EVM Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield EVM facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. The IEAC (Independent Estimate at Completion) differs from project EAC because it is: → Calculated by an independent party or method outside the project team
2. What are the three categories? → Major (High Risk)
3. The 50/50 earned value technique is most appropriate for: → Tasks with duration spanning two reporting periods
4. At project completion, what value should the cumulative Schedule Variance (SV) always equal, regardless of whether the project finished early or late? → Zero
5. A positive VAC indicates: → The project is forecast to finish under the original budget
6. If a project's cumulative CPI is 0.75 and its TCPI (based on BAC) is 1.35, what does this comparison most strongly suggest? → Completing the project within the original budget is highly unlikely
7. The Percent Schedule Variance (%SV) is expressed as: → (SV / PV) × 100
8. The purpose of the Integrated Baseline Review (IBR) is to: → Assess whether the PMB is technically achievable and fully accounts for contract scope
9. What is the correct formula for Variance at Completion (VAC)? → VAC = BAC - EAC
10. What is the To-Complete Performance Index (TCPI) used for in EVM? → To determine the cost efficiency required to meet a budget goal
11. The Percent VAC is computed as: → (VAC / BAC) × 100
12. What is CPM stand for? → Critical Path Method
13. Fixed Formula techniques in EVM include all of the following EXCEPT: → Percent Complete (Subjective Assessment)
14. Level of Effort (LOE) in EVM is characterized by: → Work that cannot be measured by discrete output and earns value based on time passage
15. Schedule Variance (SV) is calculated as: → EV - PV
16. Which type of earned value technique produces the most objective and auditable performance measurement? → Physical Percent Complete supported by measurable criteria
17. Which EAC formula is most appropriate when both cost and schedule efficiency are expected to influence remaining work? → AC + (BAC - EV) / (CPI × SPI)
18. The Units Complete technique measures progress by: → Counting the number of identical physical units completed against the total planned
19. The Integrated Program Management Report (IPMR) replaced which earlier reporting format? → Contract Performance Report (CPR)
20. The Contract Budget Base (CBB) equals: → Negotiated contract cost plus authorized unpriced work
21. Which earned value technique is most appropriate for Level of Effort work packages? → Time-phased budget (earning value based on the passage of schedule time)
22. CPR/IPMR Format 1 provides: → Work Breakdown Structure element performance data by cost and schedule
23. Rolling Wave Planning in EVM means: → Near-term work is planned in detail while future work remains in Planning Packages
24. At project completion, the SPI always converges to which value? → 1.0
25. The Percent Complete technique requires: → A subjective or physical assessment of the fraction of work accomplished
26. How is SPI calculated? → EV/PV
27. What does PMB stand for in an EVM system? → Performance Measurement Baseline
28. What is the correct formula for Schedule Variance (SV)? → SV = EV - PV
29. A Baseline Change Request (BCR) is required when: → Any authorized change to the PMB scope, budget, or schedule is needed
30. EVMS surveillance by DCMA is conducted to: → Verify ongoing compliance with ANSI/EIA-748 guidelines after system acceptance