What is a Project Charter in PMP [Exam Notes]

The Project Charter is a formal document that authorizes the existence of a project and gives the project manager the authority to apply organizational resources to project activities.

It is one of the first documents created in project initiation and serves as a high-level agreement between the project sponsor, key stakeholders, and the project team.

Key Elements of a Project Charter

• Project purpose or justification

• Measurable project objectives and success criteria

• High-level requirements

• High-level project description and boundaries

• High-level risks

• Summary milestone schedule

• Summary budget or funding requirements

• Project approval requirements (who signs off)

• Assigned project manager and authority level

• Key stakeholders

  
  

High-Level Flow (Simplified)

Initiation:

• Project Charter → Identify Stakeholders

  
  

Planning:

• Develop Project Management Plan

• Define Scope → Create WBS

• Development Schedule

• Estimate Costs and Budget

• Plan Quality, Resources, Risk, Communications, Procurement

  
  

Execution:

• Direct and Manage Project Work

  
  

Monitoring & Controlling:

• Monitor & Control Work

• Perform Integrated Change Control

  
  

Closing:

• Close Project or Phase