PK0-005 Project Management Concepts Practice Question
A project manager is working in a matrix organization. The project team members report to both the project manager and their functional managers. The project manager has moderate authority and shares resources. This type of matrix is known as:
⚠ Common exam trap
PK0-005 often tests the distinction between balanced, strong, and weak matrices by embedding authority-level keywords ('moderate,' 'shared,' 'high,' 'low') in the scenario; candidates frequently confuse 'shared resources' with a weak matrix when the correct signal is the PM's moderate 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
✓
Balanced matrix
In a balanced matrix organization, the project manager has moderate authority and shares resources with functional managers, who retain roughly equal control over team members. This dual-reporting arrangement is the defining characteristic of the balanced matrix, distinguishing it from the strong matrix (where the PM has more authority) and the weak matrix (where the functional manager dominates). The scenario explicitly states 'moderate authority' and 'shares resources,' which maps directly to the balanced matrix definition in PMBOK.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Balanced matrix
Why this is correct
A balanced matrix matches the stem: the project manager holds moderate authority while functional managers retain control of resources, so team members report to both. Weak matrices give the project manager limited authority, whereas strong matrices grant high authority and dedicated resources.
- ✗
Functional
Why it's wrong here
A functional organisation gives the functional manager sole authority over staff; project managers there hold little to no formal power, and team members do not report to both managers. It is tempting because the stem mentions functional managers, yet the shared reporting and moderate project authority described indicate a balanced matrix.
- ✗
Strong matrix
Why it's wrong here
A strong matrix grants the project manager primary authority over resources, with functional managers in a supporting role. It is tempting because both matrix types involve dual reporting, but the stem specifies moderate authority and shared resources, which define a balanced matrix rather than the strong form.
- ✗
Weak matrix
Why it's wrong here
In a weak matrix the functional manager retains primary authority and the project manager's role is largely coordinator or expediter, with limited power over resources. It is tempting because shared reporting exists, but the stem's moderate authority and shared resources describe a balanced matrix, not the weak form.
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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.