PRINCE2F PRINCE2 Processes Practice Question
Who is responsible for authorising the start of a project in PRINCE2?
⚠ Common exam trap
PRINCE2 exams often test the misconception that the Project Manager authorises the project start, but in PRINCE2, the Project Manager manages the work, while the Project Board provides the authority to begin.
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
✓
The Project Board
In PRINCE2, the Project Board is responsible for authorising the start of a project. This occurs at the end of the Initiating a Project process, when the Project Board reviews the Project Initiation Documentation and gives approval to proceed with the project. The Project Board provides overall direction and control, ensuring the project aligns with business, user, and supplier interests.
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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The Senior Supplier
Why it's wrong here
The Senior Supplier represents the interests of those designing, developing and delivering the products, and holds no authority to commission the project. Project authorisation rests with the Project Board, acting on the Project Mandate and Business Case. The Senior Supplier only advises on supplier feasibility.
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The Project Manager
Why it's wrong here
The Project Manager runs the project day to day on the Project Board's behalf, but cannot authorise its own initiation. Authorisation of the Project Initiation Documentation and project start belongs to the Project Board. A Project Manager authorising start would bypass the Board's accountability.
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The Senior User
Why it's wrong here
The Senior User specifies and represents user needs and benefits, not project authorisation. That decision sits with the Project Board, which reviews the Business Case. The Senior User's role is to ensure the project delivers the required outcomes, not to commission it.
- ✓
The Project Board
Why this is correct
The Project Board authorises the start of the project, giving the Project Manager the mandate to proceed after reviewing the Project Brief and Initiation Stage Plan. This satisfies the stem because authority for project initiation sits with the board, not the Project Manager or Project Assurance.
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