CAPM Practice: Determine how to document project controls of predictive, plan-based projects

CV = EV - AC. A positive CV means EV > AC — the project accomplished more value than it spent. This represents an under-budget (cost-favorable) condition. A negative CV means EV < AC — the project spent more than the value accomplished, indicating an over-budget condition.

**Why not A:** Saying the project is "ahead of the cost baseline" is vague and potentially misleading. A positive CV specifically means the project has earned more value than it has spent — it is under budget. Being "ahead" of a baseline is typically associated with schedule, not cost.

**Why not B:** A favorable schedule position is measured by Schedule Variance (SV) or Schedule Performance Index (SPI), not Cost Variance. CV measures cost efficiency, not schedule performance. These are distinct EVM metrics that should not be confused.

**Why not D:** A positive CV means the project is spending less than the value of work accomplished, which is the opposite of spending more than planned. A negative CV would indicate spending more than earned, signaling an over-budget condition.