Quick Answer
The answer is `terraform apply` and `terraform destroy`. These two commands are the only ones among the common Terraform workflows that directly modify the state file because they execute actual infrastructure changes—`apply` creates or updates resources, while `destroy` removes them, both writing the resulting real-world state back to the state file. In contrast, commands like `terraform plan`, `validate`, and `fmt` only read or check configuration without persisting any changes. On the HashiCorp Terraform Associate TF-003 exam, this distinction tests your understanding of the state file’s role as the single source of truth for managed resources; a common trap is assuming `plan` updates state because it shows a diff, but it only compares the current state to the desired configuration without writing anything. To remember, think of the mnemonic “AD” for Apply and Destroy—the only two commands that actually Alter the Data in the state file.
This TF-003 practice question tests your understanding of implement and maintain state. 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.
Which TWO actions will cause Terraform to update the state file?
terraform fmt
Why wrong: Fmt reformats configuration files; it does not affect state.
terraform destroy
Destroy removes resources and updates the state accordingly.
terraform apply
Apply creates or updates resources and saves the new state.
terraform validate
Why wrong: Validate checks configuration syntax; it does not touch state.
terraform plan
Why wrong: Plan only reads the state; it does not modify it.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
terraform destroy
`terraform apply` and `terraform destroy` both modify the state file. `plan`, `validate`, and `fmt` do not make changes to the state.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
terraform fmt
Why it's wrong here
Fmt reformats configuration files; it does not affect state.
terraform destroy
Why this is correct
Destroy removes resources and updates the state accordingly.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
terraform apply
Why this is correct
Apply creates or updates resources and saves the new state.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
terraform validate
Why it's wrong here
Validate checks configuration syntax; it does not touch state.
terraform plan
Why it's wrong here
Plan only reads the state; it does not modify it.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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.
Implement and maintain state — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Implement and maintain state — This question tests Implement and maintain state — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: terraform destroy — `terraform apply` and `terraform destroy` both modify the state file. `plan`, `validate`, and `fmt` do not make changes to the state.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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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