What is Critical path?

The longest chain of dependent tasks in a project, which sets the shortest possible project duration.

In plain English

Tasks on the critical path have zero float, so if any one of them slips, the whole project finishes later. Tasks off the path have slack. Knowing the path tells you where to focus attention and where a delay matters. A project can have more than one critical path, and the path can change as the schedule changes.

Example

If the longest chain of linked tasks adds up to 40 days, the project cannot finish in fewer than 40 days however many shorter tasks run beside it.

Where you will meet it

This idea belongs to the subject area of these practice tests. We do not publish or predict real exam questions.

• CAPM practice tests

Related terms

• Work breakdown structure (WBS): A hierarchy that breaks the total project scope into smaller, manageable pieces of deliverable work.
• Scope creep: Uncontrolled growth in what a project is expected to deliver.
• Earned value management: A way to measure project progress by comparing planned work, completed work and actual cost.

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