PRINCE2F PRINCE2 Processes Practice Question
A Project Manager is about to begin work on a new stage. Which document provides the authority to proceed with the stage?
⚠ Common exam trap
PRINCE2F often tests the distinction between the PID (which authorizes the project) and the Stage Plan (which authorizes each stage), causing candidates to select the PID for stage-level authority questions.
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
✓
Stage Plan
In PRINCE2, the Stage Plan is the document that, once approved by the Project Board, provides the authority to proceed with that specific stage. The 'authorize a stage' activity within the Directing a Project process uses the Stage Plan as the basis for the Project Board's decision. Without an approved Stage Plan, the Project Manager cannot legitimately start work on the stage.
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 Brief
Why it's wrong here
The Project Brief is a pre-project document used to gain authorisation to initiate the project, not to authorise each stage. It is tempting because it does grant formal approval to start, but that approval covers the initiation stage only; stage boundaries require the next Stage Plan approved by the Project Board.
- ✓
Stage Plan
Why this is correct
The Stage Plan, approved by the Project Board, contains the authorisation to proceed; the 'authorise a stage or exception plan' activity grants that authority. Without an approved Stage Plan the Project Manager cannot start stage work, so it is the document providing the go-ahead.
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Project Initiation Documentation
Why it's wrong here
The Project Initiation Documentation authorises the project as a whole, not an individual stage. It is tempting because it contains the Stage Plan for the initiation stage and is approved by the Project Board. Subsequent stages need their own Stage Plan approved at the managing a stage boundary activity.
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Business Case
Why it's wrong here
The Business Case justifies the project's continued viability but confers no authority to proceed. It is tempting because it is reviewed and confirmed at every stage boundary, so it feels like the gate. Authority to proceed comes from the Project Board approving the next Stage Plan, not from the Business Case itself.
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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 PeopleCert exam blueprint
This PRINCE2F practice question is part of Courseiva's free PeopleCert 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 PRINCE2F exam.