AACE International AACE-PSP Exam Actual Questions
Planning & Scheduling Professional (PSP) (Page 4 )

Updated On: 26-Jun-2026

A driving relationship is _____________________.

  1. A critical relationship.
  2. A finish-to-start relationship.
  3. The link between two related activities.
  4. The link between a predecessor and the activity whose dates it controls.

Answer(s): D

Explanation:

A driving relationship is the dependency link where the predecessor activity directly governs the dates of the successor activity.
Option A confuses "driving" with critical path relationships.
Option B oversimplifies by focusing on one type of relationship.
Option C is vague and does not specify the control aspect.
The driving relationship determines schedule flow and is essential for maintaining logical dependencies in CPM scheduling.



If someone wanted to constrain a project's end date so that any project slippage would cause negative float, they would do so by using

  1. Finish-no-earlier constraint on the first activity
  2. Finish-no-earlier constraint on the last activity
  3. Finish-no-later constraint on the last activity
  4. Start-no-later constraint on the first activity

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

To constrain a project's end date, a Finish-No-Later constraint is applied to the last activity. This ensures any slippage results in negative float, signaling delays relative to the fixed deadline.
Option A and B apply to earlier constraints, which are not relevant for controlling the project's end date.
Option D applies a constraint to the first activity, not the project finish.
This concept aligns with controlling project deadlines as described in the PSP Study Guide.



An early start constraint dictates

  1. An activity's remaining duration.
  2. The planned start of a successor activity
  3. The planned start of an activity.
  4. The actual start of an activity.

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

Early Start Constraint:
An early start constraint specifies the earliest date on which an activity can begin, aligning with project constraints or milestones.
It is a planning input and does not dictate actual or remaining durations.
PSP Study Guide Reference:
Scheduling constraints, including early start, are critical for establishing realistic schedules and milestones.
Conclusion: The correct answer is C, as an early start constraint refers to the planned start date of an activity.



Constraints control events or activities that __________________.

  1. Affect only the forward pass.
  2. Are not based on project relationships.
  3. Affect only the backward pass.
  4. May be over-ridden by activity logic.

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

Role of Constraints:
Constraints impose specific conditions on schedule events or activities, such as fixed start dates or imposed milestones.
These are external to the natural logic relationships established in a network (e.g., predecessor-successor relationships).
PSP Study Guide Reference:
The guide describes constraints as independent factors that override logic-based sequencing when necessary.
Analysis of Options:
Option A and C: Constraints impact both forward and backward passes, not exclusively one.
Option D: Constraints supersede activity logic rather than being overruled by it.
Conclusion: The correct answer is B, as constraints operate independently of project logic relationships.



Which of the following is NOT required when performing weekly or monthly schedule updates?

  1. Percent complete.
  2. Remaining duration of activities.
  3. Actual finish of activities.
  4. Original duration of activities.

Answer(s): D

Explanation:

Update Process Essentials:
Schedule updates track the current status of the project using actuals (start/finish dates), progress (percent complete), and future plans (remaining duration).
The original duration does not change and is part of baseline data, not required for routine updates.
PSP Study Guide Reference:
Scheduling update procedures are discussed, emphasizing active progress tracking elements like actual start, percent complete, and remaining duration.
Conclusion: The correct answer is D, as original duration is not a variable considered in regular updates.



Which of the following will always describe the critical path? The path with

  1. The longest duration through the network.
  2. Zero float.
  3. Negative float.
  4. The shortest duration and negative float.

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

A
Critical Path Characteristics:
The critical path is the sequence of activities that determines the overall project duration.
It represents the longest duration path through the network and typically has zero float unless delays or constraints introduce negative float.
PSP Study Guide Reference:
Critical path analysis is a foundational concept in schedule management, as covered extensively in the PSP guide.
Analysis of Options:
Option A: Correct. The critical path always has the longest duration.
Option B: Zero float is common but not universal due to constraints or delays.
Option C and D: Negative float describes specific scenarios but does not define the critical path universally.
Conclusion: The correct answer is A, as the critical path is the longest-duration path through the network.



Of the following update procedures, which is the least important in achieving an accurate forecast for completion of a construction schedule?

  1. Estimating remaining durations of activities.
  2. The correct recording of actual start dates.
  3. Making "downstream" logic revisions as required.
  4. Entering the time impacts of delays and change orders.

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

Schedule Update Procedures:
Accurate schedule updates rely on entering actual data (start/finish dates, durations) and evaluating impacts of changes.
"Downstream" logic revisions may be needed but are less critical compared to ensuring accurate historical data and reflecting immediate changes.
PSP Study Guide Reference:
Schedule updating emphasizes capturing accurate historical data and estimating remaining durations accurately.
Analysis of Options:
Option A and B: Key to progress tracking and forecasting.
Option D: Essential for reflecting impacts of delays and change orders.
Option C: While important, downstream logic revisions are less immediate compared to other procedures.
Conclusion: The correct answer is C, as downstream logic revisions are less critical in achieving an accurate schedule forecast compared to other updates



What method would be the best way to determine the most likely as-built critical path of a project that is underway, and the schedule of which has been partially progressed?

  1. Use the progressed portion of the critical path of all the updates previous to the current update.
  2. Use the progressed portion of the critical path of the baseline schedule.
  3. Interview the project personnel for their perceptions and opinions because the schedule is usually inadequate.
  4. Use the forward-looking critical path of the most current updates.

Answer(s): D

Explanation:

Understanding As-Built Critical Path Analysis:
Determining the as-built critical path of a project involves identifying the sequence of activities that actually dictated the completion of the project. This is especially important in projects that are underway, as schedules often deviate from the original baseline due to progress updates and unplanned changes.
Explanation of Each Option:
A) Use the progressed portion of the critical path of all the updates previous to the current update: This is correct. To determine the most likely as-built critical path, analyzing the progressed portion of the critical path from all previous updates provides the most accurate representation of the project’s actual execution. By reviewing the progression over time, you can piece together the actual sequence of critical activities.
B) Use the progressed portion of the critical path of the baseline schedule: This is incorrect. The baseline schedule reflects the original plan, which may no longer be accurate due to progress deviations, delays, or changes in logic. Using the baseline alone does not account for the dynamic nature of the project.
C) Interview the project personnel for their perceptions and opinions because the schedule is usually inadequate: This is incorrect.
While project personnel may provide insights, relying solely on subjective opinions introduces biases and inconsistencies. A properly maintained and updated schedule is far more reliable for determining the critical path.
D) Use the forward-looking critical path of the most current updates: This is incorrect. The forward-looking critical path only reflects what is expected to happen from the current point onward. It does not provide an accurate representation of the as-built critical path up to the current point.

Study Guide Reference:
The PSP Study Guide emphasizes the importance of analyzing progress updates to trace the actual sequence of critical activities. Section 2.3.2 (Tracking Schedule Progress) discusses the role of historical updates in understanding project performance.
The guide also highlights that a proper as-built analysis requires a review of all updates to identify shifts in the critical path over time.



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