CAPM Practice Question: Project Management Fundamentals and Core Concepts
A project manager is developing the project charter for a new marketing campaign. The sponsor asks which document formally authorizes the project and gives the project manager authority to apply organizational resources. What is the correct answer?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that the business case or benefits management plan authorizes the project, when 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 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 sponsor or a senior manager. Without a charter, the project manager may lack the necessary authority to proceed effectively.
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 formally authorizes the project and gives the project manager authority to apply organizational resources to project activities. It is issued by the sponsor or initiating entity. For the marketing campaign, the charter is the document that officially starts 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, but it does not authorize the project. It is developed after the charter. The charter is the document that formally authorizes the project and the project manager, so this option is incorrect.
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Business case
Why it's wrong here
The business case justifies the project and provides the rationale for investing in it, but it does not authorize the project or grant authority. It is an input to the charter. The marketing campaign's business case would support the decision, but the charter is the authorizing document.
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Benefits management plan
Why it's wrong here
The benefits management plan defines how and when the project's benefits will be delivered and measured. It does not authorize the project. While important for the marketing campaign, it is not the document that formally starts the project or gives the project manager authority.
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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 PMI exam blueprint
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