How to Calculate Critical Path: Project Management Professional (PMP)® Exam Prep

www.i-leadonline.com/GetCerti... Hey, are you prepping for your Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification? Wondering how to calculate critical path on the exam? Here's how we teach it in our Essentials of Project Management course (courses.i-leadonline.com). Make sure to check out our other resources at www.i-leadonline.com/GetCerti...
“PMI”, “PMP”, “PROJECT MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL”, “CAPM”, AND “PMBOK” ARE REGISTERED MARKS OF THE PROJECT MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE, INC.

[@CyTeran17]

Wish this guy could be the lecturer for all my management classes lol.

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Thanks for the kind comment! Have a great week!

[@jazzyj.3861]

i honestly wish you were my professor then i wouldn't have been stressing over the fact that i haven't understood a thing the whole semester. really easy and effective explanation, thank you so much for making it easy

[@ApurvaVaidya]

An amazing way to explain this process - just loved it and understood it.

[@jitendraKumar-vm7sg]

Lucky the ones got chance to work with you, perfect mentor

[@parulshah4u]

Andy you simplified my understanding of calculating Critical Path. Thanks a ton!!

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Thank you for the kind words! It's my pleasure to share the video! You're invited to check out our People and Projects Podcast (PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com or any podcast app) for free PDUs and more insights on leading and delivering. Thank you again for taking the time to share your kind thoughts!

[@tonepoet]

This is WAY better than my textbook for my project management class (which is super dry), it's nice to see it laid out and making sense instead of using Klingon language as a rough guide.

[@michellemarlowe4951]

Thank you for this explanation, Andy! This makes the CPM so incredibly easy, which are words I didn't think I'd ever say.

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Ha! I'm glad you feel that way now, Michelle!

[@Longbow06]

@Andy Kaufman in 12 minutes, your presentation cleared up eight weeks of college fog! Thank you!

[@gigihinson9956]

I've read the Chapter on CriticalPath over and over and you taught me in 10 minutes!!! Thank you so much!

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

So glad it was helpful, Gigi! Thanks for leaving the comment! Once you get your PMP, you're invited to listen to our People and Projects Podcast to get free PDUs! I wish you much success!

[@Baranikrishnn]

Brilllllllllliant! Have gone through a few videos for this and Andy's way of explaining is THE BEST. Simple, straightforward and to the point.

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Thank you so much for the kind feedback! Much appreciated!

[@VanessaKlinger]

I appreciate the clarity in you explaining.... Thank you!

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

My pleasure, Vanessa! I'm glad it was helpful. Have a great week!

[@yummybutterfly6615]

Found this on last day of my exam. Amazing simple clarification on the topic. 10 mins and the subject is understood. Many thanks 👌

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Thank you for the kind feedback!

[@AnaSantaMariaMckay]

You make this task so simple and easy to understand! thank you Andy

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

That is so kind of you to say, Ana! Thank you!

[@morgunmcqueen6244]

I just passed the PMP and struggled with this. You broke it down great! I watched it twice and feel like I understand it now. Thanks!

[@angeliquelottering1545]

I've been struggeling to do the critical path for a while now and you just solved my problem in a few minutes, thank you so much.

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

I'm so glad it was helpful, Angelique! Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment!

[@reihanehfeiz2080]

Could not be said or explained better! Thank you sir!

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Thank you so much!

[@zealvert]

Admirable.... would be an understatement for his knowledhge and way of explaining things.

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Thank you for your kind words, Zeal. Much appreciated. Have a great week!

[@juniorfixhow1566]

The man knows his thing! Brilliant !!!

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Thanks for the kind feedback!

[@HeavenestStCyr]

Thank you for such clarity. I understand better.

[@sunriseeternity300]

Very important knowledge in this video. #pmbok #pmp #capm #criticalpath #schedule #enjoylife #andykaufman

[@aurorinezori352]

Thanks so much for your clarity !

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Truly my pleasure, Aurorine! Thank you for taking the time to share a comment!

[@ifunanyawilliams]

Thank you so much for this!!!!!!

[@cortezandthekillers]

This is a easy to follow well done video. Thank you Andy. -EC

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Thanks E.C.!

[@wendykennedy2421]

THIS! This made sense to me. Thank you.

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Oh, I'm so glad to hear that, Wendy! Thanks for taking the time to share that. You made my day!

[@aeexyz]

A wonderful and very clean teaching👏

[@malakoulinos]

Awesome video! Great presentation and very easy to understand. Well done sir!

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Thank you, Antonis! I appreciate your generous comments! Have a great start to your week!

[@mikemeetstec]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! So practical

[@seleneanquenette]

You did a great job of simplifying the critical path.

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Thank you, Selene!

[@krishnachandran319]

Very good Tutorial! Saved my day. Thank you

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Thank you!

[@ChristinaChristinaC]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@hopesnotaplan]

Excellent clarity on this concept and practical application for the exam. Thank you.

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Glad you found it helpful, Kevin! Have a great week!

[@eng.mirzakhan376]

Andy Kaufman thanks

[@applejellybean]

Thanks so much for this clear explanation! To me, this method felt like gobbledegook before-- but I with your explanation I understood in only a few minutes!

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Thank you so much!

[@asifjalal9260]

thanks you are briliant man you make me happy by doing too deficult concept turnd to easy one.nice job dud

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Thanks Asif! I appreciate your comments! Let me know if a question comes up regarding this as you prepare for the exam!

[@faissalloussaief149]

A big shout-out, many thanks indeed for this awesome video. You make it looks very simple , and easy to understand. Very Wise. Looking forward to watching more fruitful videos like this one, breaking down all the tricky sides of the Project management course . Well done. I do love watching your videos.

[@cupcaketazzy16]

this helped me so much with my exam

[@yasirsh008]

its amazing sir, with teaching you made my mood good. ))

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Thanks! Your comment made my mood even better! Have a great day!

[@ahmadyasniyahya3275]

good tutorial. clear.

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Thank you, Ahmad! I appreciate it.

[@pratyushnayak3080]

Thanks Andy !!

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@mtisungemcjessie5776]

Well explained!

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Thank you, Jessie! I wish you much continued success!

[@rachelrachel8204]

Thank you! This is helpful ;)

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Thanks Rachel!

[@Adhinthuch]

your Smile make a watcher happy sir 😂 and you use left hand just like me 😍

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Lefties rule! :-)

[@debrarattigan7194]

Andy Kaufman sir I need you to explain using circles as nodes

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Hi Debra! Great question! Typically you only see circles as nodes when using Activity-on-Arrow (AOA) diagrams. Interestingly, the Fifth Edition of the PMBOK Guide only makes one passing reference to AOA since it is used much less often than Activity-on-Node (AON, using the Precedence Diagramming Method PDM, which is rendered with rectangles). The pre-release version of the Sixth Edition makes no mention of AOA. Do some searching on Activity-on-Arrow for more information if you'd like, but I wouldn't worry much about it for the exam. Understanding critical path as explained in the video should be sufficient for the exam. Sound good?

[@taffyjones1642]

And to add to Andy's point, the circle - or node - is actually an "event." each activity has 2 "events;" a starting event and an ending event. Therefore, each activity (which is denoted by the arrows) should start somewhere - a starting node (sometimes called the i-node) and end somewhere - an ending node ( sometimes called the j-node).

[@TheInnovatrixAI]

Thank you so much!!!!

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

My pleasure! Keep practicing this and the questions on the exam will be easy!

[@manalnabil7229]

Thank you so much, but I have a question, what if I had a lag in activity E, would I put it on the straight line between B&E or on The right angle between D&E? I hope you answer my question

[@utkarshsodagar2674]

Awesome tricks

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Gotta love it when math helps us deliver! :)

[@IszyIzzy]

SUDDENLY I AM LEARNING AGAIN. THANK YOU. SUBSCRIBE EARNED. A.R.E. EXAM BROUGHT ME HERE

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Thank you for the kind comments, Icarus. I wish you much continued learning and success!

[@mikerivera651]

thank you sir! great info. very much appreciated. -1 to the camera guy. dude, there is a lens called wide angle or maybe move back to cover all the details on the board.

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Thanks, Mike. I'll make sure to pass along the video advice. Glad the video was helpful!

[@richardburbank8207]

Thanks for the video. Right when you explain with the forward pass, why are you adding 1then subtracting 1 from activity A? Thank you

[@mygirish100]

many thanks -

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Truly my pleasure, Rahul! Thanks for leaving feedback!

[@vivektyagi6885]

Thank you so much sir you just make it very simple to understand.

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Thank you so much Vivek! I appreciate the encouragement. Have a great week!

[@cliftonnsaluyokoma5289]

good explanation there

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Thank you, Clifton! Much appreciated.

[@keithnurse]

Wow! This was simple and awesome. Simply Awesome! One question: At 8:23 when working out the LF of C the formula is Successor LS - (Lag + 1) (8:35 'kinda confusing'). Is there any harm in stating it as Successor LS - Lag - 1?

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Thanks for the kind feedback! That notation is confusing, for sure. Your way works nicely and will get the correct number. Well done!

[@user-ut8lo5lr3i]

thanks

[@taffyjones1642]

Another great video... But I have a question for you, if you dont mind. If I have a project that has hundreds, even thousands of activities, how best would represent this on a PDM or an AON in the real world?

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Great question, Taffy! First, I'd recommend chunking the project down into iterations, if at all possible. Depending on the project, this would allow you to deliver the highest value earlier, which is a win for your customer and you. If you have thousands of activities and can't break the project into smaller bits, you would need to use a scheduling tool to identify dependencies. To the point of this video, you will never have to calculate critical path by hand with such a project! The tool will do that for you. But if I could, I'd love to reinforce the value of decomposing projects into smaller iterations based on the greatest value to your customer. That makes the sequencing, estimating, and delivering so much easier and predictable. You may find my interview with Scrum co-creator Jeff Sutherland helpful: PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com/152. I wish you much continued success, Taffy!

[@taffyjones1642]

Thanks for your explanation; it makes sense. I would really like to ask you a question a Critical Path question that is hitting me all over. If you dont mind, you could send me an email at [e-mail] and I could get your feedback.

[@sbsasbv1722]

taffy jones

[@teyronjayneevans3278]

Wow!

[@D4nTDI]

Yoy make this look soooooo easy

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Hah! It can feel so intimidating at first, but I promise you that if you practice enough before the exam, these questions will be easier than they seem now. You can do it, Dan!

[@kipertekmedia]

You are adorable!. Thank you

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Well, that's a new one.... Not sure I've heard that review on the video, but thank you! :)

[@mgraadi1467]

thanks Andy

[@captainzizo8723]

thx alot professor it was really a great lesson by the way you look like john cena but a little thiner

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Thanks for the feedback on the lesson! I appreciate it!

[@chinmoychoudhury5140]

Hi Andy, question here. After adding activity F, the critical path is now ABFE. So what is the float for B and C now? Is it 1 each?

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

You're exactly correct, Chinmoy! Why? Well, you could do a full forward and backward pass to prove it. But another way is to remember that C and D (13 days) are floating against B and F (12 days, which includes the 2 days of lag). The difference between the two paths floating against each other is 1 day, as you astutely noted! Good job!

[@chinmoychoudhury5140]

@@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast Thank you Andy

[@156615]

DAMM GOOD... :)

[@lazermajor7908]

Can you explain how to calculate drag?

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Hi! Thanks for watching the video. The best overview I've ever seen on critical path drag is, somewhat surprisingly, on wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_path_drag. I don't know if you're in the process of studying for a certification exam or a PM class, but for what it's worth, there's no reference to drag in either PMBOK Guide version 5 or 6. That means you don't really need to know it for the certification exams. That won't help you if you have a professor who insists that you know it for a class, but I thought it was worth mentioning! Thanks!

[@hamidfaisal4395]

Cool

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Thanks for the feedback, Hamid!

[@byronm254]

Critical path is the sequence of stages determining the minimum time needed for an operation. Not the longest

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Hi Bryon. Thanks for weighing in on this. Here's PMI's definition from the latest PMBOK Guide: "The sequence of activities that represents the longest path through a project, which determines the shortest possible duration." Personally, I think that definition is a bit confusing! Here's how I try to remember it in practical terms: "There are likely multiple paths through the project. Which path is the longest? The project won't get done any faster than that path." The idea is that if you optimize one of the other paths to get it done more quickly, it won't speed up your project. The only way to speed up the project is to shorten the longest path through--the critical path.

[@byronm254]

Andy Kaufman Mr Andy, I now understand it from your point of view and it makes sense.. Thanks for the clarification... I had an exam yesterday for my final year on software project management... and your videos have helped me a lot... Am grateful

[@nathankam2475]

would this work if you had 3 activities and their predecessor is A?

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Great question, Nathan. It absolutely works. Same process, regardless of the number of concurrent activities. Thanks for asking'

[@amitkhedekar8473]

Sir, do you have mock tests for the new students to practice ?

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Hi Amit! Here are the ones I recommend for my students: PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com/FreeSimulator (free for 7 days, excellent questions, with hints and helps) www.pocketprep.com/exams/pmi-pmp/ (some free questions, low cost additional ones, and a great mobile app) www.oliverlehmann.com/sample-questions-pmp-self-tests.html (free, considered very difficult!)

[@amitkhedekar8473]

@@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast Thank you Sir

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

@@amitkhedekar8473 , my pleasure!

[@eddddddd459]

why need to minus 1 and add 1?

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

There is a way to do this without the plus and minus one thing. In my opinion, it's not quite as accurate but you do get the same critical path. In that case, you start with zero instead of 1. Then you don't add one over the divide, so to speak. The early start is the same as the early finish when doing the forward pass. Like I said, you get the same critical path, but saying you can end on Monday and start on Monday is not quite as accurate (at least in my opinion) as saying end on Monday and start on Tuesday. Did I just make it more confusing? :)

[@shownidhoni.7palnati271]

1. What is the one good learning point you could extract from this video. 2. How this video has helped you to understand the Critical path better.

[@ravikiran2305]

Velli class lo adagali ila Kadu 😂

[@adilmehmood5672]

Excellent job Andy! you are Hilarious. I can see the passion to teach there. Keeping making these videos, they will surely help beginners as well as professionals. +Like +Subscribe

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Thank you for the kind comments, Adil! I appreciate it! Have a great week!

[@mshaid3r]

Can we pls cut down on Mr. Andy's smile and focus on what he is trying to tell us and get maximum benefit out of it?

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Sounds like good advice. :) Oh wait, that was a smile....

[@mshaid3r]

Sir, I need to go through the lecture again to understand forward backward thing. What is your best recommendation for preparation having my CERT Exam on the coming 5th Feb? will help Sir. --MSH

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Thanks for the follow-up. If your question is about the best way to prepare for critical path questions on the exam, going through the video again might be a good idea. Also, you can contact me at [e-mail] and I'll send you some sample questions related to critical path. If your question is about prepping for the exam beyond just critical path, I have an idea for you.... If put together an overview of my best advice in the form of an e-learning course. There's no cost for it and it has the best hints and tricks that I share in our classes. You can access it at www.i-leadonline.com/riseexam. You can skip the first sections if you already submitted your application. In that case, focus on the study tips. Let me know what follow-up questions you have. You can do this!

[@mshaid3r]

lets say, Activity C has a duration of 7, it begins after the activity A finishes, the earliest C could begin is day 6 and if it runs for 7 days, the earliest it could finish is day 12 right? (by simply initiating the activity on day 6 as first day till 7th day... .my question is when we can simply have earliest finish by simply adding the activity duration in the activity start day which is 6; whats the purpose of Adding 6 plus the duration of 7 days minus 1 and have 12! Why do we have to do -1?

[@mshaid3r]

Thanks. Yes I have submitted my application and my exam is on the 5th of Feb 2018, wish me luck! and my question is about I have to go through all knowledge areas and then do the sample questions too, I seem to be running out of time. I am on Project Time Management.

[@mrdishonisraelhr]

the only learning you could get from here is until 5.46. Rest of the explanation is done in a super confusing way.. thre are other teachings in youtube which is a lot easier to understand.. trust me he complicated it so much after the 5th minute. Definitely not for beginners

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

Hey, I appreciate the feedback. You're correct that there are a lot of resources available to help learn this so if the others connect better with you, that's great! The key is being able to confidently answer these questions on the exam. However you learn it, I'll be happy to hear you passed!

[@eldanx]

I don't trust a man with that kind of smile printed on his face. Good video though

[@PeopleAndProjectsPodcast]

I can't do much about the smile, I suppose, but I'm glad you found value n the video! Thanks for the feedback!