VA-003 Explain Vault architecture Practice Question
In a Vault HA cluster, which node is responsible for handling all write requests?
⚠ Common exam trap
HashiCorp often tests the misconception that all nodes in an HA cluster can handle writes equally, but the key is that only the active node can process writes to maintain data integrity and avoid conflicts.
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 active node only
In a Vault HA cluster, only the active node can handle write requests. This is because the active node holds the storage backend lock and is the only node that can modify the underlying data store. Standby nodes forward write requests to the active node, ensuring data consistency and preventing split-brain scenarios.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
All nodes
Why it's wrong here
Only the active node handles writes; standby nodes serve reads and forward writes.
- ✓
The active node only
Why this is correct
The active node is the only node that can accept and process write requests.
- ✗
Standby nodes
Why it's wrong here
Standby nodes are read-only and forward write requests to the active node.
- ✗
The node that receives the request
Why it's wrong here
The receiving node must forward the write to the active node if it is not the active node itself.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.