CAPES study plan

Compute forward pass, backward pass, total float, and free float by hand for a 15-activity network with two calendars

Distinguish total float, free float, and negative float and state which one a scheduler should report to management

Define critical path using both zero-total-float and longest-path definitions and reconcile the two when constraints create negative float

Identify the scheduling standard, glossary, and terminology sources you will cite and record them in a reference sheet

Build the same network in scheduling software and reconcile every calculated date and float value against your Week 1 hand calculation

Classify each relationship as finish-to-start, start-to-start, finish-to-finish, or start-to-finish and justify lag and lead values

Diagnose and correct open-ended logic, dangling activities, and lags that mask true float

Explain how constraints (start-no-earlier-than, finish-no-later-than) distort float and when each constraint type is defensible

Decompose a sample project into a WBS to at least three levels with a unique code of accounts and a WBS dictionary entry per work package

Map every WBS work package to at least one schedule activity and flag any package with no activity or any activity with no package

Select duration-estimation methods (analogous, parametric, three-point) for five activity types and document the basis of estimate for each

Apply productivity-based duration calculation including quantity, crew size, and shift calendar, and show the arithmetic

Assign resources and quantities to the critical path and produce a resource histogram and S-curve

Distinguish resource leveling from resource smoothing and demonstrate the schedule and float impact of each on the same plan

Resolve an over-allocation by leveling and quantify the resulting critical path extension

Load cost to activities, assign a time-phased cost distribution, and produce a cost-loaded schedule reconciled to the project budget

Define measurable progress rules (0/100, 50/50, percent complete by duration, weighted milestones) and assign the appropriate rule per activity type

Calculate BCWS, BCWP, ACWP, SV, CV, SPI, and CPI for a reporting period and interpret each result in plain language

Produce an independent estimate at completion using at least two EAC formulas and explain when each is appropriate

Perform a schedule risk analysis: build a three-point estimate set, run a Monte Carlo simulation, and read the probabilistic completion date at P50, P80, and P90

Size a schedule contingency reserve from simulation output and justify the chosen confidence level

Identify top schedule risk drivers from the simulation and propose a specific mitigation with its cost and schedule effect

Re-run the risk analysis after mitigation and compare P80 dates before and after

Apply a defined progress measurement method to a set of activities and verify the resulting percent-complete rollup against the schedule

Explain how out-of-sequence progress and retained logic settings change reported progress and float consumption

Forecast the finish date using both the SPI-based and the critical-path-based methods and explain the divergence

Establish a baseline, then process three change requests through a documented change control workflow including impact analysis and approval authority

Distinguish baseline revision from a simple progress update and state the criteria for each

Run a schedule quality check against a defined checklist (logic density, lags, constraints, float, hard-coded dates, open ends) and score the schedule

Correct each quality defect found and re-score to show improvement

Assemble a reporting package with the required views for a defined audience

Complete a full-length timed practice exam and score it by domain to identify remaining weak areas

Re-derive critical path and float calculations under time pressure with no reference material

Review every missed item by domain and write the underlying rule you got wrong

Recite from memory the key definitions and formulas for all ten domains using your consolidated reference sheet

Confirm exam-day logistics, allowed reference materials, and calculator policy from the official handbook