PK0-005 Tools and Documentation Practice Question
Which document formally authorizes the existence of a project and provides the project manager with the authority to apply organizational resources to project activities?
⚠ Common exam trap
PK0-005 often tests the distinction between the charter (authorizes the project) and the business case (justifies it) or the project management plan (describes execution) — candidates may pick the business case because it sounds foundational, but only the charter grants formal 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
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Project charter
The project charter is the document that formally authorizes the project and gives the project manager authority to apply organizational resources to project activities. It is typically issued by the project sponsor or initiating authority and marks the transition from pre-project work to the formal project lifecycle. Without a charter, the project manager lacks formal authority.
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 charter
Why this is correct
The project charter is the formal document that authorises the project's existence and grants the project manager authority to apply organisational resources. It satisfies the stem's requirement for both formal authorisation and resource-application authority, distinguishing it from plans or business cases.
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Statement of work
Why it's wrong here
A statement of work defines deliverables, scope and timelines for contracted work; it does not confer project authorisation or resource authority. It is tempting because it precedes project work in procurement contexts, but the charter is the document that formally authorises the project and empowers the project manager.
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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 is created after authorisation, not the instrument granting it. It is tempting because it governs the project manager's approach, yet the charter is what formally recognises the project and confers authority over organisational resources.
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Business case
Why it's wrong here
A business case justifies the investment and compares options, but it grants no formal authority over organisational resources. It is tempting because it precedes and often triggers the project. A business case would be the correct artefact when the question asks what justifies funding rather than what authorises the project.
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Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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