Critical Path Method Explained: Forward Pass, Backward Pass, Float (PMP Exam)

Learn the Critical Path Method (CPM) in 5 minutes by solving one network diagram step by step. You will calculate the forward pass, the backward pass, total float, free float and the critical path, then test yourself with a PMP style exam question. Worked example: 6 activities, finish-to-start, zero lag. Project duration 16 days. Critical path A-B-D-F. In this video: 0:00 Why the critical path matters 0:15 Core terminology (predecessor, successor, dependencies, lead, lag) 0:40 Building the network diagram 1:10 Forward pass (early start, early finish, MAX at a merge) 2:05 Backward pass (late finish, late start, MIN at a branch) 2:55 Total float and free float 3:35 Finding the critical path 4:05 What happens when an activity slips 4:30 Schedule compression (fast tracking, crashing, resource leveling) 4:45 PMP exam challenge 4:55 Next steps Formulas used EF = ES + Duration LS = LF - Duration Total float = LS - ES = LF - EF Free float = earliest successor ES - EF Merge: ES = MAX(predecessor EF). Branch: LF = MIN(successor LS). Assumptions: finish-to-start relationships, zero lag, Day 0 start convention. Durations are given inputs, not estimated in this video. Practice next: build your own 6 to 8 activity network, run both passes, then check that every critical activity has zero total float. Learn data, project management and AI skills with Sabtech Online: https://sabtechonline.com Subscribe for more PMP and Power BI lessons. #PMP #CriticalPath #ProjectManagement #PMPExam Tags (comma separated, under 500 characters) critical path method, CPM PMP, PMP exam prep, forward pass backward pass, total float, free float, network diagram, project scheduling, critical path example, schedule management PMP, PMP 2026, project management tutorial, how to find critical path, early start early finish, late start late finish, Sabtech Online