AWS provider Resource Lifecycle Management Practice Question
Which TWO of the following are valid ways to handle a resource that has become 'tainted'?
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
✓
Run 'terraform apply' to recreate it.
You can either fix the taint by running a successful apply or manually untaint it using the CLI.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Run 'terraform apply' to recreate it.
Why this is correct
Standard path.
- ✓
Run 'terraform untaint <resource_name>' to clear the status.
Why this is correct
Valid approach.
- ✗
Run 'terraform refresh' to clear the taint.
Why it's wrong here
Refresh does not clear taint.
- ✗
Use 'terraform state rm' to fix the taint.
Why it's wrong here
This removes the resource, not fixes the taint.
- ✗
Use 'terraform plan -force-apply'.
Why it's wrong here
No such command exists.
About these practice questions
One of 193 original AWS provider practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official HashiCorp exam blueprint
This AWS provider practice question is part of Courseiva's free HashiCorp certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the AWS provider exam.