PK0-005 Project Management Concepts Practice Question
A project manager is developing the project charter for a new payroll system. The sponsor asks which document will formally authorize the project and give the project manager authority to apply organizational resources. Which document should the project manager reference?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often confuse the project charter with the project management plan, since both are foundational documents, but only the charter authorizes the project and assigns the project manager authority.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Project charter
The project charter is the document that formally authorizes the project and grants the project manager authority to apply organizational resources. The business case and benefits management plan support the decision to invest, while the project management plan describes execution and control after authorization, so the charter is the correct reference.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Benefits management plan
Why it's wrong here
The benefits management plan defines how and when the project's benefits will be delivered and measured. It is a strategic document that complements the business case but does not authorize the project or assign authority to the project manager. It cannot fulfill the sponsor's request for the formal project authorization.
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Project management plan
Why it's wrong here
The project management plan describes how the project will be executed, monitored, and controlled, but it does not formally authorize the project or grant the project manager authority. It is created after the charter and integrates subsidiary plans such as scope, schedule, and cost baselines. It cannot serve as the authorization document the sponsor is requesting.
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Business case
Why it's wrong here
The business case justifies the investment by comparing benefits, costs, and risks, and it may precede the charter. However, it does not formally authorize the project or grant the project manager authority over resources. It supports the decision to initiate the project but is not the authorization document the sponsor is asking about.
- ✓
Project charter
Why this is correct
The project charter formally authorizes the existence of the project and gives the project manager the authority to apply organizational resources to project activities. It is typically issued by the sponsor or initiating entity and names the project manager. This matches the sponsor's request for the document that authorizes the project and assigns authority.
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
This PK0-005 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the PK0-005 exam.