HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate (004) – The Ultimate 2026 Exam Guide

If you’re aiming to launch or level‑up a career in infrastructure as code, the HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate (004) is one of the fastest, most affordable ways to prove your skills. The new 004 version aligns to Terraform 1.12 and brings focused updates that reflect how teams really use Terraform today—think safer lifecycle strategies, custom conditions, and HCP Terraform projects. In this ultimate guide, you’ll learn exactly what’s new, what to study, and how to pass on your first attempt.

Note on timing: Scheduling for the Terraform Associate (004) opened on December 9, 2025, with the first delivery date on January 8, 2026. The prior (003) exam is available only through January 7, 2026. Source: HashiCorp Certification page (developer.hashicorp.com/certifications/infrastructure-automation).

What Is the Terraform Associate (004)? What’s New and Why It Matters

The HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate validates foundational Terraform skills across the full workflow—init, plan, apply, destroy—plus best practices in state, modules, and collaboration. Version 004 covers Terraform 1.12 and includes essential HCP Terraform topics. It remains a 60‑minute, online‑proctored exam delivered via Certiverse, available in English, and valid for two years. You get an immediate pass/fail and an objective‑level report shortly after.

What’s new in 004 compared to 003:

• Aligns to Terraform 1.12.

• Adds four focus areas: depends_on and lifecycle create_before_destroy; custom configuration conditions; ephemeral values and write‑only arguments; organizing with HCP Terraform workspaces and projects. Source: HashiCorp Certification page

Why it matters: These updates bring the exam even closer to what practitioners do daily—manage safe lifecycle changes, lock down sensitive inputs, and operate cleanly at team scale with HCP Terraform. Actionable takeaway: If you were studying from older materials, update your plan now to include the 004 changes (custom conditions, ephemeral/write‑only, and HCP projects).

Who Should Take It (And What You Should Know Beforehand)

This exam is designed for practitioners who can write and understand basic Terraform configurations, manage state safely, work with modules, and collaborate using HCP Terraform. There are no formal prerequisites, but HashiCorp recommends basic terminal skills and a general understanding of on‑prem and cloud architecture. .

Accessibility and accommodations are available with advance notice, and you’ll need a valid government ID matching your Certification Portal profile. Test delivery is remote via Certiverse with a live proctor. Sources: Exam rules and accommodations.

Actionable takeaway: Verify your Certification Portal name exactly matches your government ID and request any accommodations at least a few business days ahead.

Key Dates, Delivery, and Registration

• Scheduling windows: 004 scheduling opened Dec 9, 2025. First testing date is Jan 8, 2026. 003 is available through Jan 7, 2026. Source: Certification page (developer.hashicorp.com/certifications/infrastructure-automation).

• Delivery method: Online proctored via Certiverse with system checks, room scan, and identity verification.

• Time and format: Expect a 60‑minute exam plus check‑in; question types include true/false, single‑select, and multi‑select. Sources: “What to expect” and 004 Sample Questions (hashicorp-certifications.zendesk.com; developer.hashicorp.com/terraform/tutorials/certification-004/associate-questions-004).

• Results and score reporting: You’ll see pass/fail immediately; detailed objective‑level feedback typically arrives within about 48 hours. HashiCorp does not publish a passing score or item count.

Actionable takeaway: Run the Certiverse system check on the same device and network you’ll use for your exam and plan a 15‑minute early arrival to reduce stress.

Exam Blueprint: What You Need to Know (004)

Below is a practitioner‑oriented view of the major topics you’ll face. Use this as a checklist against the official 004 Exam Content List and Learning Path.

1) Core Terraform Concepts and Workflow

• Initialize a working directory, format and validate configuration, plan and apply safely, and destroy when appropriate.

• Understand providers, required_providers, and versions; dependency lockfiles and plugin downloads.

• Recognize when to use -refresh‑only planning, -target selectively (and why it’s risky), and verbose logging for diagnostics.

Actionable takeaway: Script your common CLI flow (fmt → validate → plan → apply) and run it end‑to‑end on a small reference project to build muscle memory.

2) Configuration Language and Data Handling

• Resources vs data sources; argument vs attribute; computed values; dynamic blocks; expressions and built‑in functions.

• Complex types: list, set, map, object, tuple; variable definitions and type constraints; output blocks and sensitive flags.

• Variable validation to prevent bad inputs; protect secrets using environment variables and write‑only arguments.

Actionable takeaway: Add validation rules to at least three inputs in your module to prevent common user mistakes (e.g., CIDR format, size constraints).

3) Dependencies and Safe Changes (004 emphasis)

• depends_on: When explicit dependencies are justified vs. when Terraform infers them from references.

• lifecycle create_before_destroy: Plan safer replacements for critical resources to minimize downtime; understand replace triggers.

Actionable takeaway: Introduce create_before_destroy for a resource that must never be destroyed before a replacement exists (e.g., load balancer components). Explain in README why this lifecycle choice matters.

4) Custom Conditions and Checks (004 emphasis)

• Preconditions and postconditions: Enforce configuration and runtime expectations—e.g., validate the shape of input data or ensure a resource attribute meets constraints after apply.

Actionable takeaway: Add a postcondition to assert that a provisioned resource actually returns a healthy status attribute before your module reports success.

5) State Management, Backends, and Drift

• Local vs remote backends; state locking; versioning and state file considerations.

• Detect and remediate drift; use moved and removed blocks to refactor configurations safely.

• Import existing resources into state; inspect state thoughtfully (and avoid manual edits unless there’s no alternative).

Actionable takeaway: Practice migrating state from local to a remote backend with locking enabled, then intentionally introduce and fix drift to internalize the workflow.

6) Modules—Using, Authoring, Versioning

• Structure a reusable module (variables, outputs, README); source modules from registries, VCS, or local paths.

• Apply version constraints for stability; understand variable scope and passing outputs between modules.

Actionable takeaway: Publish a simple module (even internally) with a CHANGELOG and semantic versioning to simulate real‑world consumption.

7) HCP Terraform Collaboration and Governance (004 emphasis)

• Workspaces and projects: Organize environments and teams at scale; understand relationship between organizations, projects, and workspaces.

• Collaboration features: VCS- and CLI‑driven runs, run tasks, variable sets, workspace variables, API basics.

• Governance basics: Policy sets (Sentinel or OPA via third‑party integrations), workspace health and drift signals, access management.

Actionable takeaway: Create at least two projects and multiple workspaces mapped to dev/staging/prod, apply a shared policy set to one project, and use workspace health/drift to trigger a corrective plan.

The New 004 Topics—Explained Simply

Let’s double‑click on the themes that define 004.

• depends_on vs inferred dependencies: Terraform typically infers order from references. Use depends_on sparingly—only when there’s no explicit reference but an order dependency exists (for example, null_resource triggers or implicit ordering for out‑of‑band dependencies).

• lifecycle create_before_destroy: Helps avoid downtime by creating replacements before destroying current resources. Carefully review how providers implement replacements and watch for side effects (such as IP changes).

• Custom conditions (pre/postconditions): Validate assumptions about inputs and resource states—great for codifying organizational policies and preventing bad deploys without full policy‑as‑code.

• Ephemeral values and write‑only arguments: Keep sensitive inputs out of state/plan outputs when appropriate. Ephemeral values are computed and not stored; write‑only arguments accept inputs but don’t expose them back. File under “minimum secret exposure.”

• HCP Terraform projects and workspaces: Projects group workspaces for cleaner organization and governance at scale; apply policy sets at project scope and get better visibility with health/drift signals.

Actionable takeaway: Add at least one custom condition and one write‑only argument to your module; then demonstrate the difference in plan/state visibility compared to a standard variable.

A Practical, Six‑Week Study Plan

This plan assumes 5–7 hours per week. Stretch to eight weeks if you’re new to IaC.

• Week 1: Get comfortable with the core workflow

  • Run the “Get Started” tutorials from the 004 Learning Path using your favorite cloud provider or local mocks.

  • Practice fmt → validate → plan → apply → destroy repeatedly; review provider version constraints and the dependency lockfile.

  • Resource: 004 Learning Path (developer.hashicorp.com/terraform/tutorials/certification-004/associate-study-004).

• Week 2: Variables, complex types, and outputs

  • Add variable validation; experiment with types (object, tuple) and default values.

  • Mark outputs as sensitive and observe differences in CLI behavior.

  • Resource: 004 Exam Content List mapping to official docs (developer.hashicorp.com/terraform/tutorials/certification-004/associate-study-004).

• Week 3: Modules and versioning

  • Package your configuration as a module; write a README; publish to a private VCS repo.

  • Consume your module with version constraints; use semantic version tags.

• Week 4: State, backends, import, drift

  • Move from local state to a remote backend; verify locking behavior.

  • Import an existing resource; use moved/removed blocks to refactor; simulate and fix drift.

  • Resource: 004 Learning Path topics on state and import (developer.hashicorp.com/terraform/tutorials/certification-004/associate-study-004).

• Week 5: Lifecycle, dependencies, custom conditions

  • Implement create_before_destroy where appropriate; identify when explicit depends_on is justified.

  • Add preconditions/postconditions; trigger a failing postcondition intentionally to see protections in action.

  • Resources: lifecycle and custom conditions docs (docs.hashicorp.com/terraform/language/meta-arguments/lifecycle; developer.hashicorp.com/terraform/tutorials/configuration-language/custom-conditions).

• Week 6: HCP Terraform projects/workspaces, governance, exam practice

  • Create an org, two projects, and multiple workspaces; attach a policy set to a project; observe workspace health/drift signals.

  • Do the 004 Sample Questions to confirm item styles and spot weak areas.

  • Resources: HCP projects/workspaces docs and 004 Sample Questions (developer.hashicorp.com/terraform/cloud-docs/projects; developer.hashicorp.com/terraform/tutorials/certification-004/associate-questions-004).

Actionable takeaway: Keep a simple lab journal (commands, outputs, screenshots) to review in the final week; it reduces memory load on exam day.

Hands‑On Labs You Can Build This Weekend

• Safe replacement lab:

  • Create a small network or storage resource that must be available during updates.

  • Add lifecycle create_before_destroy and demonstrate a replacement with minimal downtime.

  • Explain in README why depending on implicit references is usually enough, and where depends_on is justified.

  • Source: lifecycle/depends_on docs (docs.hashicorp.com/terraform/language/meta-arguments/lifecycle; docs.hashicorp.com/terraform/language/meta-arguments/depends_on).

• Sensitive inputs lab:

  • Accept an API key using a write‑only argument; mark outputs sensitive.

  • Compare plan/state visibility to a non‑sensitive version.

  • Source: write‑only/ephemeral docs (developer.hashicorp.com/terraform/language/manage-sensitive-data/write-only).

• HCP Terraform project organization lab:

  • Create dev/stage/prod workspaces in two projects; apply a common policy set to one project.

  • Trigger workspace health/drift by out‑of‑band change; remediate via a controlled plan/apply.

  • Sources: HCP Terraform projects/workspaces (developer.hashicorp.com/terraform/cloud-docs/projects; developer.hashicorp.com/terraform/cloud-docs/workspaces).

Actionable takeaway: Zip these labs as a portfolio you can reference later in interviews or performance reviews.

Costs, Policies, Retakes, and Accommodations

• Price: $70.50 USD per attempt; taxes/fees extra; no free retake bundled. Source: Certification page (developer.hashicorp.com/certifications/infrastructure-automation).

• Retake rules: 7‑day wait between attempts; up to 4 attempts in a rolling 12‑month period; missed appointments typically forfeit fees (contact support for exceptions). Source: Retake policy (hashicorp-certifications.zendesk.com).

• Recertification: Credential is valid for 2 years; you can recertify by taking the same/newer Associate exam or extend an active Associate by passing a relevant Professional exam. Source: Recertification policy (hashicorp-certifications.zendesk.com; developer.hashicorp.com/certifications/infrastructure-automation).

• Accommodations: Available by request in advance (e.g., extra time, specific proctor requirements). Source: Accommodations info (hashicorp-certifications.zendesk.com).

Actionable takeaway: If you’re cost‑sensitive, watch for HashiConf‑related testing opportunities; HashiConf 2025 offered complimentary onsite exams for attendees. Source: HashiConf certifications page (hashicorp.com/conferences/hashiconf/certifications).

HCP Terraform Essentials for the Exam (and the Real World)

• Workspaces and projects:

  • Workspaces encapsulate runs/state; projects group workspaces to organize at scale and scope governance.

  • Policy sets can apply at org, project, or workspace scope.

  • Workspace health/drift provides visibility to reconcile configuration with reality. Sources: HCP Terraform docs (developer.hashicorp.com/terraform/cloud-docs/projects; developer.hashicorp.com/terraform/cloud-docs/workspaces).

• Collaboration modes:

  • VCS‑driven runs, CLI‑driven runs, and API‑driven workflows; variable sets for standardization; run tasks for external checks.

  • Basic access control and tokens for automation.

Actionable takeaway: Map your labs into two projects (e.g., “platform” and “apps”), each with multiple workspaces; attach one policy set at the project level and review health/drift weekly.

Career Impact: Why This Certification Is Worth It

• Signal to employers: Terraform appears in thousands of job listings across regions; as a snapshot in early Dec 2025, LinkedIn shows hefty demand in the U.S. and India (counts vary over time and by filter). Source: LinkedIn job search (linkedin.com/jobs/terraform-jobs).

• Credly badge: Your digital badge is easily verifiable and shareable, adding trust to resumes and profiles. Source: HashiCorp Certifications portal (developer.hashicorp.com/certifications).

Actionable takeaway: Add your badge to LinkedIn and GitHub, and link to your public lab portfolio to demonstrate practical ability beyond the credential.

Exam‑Day Checklist

• The day before:

  • Run Certiverse system and network checks on the device/network you’ll use.

  • Ensure your Certification Portal profile name matches your government ID exactly.

  • Clear your test space; confirm camera and mic. Sources: Zendesk rules/expectations (hashicorp-certifications.zendesk.com).

• One hour before:

  • Close bandwidth‑heavy apps; reboot if needed.

  • Keep your government ID ready; remove extra devices from your desk.

• 15 minutes before:

  • Join early; complete check‑in calmly; show your workspace; follow the proctor’s instructions.

• After the exam:

  • Note your immediate pass/fail; wait for objective‑level feedback to target any gaps; observe the 7‑day retake interval if needed. Source: Results policy (hashicorp-certifications.zendesk.com).

Actionable takeaway: If anything unexpected happens (e.g., an internet drop), stay calm and follow the proctor’s guidance; document the incident and contact HashiCorp Certification support with details if needed.

FAQs

Q1: Should I take 003 or 004?

If you’re testing on or after January 8, 2026, you’ll take 004. If you need to test before then, 003 is available through January 7, 2026. You can hold both credentials. Source: Certification page (developer.hashicorp.com/certifications/infrastructure-automation).

Q2: How many questions are there and what’s the passing score?

HashiCorp does not publish the number of items or the passing score. You’ll see an immediate pass/fail and later receive objective‑level feedback to understand strengths and weaknesses. Source: Results policy (hashicorp-certifications.zendesk.com).

Q3: Is the exam open book?

Expect a closed‑book, online‑proctored exam with strict rules (single monitor, room scan, no notes). Read the official exam rules before test day. Source: Exam rules (hashicorp-certifications.zendesk.com).

Q4: What languages are available?

At launch, 004 is available in English. Confirm current language availability on the official exam page when scheduling. Source: Certification page (developer.hashicorp.com/certifications/infrastructure-automation).

Q5: Can I request testing accommodations?

Yes. Submit an accommodations request several business days before your appointment so it can be reviewed and applied. Source: Accommodations policy (hashicorp-certifications.zendesk.com).

Conclusion:
You now have a clear map to pass the HashiCorp Certified: Terraform Associate (004). Focus on the fundamentals, then master the 004‑specific updates: lifecycle and dependencies, custom conditions, sensitive data handling (ephemeral/write‑only), and HCP Terraform projects. Anchor your study to the official 004 Learning Path, build small labs that mirror exam objectives, and rehearse with the Sample Questions. With a solid six‑week plan and a calm exam‑day routine, you’ll be ready to earn a credential that employers recognize—then use it to showcase real‑world Terraform skills at scale.