- A
The key's `min_decryption_version` must be set to 1
Why wrong: Setting to 1 allows all versions, but this is not required; the default (0) allows all versions. More importantly, if the version is archived, it still won't decrypt.
- B
The key must have the `allow_plaintext_backup` setting enabled
Why wrong: This setting is for backing up key material, not for decryption availability.
- C
The key must have a `deletion_allowed` set to false
Why wrong: This prevents deletion of the entire key, but does not affect decryption of existing ciphertext.
- D
The key's `latest_version` must be greater than 0
Why wrong: This is always true if key exists, but doesn't ensure older versions are available.
- E
The key must not have been archived
Archived key versions are removed from the decryption set and cannot be used.
VA-003 Explain encryption as a service Practice Question
This VA-003 practice question tests your understanding of explain encryption as a service. 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.
An organization uses the transit engine with key rotation. They want to ensure that data encrypted with an older key version can be decrypted by Vault, but only if the key has not been deleted. Which of the following must be true?
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
The key must not have been archived
In Vault's transit engine, key rotation creates new key versions while preserving older ones. The ability to decrypt data encrypted with an older key version depends on whether that version is still available in the key's version history. Archiving a key removes all versions from the active key ring, making decryption of data encrypted with any version of that key impossible. Therefore, the key must not have been archived to allow decryption of data encrypted with an older key version, provided the key itself has not been deleted.
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 key's `min_decryption_version` must be set to 1
Why it's wrong here
Setting to 1 allows all versions, but this is not required; the default (0) allows all versions. More importantly, if the version is archived, it still won't decrypt.
- ✗
The key must have the `allow_plaintext_backup` setting enabled
Why it's wrong here
This setting is for backing up key material, not for decryption availability.
- ✗
The key must have a `deletion_allowed` set to false
Why it's wrong here
This prevents deletion of the entire key, but does not affect decryption of existing ciphertext.
- ✗
The key's `latest_version` must be greater than 0
Why it's wrong here
This is always true if key exists, but doesn't ensure older versions are available.
- ✓
The key must not have been archived
Why this is correct
Archived key versions are removed from the decryption set and cannot be used.
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 distinction between key deletion and key archiving, where candidates mistakenly assume that as long as a key is not deleted, older versions remain decryptable, overlooking that archiving also removes access to all versions.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
When a transit key is archived, Vault removes all key versions from the active key ring and marks the key as `archived` in the metadata. Decryption operations require the specific key version to be present in the active key ring; archived keys are not accessible for any cryptographic operation, including decryption. This is distinct from deletion, where the key and all its versions are permanently removed. In practice, organizations often use archiving to retire keys while retaining the ability to decrypt legacy data, but once archived, decryption is impossible unless the key is unarchived (if supported by the backend).
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 VA-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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this VA-003 question test?
Explain encryption as a service — This question tests Explain encryption as a service — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The key must not have been archived — In Vault's transit engine, key rotation creates new key versions while preserving older ones. The ability to decrypt data encrypted with an older key version depends on whether that version is still available in the key's version history. Archiving a key removes all versions from the active key ring, making decryption of data encrypted with any version of that key impossible. Therefore, the key must not have been archived to allow decryption of data encrypted with an older key version, provided the key itself has not been deleted.
What should I do if I get this VA-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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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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