- A
Include `required_version` in each workspace's root module and configure workspace locks in the UI.
Why wrong: `required_version` only applies to that configuration, and workspace locks prevent runs but not deletion.
- B
Set `required_providers` with version constraints in a global Terraform file.
Why wrong: Provider version constraints are per configuration; they don't enforce Terraform version or prevent workspace deletion.
- C
Use the Terraform Cloud API to write an OPA policy that enforces Terraform version and prevents workspace deletion.
OPA policies can enforce version requirements and protect workspaces from deletion.
- D
Configure version constraints in the Terraform Cloud workspace settings and enable deletion protection.
Why wrong: Workspace settings allow setting a Terraform version but not enforcing it universally; deletion protection is not a built-in feature.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is to use the Terraform Cloud API to write an OPA policy that enforces Terraform version and prevents workspace deletion. This approach works because Open Policy Agent (OPA) policies can be injected into Terraform Cloud’s run lifecycle via API-driven decision points, allowing you to gate both the Terraform version used in a workspace and any destructive API calls like workspace deletion—without requiring Sentinel or Terraform Enterprise. On the HashiCorp Terraform Associate TF-003 exam, this question tests your understanding of governance alternatives beyond Sentinel, specifically how OPA fills that gap in Terraform Cloud’s standard tier. A common trap is assuming Sentinel is the only policy engine, but the exam expects you to know that OPA integrates via the API to enforce version constraints and protect workspaces. Memory tip: “OPA API” = “Only Policy Alternative” when Sentinel isn’t available.
TF-003 Use Terraform outside the core workflow Practice Question
This TF-003 practice question tests your understanding of use terraform outside the core workflow. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
An organization uses Terraform Cloud to manage infrastructure across multiple teams. They need to enforce that all workspaces use a specific version of Terraform and that no workspace can be deleted accidentally. Which approach meets these requirements without using Sentinel or Terraform Enterprise?
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
Use the Terraform Cloud API to write an OPA policy that enforces Terraform version and prevents workspace deletion.
Option C is correct because the Terraform Cloud API allows you to write OPA (Open Policy Agent) policies that can enforce Terraform version constraints and prevent workspace deletion, even without Sentinel or Terraform Enterprise. OPA policies are evaluated during runs and API calls, providing a flexible, code-based approach to governance that meets both requirements.
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.
- ✗
Include `required_version` in each workspace's root module and configure workspace locks in the UI.
Why it's wrong here
`required_version` only applies to that configuration, and workspace locks prevent runs but not deletion.
- ✗
Set `required_providers` with version constraints in a global Terraform file.
Why it's wrong here
Provider version constraints are per configuration; they don't enforce Terraform version or prevent workspace deletion.
- ✓
Use the Terraform Cloud API to write an OPA policy that enforces Terraform version and prevents workspace deletion.
Why this is correct
OPA policies can enforce version requirements and protect workspaces from deletion.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Configure version constraints in the Terraform Cloud workspace settings and enable deletion protection.
Why it's wrong here
Workspace settings allow setting a Terraform version but not enforcing it universally; deletion protection is not a built-in feature.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
HashiCorp often tests the distinction between built-in Terraform Cloud features (like workspace settings) and external policy engines (like OPA), leading candidates to assume that UI-based settings can enforce deletion protection when they cannot.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
OPA policies in Terraform Cloud are evaluated as part of the run lifecycle, using the `tfrun` data source to inspect attributes like `terraform_version`. The API endpoint `POST /api/v2/policies` allows you to upload Rego policies that can deny workspace deletion by checking the `action` attribute in the request context. This approach works in Terraform Cloud (non-Enterprise) because OPA is a separate open-source policy engine that Terraform Cloud integrates with via API, not a premium feature.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 practitioner preparing for the TF-003 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this TF-003 question test?
Use Terraform outside the core workflow — This question tests Use Terraform outside the core workflow — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use the Terraform Cloud API to write an OPA policy that enforces Terraform version and prevents workspace deletion. — Option C is correct because the Terraform Cloud API allows you to write OPA (Open Policy Agent) policies that can enforce Terraform version constraints and prevent workspace deletion, even without Sentinel or Terraform Enterprise. OPA policies are evaluated during runs and API calls, providing a flexible, code-based approach to governance that meets both requirements.
What should I do if I get this TF-003 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This TF-003 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 TF-003 exam.
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