- A
Step 1: Identify the sponsor, Step 2: Define the business case, Step 3: Draft the charter, Step 4: Obtain approval, Step 5: Communicate the charter.
This is the correct order because the sponsor initiates the project, the business case justifies it, the charter is drafted based on that, then approved by key stakeholders, and finally communicated to ensure alignment.
- B
Step 1: Define the business case, Step 2: Identify the sponsor, Step 3: Draft the charter, Step 4: Obtain approval, Step 5: Communicate the charter.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because the sponsor should be identified first to provide authority and resources for developing the business case. Defining the business case before identifying the sponsor may lead to misalignment.
- C
Step 1: Identify the sponsor, Step 2: Define the business case, Step 3: Draft the charter, Step 4: Communicate the charter, Step 5: Obtain approval.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because obtaining approval must occur before communicating the charter. Communicating an unapproved charter can cause confusion and lack of commitment.
- D
Step 1: Draft the charter, Step 2: Identify the sponsor, Step 3: Define the business case, Step 4: Obtain approval, Step 5: Communicate the charter.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because drafting the charter requires input from the sponsor and the business case. Starting with the charter without foundational information would result in an incomplete document.
Order of Steps to Develop a Project Charter
This PMP practice question tests your understanding of people — leading projects. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Arrange the steps for developing a project charter in the correct order.
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
Step 1: Identify the sponsor, Step 2: Define the business case, Step 3: Draft the charter, Step 4: Obtain approval, Step 5: Communicate the charter.
The project charter is developed by identifying the sponsor, defining the business case, drafting the charter, obtaining approval, and then communicating it.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Step 1: Identify the sponsor, Step 2: Define the business case, Step 3: Draft the charter, Step 4: Obtain approval, Step 5: Communicate the charter.
Why this is correct
This is the correct order because the sponsor initiates the project, the business case justifies it, the charter is drafted based on that, then approved by key stakeholders, and finally communicated to ensure alignment.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Step 1: Define the business case, Step 2: Identify the sponsor, Step 3: Draft the charter, Step 4: Obtain approval, Step 5: Communicate the charter.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because the sponsor should be identified first to provide authority and resources for developing the business case. Defining the business case before identifying the sponsor may lead to misalignment.
- ✗
Step 1: Identify the sponsor, Step 2: Define the business case, Step 3: Draft the charter, Step 4: Communicate the charter, Step 5: Obtain approval.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because obtaining approval must occur before communicating the charter. Communicating an unapproved charter can cause confusion and lack of commitment.
- ✗
Step 1: Draft the charter, Step 2: Identify the sponsor, Step 3: Define the business case, Step 4: Obtain approval, Step 5: Communicate the charter.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because drafting the charter requires input from the sponsor and the business case. Starting with the charter without foundational information would result in an incomplete document.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Similar concept trap
This is incorrect because obtaining approval must occur before communicating the charter. Communicating an unapproved charter can cause confusion and lack of commitment.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the PMP exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which PMP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PMP question test?
People — Leading Projects — This question tests People — Leading Projects — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Step 1: Identify the sponsor, Step 2: Define the business case, Step 3: Draft the charter, Step 4: Obtain approval, Step 5: Communicate the charter. — The project charter is developed by identifying the sponsor, defining the business case, drafting the charter, obtaining approval, and then communicating it.
What should I do if I get this PMP question wrong?
Identify which PMP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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