- A
Run 'terraform refresh' to automatically update the state.
Why wrong: Terraform refresh updates state to match real infrastructure, but for deleted resources, it marks them as tainted or removed? Actually refresh will detect deletion and update state, but the standard practice is to use state rm or import. However, terraform refresh is being deprecated; state rm is more explicit.
- B
Run 'terraform state rm google_container_cluster.my_cluster' to remove the cluster from state, then decide whether to recreate.
This removes the resource from state, allowing you to apply cleanly.
- C
Run 'terraform apply' again to recreate the cluster.
Why wrong: This will recreate the cluster, but the state still has the old resource; it may cause conflicts.
- D
Run 'terraform destroy' to destroy all resources.
Why wrong: This destroys everything, not just the cluster; it will also try to destroy the already-deleted cluster, which will fail.
Google ACE Deploying and Implementing a Cloud Solution Practice Question
This ACE practice question tests your understanding of deploying and implementing a cloud solution. 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.
You are using Terraform to manage a GKE cluster. After running 'terraform apply', the cluster is created. Later, you manually delete the cluster via the Cloud Console. What should you do next to align your Terraform state with the actual infrastructure?
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 state rm google_container_cluster.my_cluster' to remove the cluster from state, then decide whether to recreate.
If a resource is deleted outside Terraform, 'terraform apply' will try to recreate it from the existing state. To update state to reflect the deletion, you must run 'terraform state rm' to remove the resource from state, then optionally apply to recreate if desired.
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.
- ✗
Run 'terraform refresh' to automatically update the state.
Why it's wrong here
Terraform refresh updates state to match real infrastructure, but for deleted resources, it marks them as tainted or removed? Actually refresh will detect deletion and update state, but the standard practice is to use state rm or import. However, terraform refresh is being deprecated; state rm is more explicit.
- ✓
Run 'terraform state rm google_container_cluster.my_cluster' to remove the cluster from state, then decide whether to recreate.
Why this is correct
This removes the resource from state, allowing you to apply cleanly.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Run 'terraform apply' again to recreate the cluster.
Why it's wrong here
This will recreate the cluster, but the state still has the old resource; it may cause conflicts.
- ✗
Run 'terraform destroy' to destroy all resources.
Why it's wrong here
This destroys everything, not just the cluster; it will also try to destroy the already-deleted cluster, which will fail.
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.
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 cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which ACE 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.
- →
Deploying and Implementing a Cloud Solution — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Deploying and Implementing a Cloud Solution practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All ACE questions
1,000 questions across all exam domains
- →
Google Associate Cloud Engineer study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
ACE practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related ACE practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Configuring Access and Security practice questions
Practise ACE questions linked to Configuring Access and Security.
Planning and Configuring a Cloud Solution practice questions
Practise ACE questions linked to Planning and Configuring a Cloud Solution.
Ensuring Successful Operation of a Cloud Solution practice questions
Practise ACE questions linked to Ensuring Successful Operation of a Cloud Solution.
Deploying and Implementing a Cloud Solution practice questions
Practise ACE questions linked to Deploying and Implementing a Cloud Solution.
Setting Up a Cloud Solution Environment practice questions
Practise ACE questions linked to Setting Up a Cloud Solution Environment.
ACE fundamentals practice questions
Practise ACE questions linked to ACE fundamentals.
ACE scenario practice questions
Practise ACE questions linked to ACE scenario.
ACE troubleshooting practice questions
Practise ACE questions linked to ACE troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free ACE practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this ACE question test?
Deploying and Implementing a Cloud Solution — This question tests Deploying and Implementing a Cloud Solution — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Run 'terraform state rm google_container_cluster.my_cluster' to remove the cluster from state, then decide whether to recreate. — If a resource is deleted outside Terraform, 'terraform apply' will try to recreate it from the existing state. To update state to reflect the deletion, you must run 'terraform state rm' to remove the resource from state, then optionally apply to recreate if desired.
What should I do if I get this ACE question wrong?
Identify which ACE 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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This ACE practice question is part of Courseiva's free Google Cloud 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 ACE exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.