- A
path "database/creds/my-role" { capabilities = ["read"] }; path "secret/data/ci-cd" { capabilities = ["create", "update", "delete"] }
Why wrong: Delete capability is not required for writing build artifacts, violating least privilege.
- B
path "database/creds/my-role" { capabilities = ["read"] }; path "secret/data/ci-cd" { capabilities = ["create", "update"] }
This grants read to credentials and create/update to the specific secret path, following least privilege.
- C
path "database/creds/my-role" { capabilities = ["read"] }; path "secret/data/ci-cd/*" { capabilities = ["create", "update"] }
Why wrong: The glob * would also write to any subpath, which is broader than necessary.
- D
path "database/creds/my-role" { capabilities = ["read"] }; path "secret/data/ci-cd" { capabilities = ["write"] }
Why wrong: 'write' is not a valid Vault capability; use create and update instead.
VA-003 Create Vault policies Practice Question
This VA-003 practice question tests your understanding of create vault policies. 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 Vault administrator is designing a policy for a CI/CD pipeline that must be able to read dynamic database credentials from "database/creds/my-role" and also write to "secret/data/ci-cd" for storing build artifacts. The policy should follow the principle of least privilege. Which policy statements should be used?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"least"Why it matters: You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
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
path "database/creds/my-role" { capabilities = ["read"] }; path "secret/data/ci-cd" { capabilities = ["create", "update"] }
Option A is correct. For database creds, read is sufficient. For KV v2, to write data, you need both create and update capabilities. Option B uses 'write' which is not a standard capability. Option C uses a glob that may be too broad. Option D adds delete which is not needed.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
path "database/creds/my-role" { capabilities = ["read"] }; path "secret/data/ci-cd" { capabilities = ["create", "update", "delete"] }
Why it's wrong here
Delete capability is not required for writing build artifacts, violating least privilege.
- ✓
path "database/creds/my-role" { capabilities = ["read"] }; path "secret/data/ci-cd" { capabilities = ["create", "update"] }
Why this is correct
This grants read to credentials and create/update to the specific secret path, following least privilege.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
path "database/creds/my-role" { capabilities = ["read"] }; path "secret/data/ci-cd/*" { capabilities = ["create", "update"] }
Why it's wrong here
The glob * would also write to any subpath, which is broader than necessary.
- ✗
path "database/creds/my-role" { capabilities = ["read"] }; path "secret/data/ci-cd" { capabilities = ["write"] }
Why it's wrong here
'write' is not a valid Vault capability; use create and update instead.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related VA-003 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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Create Vault policies — study guide chapter
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Create Vault policies practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this VA-003 question test?
Create Vault policies — This question tests Create Vault policies — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: path "database/creds/my-role" { capabilities = ["read"] }; path "secret/data/ci-cd" { capabilities = ["create", "update"] } — Option A is correct. For database creds, read is sufficient. For KV v2, to write data, you need both create and update capabilities. Option B uses 'write' which is not a standard capability. Option C uses a glob that may be too broad. Option D adds delete which is not needed.
What should I do if I get this VA-003 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related VA-003 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "least". You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This VA-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 VA-003 exam.
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