Udemy

Free Critical Path Course: Forward Pass, Backward Pass and Float

A project schedule is more useful when you understand which dependencies control its finish date. Dean A. Sheppard’s focused primer explains critical-path analysis through network diagrams, forward and backward passes, and total float.

Free Critical Path Course: Forward Pass, Backward Pass and Float — Dean A. Sheppard MEng. MSc. PMP. WikiFree selection on Udemy.
Free learning access

Listed as Free on Udemy when checked on 21 October 2026. No coupon or subscription trial is required for the listed lessons. Enrollment needs a Udemy account; availability can change.

About this course

A project schedule is more useful when you understand which dependencies control its finish date. Dean A. Sheppard’s focused primer explains critical-path analysis through network diagrams, forward and backward passes, and total float.

The lessons separate the calculations into stages before working through an exercise solution. That structure makes this a suitable next step after a general project-management introduction, especially if scheduling software shows dates that you want to understand rather than simply accept.

Official course Project Management PMP: Critical Path Primer
Created by Dean A. Sheppard MEng. MSc. PMP
Platform Udemy
Language English
Level Beginner — Udemy listing
Listed duration 53 minutes; 6 lectures across 3 sections
Certificate Not included with a new free enrollment

Skills you’ll gain

  • Reading activity dependencies
  • Calculating a forward pass
  • Calculating a backward pass
  • Interpreting total float and the critical path

Basic project-scheduling knowledge is required. The material is centered on the analysis method, not on learning a particular software product. Leave additional study time for attempting the exercise yourself before checking the worked solution.

Although PMP appears in the original title, this is a primer on one scheduling topic. It is not a complete PMP preparation course, and this review does not verify examination credit, contact hours or a certification entitlement. Its value lies in making the scheduling calculations more understandable.

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Choose your next step

Review the project foundations first: Project Management: Approaches and Lifecycle. Build familiarity with projects and schedules before the detailed calculations.

Connect the schedule to broader planning: Connect Scope, Schedule and Cost. Relate the critical-path work to the other constraints a project manager monitors.

Frequently asked questions

What preparation is expected?

The course asks for a basic understanding of project scheduling.

Is an exercise solution included?

Yes. A dedicated lesson works through the calculations after forward pass, backward pass and float have been introduced.

Checked on 21 October 2026 using the public course details and syllabus. WikiFree has not watched every lesson or tested full playback. New free enrollments do not include a Udemy completion certificate, instructor Q&A or direct messages.

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