The answer is to use a remote backend with state locking enabled and store Terraform configurations in a version control system. These two practices are correct because they directly support the core Terraform workflow of write, plan, and apply: version control ensures the write phase is collaborative, auditable, and repeatable through code review and rollback, while a remote backend with state locking prevents concurrent modifications during the apply phase, avoiding state corruption and ensuring safe team collaboration. On the HashiCorp Terraform Associate TF-003 exam, this question tests your understanding of the foundational workflow best practices, often appearing as a trap where candidates mistakenly select local state or manual locking. A common memory tip is to remember that the workflow is about code and state: Git for the code, remote backend for the state.
TF-003 Use the core Terraform workflow Practice Question
This TF-003 practice question tests your understanding of use the core terraform workflow. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 team is adopting Terraform for infrastructure deployment. They want to ensure that the core workflow (write, plan, apply) is followed effectively. Which two practices should they adopt? (Choose two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Store Terraform configurations in a version control system like Git.
Option A is correct because storing Terraform configurations in a version control system like Git ensures that the 'write' phase is collaborative, auditable, and repeatable. It enables teams to track changes, roll back to previous versions, and enforce code review before applying infrastructure changes, which is a core DevOps practice for the Terraform workflow.
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.
✓
Store Terraform configurations in a version control system like Git.
Why this is correct
Version control allows tracking changes, collaboration, and rollback.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Require manual confirmation for every terraform plan execution.
Why it's wrong here
Manual confirmation for plan is not necessary; plan is read-only.
✗
Store state files locally on the engineer's machine.
Why it's wrong here
Local state prevents collaboration and can cause conflicts.
✗
Always run terraform apply directly without terraform plan to save time.
Why it's wrong here
Skipping plan can lead to unintended changes without review.
✓
Use a remote backend with state locking enabled.
Why this is correct
Remote state with locking ensures safe concurrent operations.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
HashiCorp often tests the misconception that local state storage is acceptable for teams, but the exam expects candidates to recognize that remote backends with locking are mandatory for collaborative workflows to prevent state conflicts and enable team-based infrastructure management.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Using a remote backend with state locking (Option E) prevents concurrent modifications by acquiring a lock on the state file during operations like plan and apply, typically via DynamoDB for AWS S3 backends or consul locks. This ensures consistency and avoids state corruption in team environments, which is critical because Terraform state files contain sensitive resource mappings and can be corrupted by simultaneous writes.
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.
Use the core Terraform workflow — This question tests Use the core Terraform workflow — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Store Terraform configurations in a version control system like Git. — Option A is correct because storing Terraform configurations in a version control system like Git ensures that the 'write' phase is collaborative, auditable, and repeatable. It enables teams to track changes, roll back to previous versions, and enforce code review before applying infrastructure changes, which is a core DevOps practice for the Terraform workflow.
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.
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Question Discussion
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