- A
Use the 'when' clause to check if the switch is in the 'core' group using the 'group_names' variable.
Why wrong: While this would work, it is less efficient than directly targeting the group in the 'hosts' field.
- B
Set the 'hosts' field in the play to 'core' instead of 'all'.
By setting 'hosts: core', the play will only run on switches that are members of the 'core' group.
- C
Use the 'limit' option when running the ansible-playbook command to specify the 'core' group.
Why wrong: The 'limit' option is a runtime parameter, not a design-time feature; the question asks for a feature to use in the playbook itself.
- D
Define a variable in the 'core' group and use 'vars_prompt' to ask the engineer which group to run on.
Why wrong: vars_prompt is for interactive input, not for restricting execution to a group.
Quick Answer
The answer is to set the hosts field in the play to core instead of all. This works because Ansible’s hosts directive directly maps to inventory group names, allowing you to target a specific inventory group in a playbook without modifying the inventory file itself. When the playbook runs, Ansible resolves the group name to its member hosts and executes tasks only against those devices, making it the simplest and most precise method for restricting execution. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this tests your understanding of playbook structure versus inventory management—a common trap is confusing the hosts field with the hosts keyword in ad-hoc commands or trying to use conditional when statements unnecessarily. Remember, if you need to limit an entire play to one group, the hosts field is the direct lever; conditionals are for per-task exceptions. Memory tip: “Hosts is the gatekeeper—set the group name to keep the play inside the fence.”
350-401 Ansible Automation Practice Question
This 350-401 practice question tests your understanding of ansible automation. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 engineer is using Ansible to automate the configuration of NTP on a group of Cisco IOS-XE switches. The playbook uses the ios_ntp module. The engineer wants to ensure that the NTP configuration is applied only to switches that are in the 'core' group, not the 'access' group. The inventory file defines these groups. Which Ansible feature should the engineer use to restrict the playbook to the 'core' group?
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
Set the 'hosts' field in the play to 'core' instead of 'all'.
Ansible playbooks can target specific groups by specifying the group name in the 'hosts' field of the play. This is the simplest and most direct way to restrict execution to a particular inventory group.
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.
- ✗
Use the 'when' clause to check if the switch is in the 'core' group using the 'group_names' variable.
Why it's wrong here
While this would work, it is less efficient than directly targeting the group in the 'hosts' field.
- ✓
Set the 'hosts' field in the play to 'core' instead of 'all'.
Why this is correct
By setting 'hosts: core', the play will only run on switches that are members of the 'core' group.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use the 'limit' option when running the ansible-playbook command to specify the 'core' group.
Why it's wrong here
The 'limit' option is a runtime parameter, not a design-time feature; the question asks for a feature to use in the playbook itself.
- ✗
Define a variable in the 'core' group and use 'vars_prompt' to ask the engineer which group to run on.
Why it's wrong here
vars_prompt is for interactive input, not for restricting execution to a group.
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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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: Set the 'hosts' field in the play to 'core' instead of 'all'. — Ansible playbooks can target specific groups by specifying the group name in the 'hosts' field of the play. This is the simplest and most direct way to restrict execution to a particular inventory group.
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.
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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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