AACE International AACE-PSP Exam Actual Questions
Planning & Scheduling Professional (PSP) (Page 3 )

Updated On: 26-Jun-2026

Which is NOT an industry-recognized methodology for quantifying critical delay?

  1. Gantt Chart.
  2. Periodic Windows.
  3. Collapsed As-Built.
  4. Time Impact.

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

Industry-recognized methodologies for quantifying critical delays include:
Periodic Windows Analysis, which evaluates delays in defined time periods.
Collapsed As-Built Analysis, comparing completed work to a hypothetical as-built schedule without delays.
Time Impact Analysis, assessing the impact of delays based on scheduled activities.
A Gantt Chart (Option A) is a scheduling visualization tool, not a methodology for delay analysis. It lacks the analytical rigor and methodology required for critical delay quantification.



What is the primary difference between the arrow diagramming method (ADM) and the precedence diagramming method (PDM)?

  1. ADM is limited to finish-to-start logic relationships, while PDM is not.
  2. PDM is a bar chart with network logic, while ADM is a pure logic network.
  3. ADM is manual CPM calculations, while PDM is computerized.
  4. ADM uses arrows, while PDM uses boxes.

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

Arrow Diagramming Method (ADM):
Also known as Activity-on-Arrow (AoA).
Activities are represented as arrows, and only finish-to-start (FS) relationships are supported.
ADM has limitations in representing other relationships like start-to-start (SS), finish-to-finish (FF), or start-to-finish (SF).
Precedence Diagramming Method (PDM):
Known as Activity-on-Node (AoN).
Activities are represented as nodes (boxes), allowing for flexibility in logic relationships, including FS, SS, FF, and SF.
PSP Study Guide Reference:
The PSP Study Guide highlights that PDM has more advanced capabilities compared to ADM, particularly in defining diverse logical relationships.
Conclusion: The correct answer is A, as ADM is restricted to finish-to-start logic, while PDM offers more flexibility.



Time-scaled logic diagrams are

  1. Only calculated using a computer.
  2. The same as a pure-logic diagram.
  3. Used to calculate the most probable activity duration.
  4. Logic networks that are drawn to match the calendar.

Answer(s): D

Explanation:

Time-Scaled Logic Diagrams:
Represent activities with respect to a time scale (e.g., a calendar).
Show logical relationships and durations in a visually aligned manner, aiding in analysis and reporting.
Common Misconceptions:
They are not the same as pure logic diagrams (B).
While often created using computer software, manual versions are also possible, so (A) is incorrect.
They are not specifically for calculating activity durations (C).
PSP Study Guide Reference:
The guide identifies time-scaled logic diagrams as a tool for better visualization of schedules, where activities align with calendar dates.
Conclusion: The correct answer is D, as time-scaled logic diagrams are drawn to align activities with a calendar.



Activity durations are normally estimated in an intuitive and subjective way. All of the following will improve duration accuracy EXCEPT

  1. Use gross building square footages. The pluses and minuses all average out.
  2. Look at each activity independently and don't follow specific logic paths when assigning activity durations.
  3. Divide activities into smaller activities. This will increase activity detail and duration estimate accuracy.
  4. Use the people responsible for performing the work as a resource to assign activity durations.

Answer(s): D

Explanation:

Activity Duration Estimation Techniques:
Accurate estimation methods include detailed breakdowns, using experienced personnel, and analyzing specific factors for individual activities.
Relying on gross estimates or averages (as in A) introduces significant inaccuracies.
PSP Study Guide Reference:
The PSP Study Guide emphasizes the importance of detailed and specific input to improve estimation accuracy.
Analysis for Selection:
Option A: Incorrect method, as averages do not provide accurate results for individual activities.
Option B: Misguided suggestion; focusing independently on activities without logic paths introduces potential errors.
Option C: Correct. Dividing activities enhances detail and estimation precision.
Option D: Correct. Involving the executors ensures realistic and experienced-based durations.
Conclusion: The correct answer is A, as using gross estimates is not an effective method for improving accuracy.



You are developing a detailed critical path schedule for a proposed petrochemical plant. The schedule will become a part of the project baseline document, which will be sent to the company's board of directors for its consideration.
What document or resource is likely to be MOST valuable in determining the schedule's work activity durations?

  1. Industry publications.
  2. Critical path schedules prepared by you for similar completed projects.
  3. The Petrochemical Industry New Plant Task Duration Handbook.
  4. The cost estimate for the plant prepared by your firm's estimating department.

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

Key to Duration Accuracy:
A specialized industry handbook offers standardized and validated task durations tailored to the specific context of petrochemical plants.
Analysis of Options:
Option A: General industry publications may lack specificity.
Option B: Past project schedules provide insight but may not reflect the specific context or updated methodologies.
Option C: The handbook is most relevant as it is tailored to the specific project type.
Option D: Cost estimates are useful for budget alignment but not as precise for duration calculation.
PSP Study Guide Reference:
The guide advises leveraging validated industry resources for project-specific accuracy in duration estimation.
Conclusion: The correct answer is C, as a specialized industry handbook provides the most reliable and context-specific data for duration estimation.



Free float is the

  1. Difference between the early dates and late dates of an activity.
  2. Amount of time the early start of an activity can be delayed without impacting the early start of the successor activity.
  3. Difference between the early finish dates and late finish dates of an activity.
  4. Difference In float value of the critical path activities and the float value of the specific activity being analyzed.

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

Free float is a concept in Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling that refers to the amount of time an activity's early start can be delayed without affecting the early start of any immediately succeeding activities.
Option A refers to total float, which considers early and late dates of an activity.
Option C also points to total float.
Option D does not define free float.
Free float is critical for project planners as it provides flexibility in scheduling without impacting downstream activities.



What is a key first step in developing a critical path method schedule?

  1. Drawing a bar chart of the key phrases of the work.
  2. Defining the execution plan to meet the required scope of work.
  3. Setting out the resource to be used and its limitations.
  4. Drawing the logic diagram.

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

Defining the execution plan is the foundational step in creating a CPM schedule. This involves understanding the project's scope of work and outlining how it will be executed to meet project objectives.
Option A (bar chart) is a visualization step but does not address planning the sequence or scope execution.
Option C (resources) comes later in schedule development after the scope and plan are defined.
Option D (logic diagram) is a subsequent step that relies on the execution plan.
The PSP Study Guide emphasizes scope and execution planning as critical first steps.



Assuming conventional finish-to-start relationships, to calculate a schedule retaining the existing logic means that

  1. It is calculated using the original logic.
  2. It is calculated using logic reflecting out-of-sequence progress.
  3. An out-of-sequence activity cannot resume until all predecessors are finished.
  4. There is no such thing.

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

Retaining existing logic means preserving the original relationships and dependencies defined in the schedule. Even if progress is recorded out of sequence, calculations adhere to the pre-established logic unless explicitly changed.
Option B reflects adjustments for out-of-sequence progress but contradicts the original logic requirement.
Option C imposes restrictions that do not align with typical CPM calculations.
Option D is incorrect as the concept exists.
The PSP Study Guide discusses the importance of maintaining logic integrity in CPM scheduling.



Viewing page 3 of 28
Viewing questions 17 - 24 out of 216 questions


AACE-PSP Exam Discussions & Posts (Share your experience with others)

AI Tutor AI Tutor 👋 I’m here to help!