hardMultiple Choice
PK0-005 Practice Question: A project sponsor asks for a document that…
A project sponsor asks for a document that formally authorizes the project and provides the project manager with authority to apply resources. Which document should the project manager provide?
⚠ Common exam trap
PK0-005 often tests the confusion between the project charter (which authorizes the project) and the project management plan (which describes how to execute it), or the business case (which justifies it).
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
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Project charter
The project charter is the document that formally authorizes the existence of a project and provides the project manager with the authority to apply organizational resources to project activities. It is typically issued by the project sponsor or initiating entity and serves as the official start of the project. Without a charter, the project manager lacks the formal authority to proceed.
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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Project management plan
Why it's wrong here
The project management plan describes how the project will be executed, monitored and controlled; it does not authorise the project or grant the project manager authority over resources. The charter performs that authorisation. The plan is tempting because it is the project manager's central document, but it is created after authorisation.
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Project charter
Why this is correct
The project charter formally authorises the project's existence and grants the project manager authority to apply organisational resources to project activities. It is the document issued by the sponsor that satisfies the stem's requirement for formal authorisation and resource authority.
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Business case
Why it's wrong here
The business case justifies the investment and compares options, but it neither formally authorises the project nor grants the project manager authority to apply resources. The charter does both. The business case is tempting because it precedes the project and supports the sponsor's decision, yet it remains a justification document, not an authorisation.
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Scope statement
Why it's wrong here
The scope statement defines the approved deliverables, boundaries and acceptance criteria; it does not formally authorise the project or confer authority over resources. The charter provides that authorisation. The scope statement is tempting because it is an early, sponsor-facing document, but it describes what is in scope rather than empowering the project manager.
About these practice questions
Courseiva writes every PK0-005 question from scratch — 954 in total, each with an explanation and a wrong-answer breakdown. None are copied from real exams or dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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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.