What topics are on the TERRAFORM-ASSOCIATE-003 exam?

Understand Infrastructure as Code (IaC) Concepts 10%

1.1

Explain what IaC is

1 subtopics

1.1.1IaC Definition and Core Principles

Learning Objectives

Understand what Infrastructure as Code (IaC) is
Describe advantages of IaC patterns

1.2

Describe advantages of IaC patterns

1 subtopics

1.2.1Benefits of IaC

Learning Objectives

Explain benefits of Infrastructure as Code
Compare IaC to traditional infrastructure management

Domain Hands-on Skills

Understanding IaC workflowsRecognizing IaC patterns

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Confusing declarative and imperative approaches
Not understanding version control benefits

Understand the Purpose of Terraform (vs Other IaC) 10%

Understand Terraform Basics 16%

Use Terraform Outside the Core Workflow 12%

Interact with Terraform Modules 15%

Use the Core Terraform Workflow 16%

Implement and Maintain State 15%

Read, Generate, and Modify Configuration 16%

Understand HCP Terraform Capabilities 10%

How do I earn the HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate (003) certification?

Official Pathway Guidance

Track: Infrastructure Automation

Prerequisites

noneNo formal prerequisitesOptional

Next Steps

vault-professionalHashiCorp Certified: Vault Professional
consul-professionalHashiCorp Certified: Consul Professional

Current Level

terraform-associate-003Terraform AssociatePrimary
vault-associate-002Vault AssociateComplementary
consul-associate-002Consul AssociateComplementary

Alternative Paths

vault-associate-002Vault Associate
consul-associate-002Consul Associate
aws-saa-c03AWS Solutions Architect Associate
az-104Microsoft Azure Administrator
gcp-aceGoogle Cloud Associate Cloud Engineer
ckaCertified Kubernetes Administrator

Career Progression

0

Level:Entry
Role:Junior DevOps Engineer
Certifications:Terraform Associate

1

Level:Mid
Role:DevOps Engineer / Cloud Engineer
Certifications:Terraform Associate, Cloud Provider Associate

2

Level:Senior
Role:Senior DevOps Engineer / Infrastructure Architect
Certifications:Terraform Associate, Multiple Cloud Certifications, Kubernetes Admin

3

Level:Expert
Role:Principal Engineer / Cloud Architect
Certifications:Multiple HashiCorp Certifications, Cloud Professional/Expert levels

Certification Maintenance

Recertification Options:
Retake the latest version of the Terraform Associate examPass a higher-level HashiCorp certificationComplete continuing education (when available)

How do I study for the TERRAFORM-ASSOCIATE-003 Exam?

Practice the HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate (003) with our Exam Simulator

Free practice questions, exam guides, and real exam‑style explanations in our Planet Cert simulator.

Official Resources

Hands-on Labs

Terraform Cloud Getting StartedHashiCorp Deploy Infrastructure with TerraformHashiCorp Azure Terraform QuickstartMicrosoft GCP with TerraformGoogle Cloud

Learn more about this exam

https://www.youtube.com/@HashiCorp https://www.youtube.com/@freecodecamp https://www.youtube.com/@TechWorldwithNana https://www.youtube.com/@KodeKloud Terraform Community Forumsforum

Study Tips

Focus on hands-on practice with Terraform commands
Understand the differences between resources and data sources
Practice with different backend configurations
Master the core workflow: write, plan, apply
Learn module composition and reusability patterns
Understand state management thoroughly
Practice with multiple providers simultaneously
Know the differences between Community and HCP Terraform
Review sample questions multiple times
Set up a personal lab environment for practice

What's changed on this exam?

Technology Coverage

Terraform1.9.x

Testing framework features may appear in future exam updates

Released: 2024-12-01

HCP TerraformLatest

Enterprise features distinction critical for objective 9

Released: Continuous

Provider EcosystemVarious

Understanding provider architecture crucial for objectives 3 and 4

Released: Continuous

Industry Trends

GitOps and Infrastructure as Code adoption accelerating
Multi-cloud strategies driving Terraform adoption
Platform engineering teams standardizing on Terraform
Security scanning and policy as code becoming mandatory
AI-assisted development tools integrating with IaC workflows
Kubernetes and container infrastructure management with Terraform growing

Who should take this exam?

Recommended Experience

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

Experience Level: Beginner-intermediate

How do I register & what's the exam fee?

Exam Cost	$70.5 USD
Testing Centers	Online Proctored
Online Proctoring	Available
Retake Policy	No free retake available

How long is the certification valid?

Valid For	2 years
Recertification	Pass the latest version of the exam Pass a higher-level HashiCorp certification exam

What jobs can I get with this?

Career Benefits

Industry-recognized certification
Validates Terraform expertise
Career advancement opportunities
Higher salary potential
Demonstrates IaC proficiency

HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate (003)

What's Included

Complete Exam Package

Multiple Exam Modes

Lifetime Updates

Money Back Guarantee

Exam Details