hardMultiple Choice
PK0-005 Practice Question: Which document formally authorizes the project…
Which document formally authorizes the project and provides the project manager with the authority to apply resources?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the distinction between the project charter (which authorizes the project and grants resource authority) and the project management plan (which is a detailed execution guide but does not authorize the project).
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 issued by a sponsor or initiator external to the project and establishes a partnership between the performing organization and the requesting organization. Without a signed charter, the project manager lacks the official mandate to allocate budget, personnel, or equipment.
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 consolidates subsidiary plans and baselines; it is not the authorising artefact. It is tempting because the charter feeds into it and it guides execution, but the charter is what names the project manager and grants authority over resources. The plan is created after authorisation.
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Business case
Why it's wrong here
A business case justifies the investment by comparing costs, benefits and options; it supports the decision to proceed but confers no authority. It is tempting because it precedes the charter and is approved by the sponsor, yet it never names the project manager or authorises resource application.
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Scope statement
Why it's wrong here
The scope statement details deliverables, boundaries and acceptance criteria; it defines what is in and out of scope, not who may commit resources. It is tempting because it is a key charter output, but authorisation comes from the charter, which the sponsor signs to formally start the project.
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Project charter
Why this is correct
The project charter is the document issued by the sponsor that formally recognises the project's existence and delegates authority to the project manager to apply organisational resources. Without it, the project manager has no sanctioned mandate to commit resources.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.