The answer is that the null_resource will be destroyed and recreated alongside the EC2 instance. This occurs because the null_resource’s provisioner depends on the module output containing the instance ID; when the module is modified and Terraform plans to destroy and recreate the EC2 instance, the output value changes, which triggers the null_resource to be recreated as well. On the HashiCorp Terraform Associate TF-003 exam, this tests your understanding of implicit dependency chains—specifically how Terraform automatically infers dependencies from references to module outputs, even when using a null_resource. A common trap is assuming the null_resource remains untouched because it has no real infrastructure, but its lifecycle is tied to any referenced data. Remember the memory tip: “Output change equals null_resource rearrange”—if the source of an output is recreated, anything consuming that output will also be recreated.
TF-003 Interact with Terraform modules Practice Question
This TF-003 practice question tests your understanding of interact with terraform modules. 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.
A root module uses a module that creates an AWS EC2 instance. The module outputs the instance ID. The root module then uses this output in a null_resource provisioner. After modifying the module, terraform plan shows that the EC2 instance will be destroyed and recreated. What is the impact on the null_resource?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The null_resource will be destroyed and recreated alongside the EC2 instance.
Option A is correct because the null_resource depends on the output, so when the module instance is destroyed and recreated, the output value changes, triggering destruction and recreation of the null_resource. Option B is wrong because it will be recreated. Option C is wrong because the dependency is implicit through the output. Option D is wrong because module dependency is automatically inferred.
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.
✗
The null_resource prompts the user to confirm before any changes.
Why it's wrong here
Terraform does not prompt during plan; it shows the changes and requires user approval at apply.
✗
The null_resource will remain unchanged because it is not directly attached to the module.
Why it's wrong here
Terraform tracks dependencies; since the null_resource uses the module output, it is affected.
✗
The null_resource will fail to run because the output is temporarily unavailable during destroy.
Why it's wrong here
Terraform handles ordering; the null_resource will be recreated after the new instance is created.
✓
The null_resource will be destroyed and recreated alongside the EC2 instance.
Why this is correct
The null_resource depends on the module output, so any change in the output value forces recreation.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Terraform does not prompt during plan; it shows the changes and requires user approval at apply.
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 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 TF-003 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.
Interact with Terraform modules — This question tests Interact with Terraform modules — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The null_resource will be destroyed and recreated alongside the EC2 instance. — Option A is correct because the null_resource depends on the output, so when the module instance is destroyed and recreated, the output value changes, triggering destruction and recreation of the null_resource. Option B is wrong because it will be recreated. Option C is wrong because the dependency is implicit through the output. Option D is wrong because module dependency is automatically inferred.
What should I do if I get this TF-003 question wrong?
Identify which TF-003 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.
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Question Discussion
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