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Master key concepts with interactive flashcards
What is idempotency in the context of IaC?
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Idempotency means applying the same configuration multiple times produces the same result as applying it once. Terraform is idempotent — if infrastructure already matches the desired state, running `terraform apply` makes no changes.
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Terraform Associate is a HashiCorp certification. These facts come from the current exam guide and are the numbers to plan around.
| Domain | Weight | What to focus on |
|---|---|---|
| Understand Terraform Basics | 32% | Providers and plugin model, Resources and data sources, Variables, locals, and outputs |
| Use the Terraform CLI (Outside of Core Workflow) | 23% | terraform import, terraform taint and replace, terraform state commands |
| Understand Infrastructure as Code (IaC) Concepts | 16% | Define IaC and its benefits, Terraform vs other IaC tools, Immutable vs mutable infrastructure |
| Interact with Terraform Modules | 10% | Module block syntax, Public registry modules, Module versioning |
| Navigate the Terraform Workflow | 10% | Core workflow: init, plan, apply, destroy, State file purpose and management, Remote backends |
| Understand Terraform's Purpose (vs Other IaC) | 9% | Multi-cloud abstraction, Provider ecosystem, State management philosophy |
Yes. You can start 004 practice and flashcards free without creating an account. A free account keeps your progress, and the full bank (300+ questions) unlocks with a subscription.
They cover all 6 domains of the 004 exam: Understand Terraform Basics (32%), Use the Terraform CLI (Outside of Core Workflow) (23%), Understand Infrastructure as Code (IaC) Concepts (16%), Interact with Terraform Modules (10%), Navigate the Terraform Workflow (10%), Understand Terraform's Purpose (vs Other IaC) (9%). Each section is weighted in the same proportion as the real exam, so nothing high-value is buried.
The 004 exam has approximately 57 questions in 60 minutes, with a passing score of 70%. Use the practice questions to confirm you are consistently above that line before booking the real exam.
Study in short, spaced sessions: a card you have not seen for two days is worth more than a card you reread immediately. Filter by Understand Terraform Basics first, then mix domains so you practise identifying the topic before recalling the definition.
They are the recall half of preparation. Pair the cards with practice questions and at least one timed practice exam — candidates who only review cards usually recognise terms but miss scenario questions.