In a program schedule, what is the critical path?

• A. The fastest route from the venue to the hotel.
• B. The most costly tasks in the project.
• C. The sequence of tasks that determines the project duration; delaying any task on this path delays the entire schedule.
• D. The list of mandatory permits.

Answer: (C)

The critical path is the sequence of tasks that determines how long the project will take. It’s the longest path through the project’s task network, so its total duration sets the finish date. If any task on that path is delayed, the entire schedule slides because there’s no room (no slack) to absorb the delay. Tasks not on the critical path may have some float, meaning they can be delayed without delaying the project finish. This concept underpins the Critical Path Method used in planning. It’s not about the fastest route between locations, the most costly tasks, or a list of permits—those aren’t what set the project’s completion time.