CompTIA Project+ Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Preparation

In project management, "baseline" specifically refers to the approved version of a project plan, which includes scope, schedule, and cost. This approved baseline serves as a critical reference point for measuring project performance and progress throughout its lifecycle. By establishing a baseline, project managers can compare actual performance against the planned performance, allowing them to identify variances and make informed decisions about corrective actions when necessary.

Establishing a baseline ensures that all stakeholders have a shared understanding of what the project intent is and sets clear expectations regarding deliverables and timelines. It forms the foundation for monitoring and controlling project execution, as any adjustments made during the project can be evaluated against the baseline to assess their impact on the overall project objectives.

While the other options reference important project components, they do not capture the formal and regulatory aspect of a baseline. For example, while the original estimate of project costs may be part of the baseline, it does not encompass the entire approved project plan. An informal outline lacks the structure and approval process that defines a baseline, and the final version of deliverables is not what is typically referred to as a baseline; rather, it's a result of project activities, not a starting point for monitoring.