AWS provider Resource Lifecycle Management Practice Question
Which THREE of the following are consequences of drifting from the Terraform state?
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
✓
The plan may show changes even if the config hasn't changed.
Drift causes mismatches, unexpected results, and potential failure during destructive actions.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
The plan may show changes even if the config hasn't changed.
Why this is correct
This is the hallmark of drift.
- ✓
It can lead to 'Resource Not Found' errors if someone manually deletes an item.
Why this is correct
Terraform expects the resource to exist.
- ✗
It disables the use of lifecycle meta-arguments.
Why it's wrong here
Lifecycle rules are still evaluated.
- ✓
Terraform may attempt to revert changes during the next apply.
Why this is correct
Terraform tries to reach the desired state.
- ✗
It automatically updates the configuration file.
Why it's wrong here
Terraform does not modify your .tf files.
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.