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Exam Information
Official specifications published by Hashicorp
Exam Format
60 min
57
70%
Associate
Registration
$70.5 USD
Online Proctored or online proctoring
No free retake available
Validity
2 years
Pass the latest version of the exam; Pass a higher-level HashiCorp certification exam
TERRAFORM-ASSOCIATE-003 Exam Topics and Domains
TERRAFORM-ASSOCIATE-003 is organized into 9 weighted domains. Expect to work with HCP Terraform, Terraform Cloud, Azure, GCP, and more.
1
Understand Infrastructure as Code (IaC) Concepts
10%
Explain what IaC is
IaC Definition and Core Principles
- Understand what Infrastructure as Code (IaC) is
- Describe advantages of IaC patterns
Describe advantages of IaC patterns
Benefits of IaC
- Explain benefits of Infrastructure as Code
- Compare IaC to traditional infrastructure management
2
Understand the Purpose of Terraform (vs Other IaC)
10%
Explain multi-cloud and provider-agnostic benefits
Multi-cloud capabilities
- Understand Terraform's multi-cloud capabilities
- Explain provider-agnostic benefits
Explain the benefits of state
State management benefits
- Understand the purpose of Terraform state
- Explain benefits of state management
3
Understand Terraform Basics
16%
Install and version Terraform providers
Provider management
- Install and configure Terraform providers
- Manage provider versions
Describe plugin-based architecture
Plugin architecture
- Understand Terraform's plugin-based architecture
- Describe provider plugin system
Write Terraform configuration using multiple providers
Multi-provider configurations
- Configure multiple providers in a single configuration
- Use provider aliases
Describe how Terraform finds and fetches providers
Provider discovery
- Understand provider discovery mechanism
- Describe provider fetching process
4
Use Terraform Outside the Core Workflow
12%
Describe when to use terraform import vs terraform refresh
Import and refresh commands
- Understand terraform import command
- Understand terraform refresh command
- Know when to use each command
Use terraform state to view Terraform state
State inspection commands
- Use terraform state commands
- Inspect state file contents
Use terraform state to modify Terraform state
State manipulation
- Modify state using terraform state commands
- Understand state manipulation safety
5
Interact with Terraform Modules
15%
Contrast and use different module sources
Module sources
- Understand different module sources
- Use various module source types
Interact with module inputs and outputs
Module variables and outputs
- Define module inputs and outputs
- Use module outputs in configurations
Describe variable scope within modules/child modules
Variable scoping
- Understand variable scope in modules
- Manage variables across module boundaries
Set module version
Module versioning
- Specify module versions
- Use version constraints for modules
6
Use the Core Terraform Workflow
16%
Describe Terraform workflow (Write -> Plan -> Create)
Core workflow steps
- Understand the core Terraform workflow
- Execute workflow commands in order
Initialize a Terraform working directory
terraform init
- Use terraform init command
- Understand initialization process
Validate a Terraform configuration
terraform validate and fmt
- Validate Terraform configurations
- Format Terraform code
Generate and review an execution plan
terraform plan
- Generate execution plans
- Interpret plan output
Execute changes to infrastructure
terraform apply and destroy
- Apply infrastructure changes
- Destroy infrastructure
7
Implement and Maintain State
15%
Describe default local backend
Local backend
- Understand local backend
- Know default state behavior
Describe state locking
State locking mechanisms
- Understand state locking
- Handle state lock conflicts
Handle backend and cloud integration authentication
Remote backend authentication
- Configure remote backends
- Manage backend authentication
Differentiate remote state back end options
Remote backend options
- Compare different backend options
- Choose appropriate backends
Manage resource drift and Terraform state
Drift detection and management
- Understand configuration drift
- Manage state and reality differences
8
Read, Generate, and Modify Configuration
16%
Demonstrate use of variables and outputs
Variables and outputs
- Define and use variables
- Create and reference outputs
Describe secure secret injection best practice
Secret management
- Implement secure secret management
- Use sensitive variables properly
Understand the use of collection and structural types
Complex variable types
- Use complex variable types
- Define type constraints
Create and differentiate resource and data configuration
Resources vs data sources
- Create resource configurations
- Use data sources appropriately
Use resource addressing and resource parameters
Resource addressing
- Use resource addressing
- Reference resource attributes
Use Terraform built-in functions
Built-in functions
- Use built-in functions
- Apply functions in configurations
Configure resource using a dynamic block
Dynamic blocks
- Create dynamic blocks
- Use iterators in dynamic blocks
9
Understand HCP Terraform Capabilities
10%
Explain how HCP Terraform helps to manage infrastructure
HCP Terraform features
- Understand HCP Terraform features
- Explain infrastructure management benefits
Describe how HCP Terraform enables collaboration
Collaboration features
- Understand collaboration workflows
- Configure team access
Differentiate HCP Terraform and Terraform Community Edition
Edition differences
- Compare Terraform editions
- Identify enterprise features
Describe HCP Terraform workspaces
Workspace concepts
- Create and manage workspaces
- Configure workspace settings
How do I earn this certification?
Passing TERRAFORM-ASSOCIATE-003 earns the HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate certification. It sits in the Infrastructure Automation track.
Current Level Exams
- vault-associate-002 - Vault Associate
- consul-associate-002 - Consul Associate
Next Level Options
- vault-professional - HashiCorp Certified: Vault Professional
- consul-professional - HashiCorp Certified: Consul Professional
Alternative Paths
- vault-associate-002 - Vault Associate Complementary security and secrets management skills
- consul-associate-002 - Consul Associate Service mesh and networking automation
- aws-saa-c03 - AWS Solutions Architect Associate Cloud platform expertise to complement IaC skills
- az-104 - Microsoft Azure AdministratorAzure platform knowledge for Terraform deployments
- gcp-ace - Google Cloud Associate Cloud EngineerGCP expertise for multi-cloud Terraform usage
- cka - Certified Kubernetes AdministratorKubernetes knowledge complements Terraform for container infrastructure
Practice with Precision
The PlanetCert Simulator mirrors the real exam environment with authentic questions and timed pressure.
How to study for this exam?
The most effective way to prepare for TERRAFORM-ASSOCIATE-003 is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2023-01-01
- Announcement date: 2022-11-15
Updates
- Terraform 1.9.x Testing framework features may appear in future exam updates • Release date: 2024-12-01
- HCP Terraform Latest Enterprise features distinction critical for objective 9 • Release date: Continuous
- Provider Ecosystem Various Understanding provider architecture crucial for objectives 3 and 4 • Release date: Continuous
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Cloud Engineers and DevOps Engineers.
- Basic terminal/command-line skills
- Understanding of on-premises and cloud infrastructure concepts
- Experience with at least one major cloud provider (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud)
- 6+ months of Terraform experience in production or demo environments