Quick Answer
The answer is the KV v1 secrets engine. This is correct because KV v1 maintains a flat, non-versioned directory structure that inherently supports the LIST operation, allowing you to enumerate all keys under a given path—for example, using `vault list secret/` to see every stored key. On the HashiCorp Vault Associate VA-003 exam, this question tests your understanding of the fundamental difference between KV v1 and KV v2: while both store key-value pairs, only KV v1 offers straightforward listing of keys under a path without requiring metadata or version handling. A common trap is assuming KV v2 also supports listing, but its versioned backend requires a different approach and does not expose a simple key list. For a quick memory tip, remember that “v1 is for listing, v2 is for versioning”—if the task is to enumerate keys, always reach for KV v1.
This VA-003 practice question tests your understanding of compare and configure secrets engines. 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 wants to store configuration data such as feature flags in Vault. They need to be able to list all keys under a path. Which secrets engine supports listing?
Transit
Why wrong: Transit does not support listing; it only provides encryption operations.
KV v1
KV v1 supports LIST operation on paths.
Cubbyhole
Why wrong: Cubbyhole does not support listing.
PKI
Why wrong: PKI does not support listing of certificates in that way.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
KV v1
The KV v1 secrets engine stores key-value pairs and supports listing all keys under a path via the LIST operation (e.g., `vault list secret/`). This is because KV v1 maintains a flat, non-versioned directory structure that allows enumeration of keys. The team's requirement to list all keys under a path is directly satisfied by KV v1's inherent listing capability.
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.
Transit
Why it's wrong here
Transit does not support listing; it only provides encryption operations.
KV v1
Why this is correct
KV v1 supports LIST operation on paths.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Cubbyhole
Why it's wrong here
Cubbyhole does not support listing.
PKI
Why it's wrong here
PKI does not support listing of certificates in that way.
Common exam traps
HashiCorp often tests the misconception that Cubbyhole supports listing because it is a key-value store, but Cubbyhole is strictly per-token and does not expose a LIST endpoint, making it unsuitable for team-wide configuration enumeration.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, KV v1 stores data in a simple directory-like structure within Vault's storage backend (e.g., Consul, Raft), where each key is a path element. The LIST operation sends an HTTP LIST request to the engine's mount path, and Vault returns the immediate child keys at that path. In contrast, KV v2 (versioned) also supports listing, but the question specifies KV v1, which lacks versioning and metadata, making it ideal for lightweight configuration like feature flags where listing is needed without historical tracking.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
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FAQ
Compare and configure secrets engines — This question tests Compare and configure secrets engines — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: KV v1 — The KV v1 secrets engine stores key-value pairs and supports listing all keys under a path via the LIST operation (e.g., `vault list secret/`). This is because KV v1 maintains a flat, non-versioned directory structure that allows enumeration of keys. The team's requirement to list all keys under a path is directly satisfied by KV v1's inherent listing capability.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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