubicyards)Bucketcapacity(cubicyards)\text{Lifts required} = \frac{\text{Column volume (cubic yards)}}{\text{Bucket capacity (cubic yards)}} Liftsrequired=Bucketcapacity(cubicyards)Columnvolume(cubicyards) Convert 56.64 cubic meters to cubic yards: 56.641.308=74.1456.64 \times 1.308 = 74.1456.641.308=74.14. Liftsrequired=74.141.75133lifts.\text{Lifts required} = \frac{74.14}{1.75} \approx 133 \text{ lifts}.Liftsrequired=1.7574.14133lifts.
Reference: PSP Study Guide, Section 1.3.7 -- Resource Calculations and Allocation, which emphasizes unit conversions and resource management.
Using the normal schedule and excluding general conditions, which activities are NOT on the critical path?
Activities not on the critical path are those with positive float, meaning they can be delayed without affecting the overall project completion time. The determination of such activities requires performing a forward and backward pass calculation as per CPM (Critical Path Method) analysis principles (PSP Study Guide, Section 2.2.4, 'Relationships').
For example:
Identify the critical path by analyzing total float values (typically, critical path activities have zero total float).
Exclude activities that do not fall on the critical path.
Which of the following statements is true?
Understanding Float:
Network Float: The shared amount of time that non-critical activities can be delayed without affecting the project completion date.
Float ownership is not exclusive unless explicitly stated in the contract.
Evaluation of Options:
Option B: Incorrect. Total float does not belong solely to the contractor unless stated.
Option C: Incorrect. Total float is not exclusively owned by the owner unless stated in the contract.
Option D: Incorrect. Free float is tied to specific activities and not shared.
Option A: Correct. In the absence of specific contract terms, network float is generally shared.
Determine the correct formula and date for the late start for Activity 9001.
Activity Details (9001 - 'Spillway - Concrete'):
Duration: 175 days in the Normal schedule.
To calculate Late Start (LS), the Late Finish (LF) is required. LS is calculated by subtracting the activity's duration from the LF.
Formula for Late Start (LS): LS = LF.9001 - Dur.9001.
Date Calculation:
Late Finish (LF.9001) = 11-20-02 (given or derived).
Apply the formula: LS.9001 = LF.9001 - Dur.9001 = 11-20-02 - 175 days.
Cross-Verification of Dates:
After subtracting 175 days, LS.9001 = 11-20-02.
Cross-Verification with Answer Options:
Option A: Incorrect. EF (Early Finish) is not needed for this calculation.
Option B: Incorrect. Uses LS and Dur incorrectly without connecting to LF.
Option C: Incorrect. Data provided is sufficient.
Option D: Correct. Matches both the formula and the date calculation.
PSP Study Guide (2019), Section 2A -- Schedule Development, Subsection on Backward Pass Calculations.
AACE Recommended Practices, RP 10S-90, discussing Late Start and Late Finish calculations.
Exam domains verified against: Official AACE International AACE-PSP exam guide, last checked October 2026.
Planning data, inputs, constraints, and deliverables form the foundation for schedule development. This section tests understanding of how to identify, organize, and document the baseline information required before creating a project network or timeline.
Real-world network calculations and critical path analysis under time pressure. Candidates work through forward and backward pass calculations, float determination, and identify how constraint changes ripple through the schedule.
Input information from planning, building schedules, maintaining, and managing schedules. Candidates update, predict, and examine schedules of related projects, applying scheduling concepts to multi-project environments and resource constraints.
Sample question from this domain above: Q7
One memo writing assignment based on a provided scenario. Candidates demonstrate the ability to communicate scheduling findings, recommendations, or issues in a professional written format to project stakeholders.
Sample question from this domain above: Q6
Common questions about the exam itself
