- A
A role must contain at least a 'tasks' directory with a main.yml file to be functional.
Correct because the 'tasks/main.yml' file is the core of a role; it defines the list of tasks to execute.
- B
Variables defined in the 'defaults' directory of a role have the highest precedence.
Why wrong: Incorrect because 'defaults' variables have the lowest precedence; they are overridden by inventory, playbook, and other variable sources.
- C
The 'meta' directory in a role can define dependencies on other roles using the 'dependencies' key.
Correct because the 'meta/main.yml' file can list role dependencies, which are automatically applied when the role is used.
- D
Handlers in a role are defined in the 'handlers' directory and are triggered by the 'notify' directive in tasks.
Correct because handlers are special tasks that run only when notified by other tasks via the 'notify' keyword; they are defined in 'handlers/main.yml'.
- E
Roles cannot be shared or reused across different Ansible projects.
Why wrong: Incorrect because roles are designed for reusability and can be shared via Ansible Galaxy or copied between projects.
Quick Answer
The answer is that handlers in a role are defined in the 'handlers' directory and are triggered by the 'notify' directive in tasks. This is correct because Ansible roles enforce a predefined directory structure where each subdirectory serves a specific purpose: tasks holds the main list of plays, handlers contains tasks that run only when notified, vars and defaults store variables at different priority levels, and meta defines role dependencies. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this tests your understanding of automation and network configuration management, often appearing in questions that ask you to identify which directory stores low-priority variables or how roles are shared via Ansible Galaxy. A common trap is confusing the 'defaults' directory (lowest priority) with 'vars' (higher priority), or forgetting that handlers must be in the 'handlers' directory to be triggered by notify. Remember the mnemonic: "Tasks do, handlers react, defaults are last, meta is the stack."
CCNP Ansible Automation Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of ansible automation. 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.
Which three statements about Ansible roles and directory structure are true? (Choose three.)
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
A role must contain at least a 'tasks' directory with a main.yml file to be functional.
Ansible roles have a predefined directory structure including tasks, handlers, vars, defaults, files, templates, and meta. Roles can be shared via Ansible Galaxy. The 'defaults' directory contains lowest-priority variables. The 'meta' directory defines role dependencies.
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.
- ✓
A role must contain at least a 'tasks' directory with a main.yml file to be functional.
Why this is correct
Correct because the 'tasks/main.yml' file is the core of a role; it defines the list of tasks to execute.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Variables defined in the 'defaults' directory of a role have the highest precedence.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because 'defaults' variables have the lowest precedence; they are overridden by inventory, playbook, and other variable sources.
- ✓
The 'meta' directory in a role can define dependencies on other roles using the 'dependencies' key.
Why this is correct
Correct because the 'meta/main.yml' file can list role dependencies, which are automatically applied when the role is used.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Handlers in a role are defined in the 'handlers' directory and are triggered by the 'notify' directive in tasks.
Why this is correct
Correct because handlers are special tasks that run only when notified by other tasks via the 'notify' keyword; they are defined in 'handlers/main.yml'.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Roles cannot be shared or reused across different Ansible projects.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect because roles are designed for reusability and can be shared via Ansible Galaxy or copied between projects.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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 350-401 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 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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Ansible Automation — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 350-401 question test?
Ansible Automation — This question tests Ansible Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A role must contain at least a 'tasks' directory with a main.yml file to be functional. — Ansible roles have a predefined directory structure including tasks, handlers, vars, defaults, files, templates, and meta. Roles can be shared via Ansible Galaxy. The 'defaults' directory contains lowest-priority variables. The 'meta' directory defines role dependencies.
What should I do if I get this 350-401 question wrong?
Identify which 350-401 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
This 350-401 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco 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 350-401 exam.
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