- A
Roles in Ansible use a standardized directory structure that includes 'tasks', 'handlers', 'vars', 'defaults', and 'meta'.
Correct: This is the standard role directory layout used by Ansible.
- B
The 'import_role' module includes a role dynamically during play execution.
Why wrong: Incorrect: 'import_role' is static (included at playbook parse time); 'include_role' is dynamic.
- C
Handlers are special tasks that run only when notified by other tasks, and they run only once even if notified multiple times.
Correct: Handlers are triggered by 'notify' and execute once at the end of the play.
- D
Variables defined in the 'defaults' directory of a role have the highest precedence.
Why wrong: Incorrect: 'defaults' has the lowest precedence; 'vars' directory has higher precedence.
- E
The 'meta' directory in a role is used to define role dependencies.
Correct: The meta/main.yml file defines dependencies on other roles.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that the 'meta' directory in a role is used to define role dependencies. This is because Ansible roles follow a predefined directory structure where 'meta' specifically holds the 'main.yml' file for declaring dependencies on other roles, ensuring they are applied before the current role runs. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this concept tests your understanding of Ansible playbooks and roles integration, particularly the distinction between static and dynamic inclusion: 'import_role' is parsed at playbook load time and cannot use loops or conditionals, while 'include_role' is evaluated at runtime and supports dynamic behavior. A common trap is confusing 'meta' with 'vars' or 'defaults'—remember that 'vars' holds high-precedence variables and 'defaults' holds low-precedence ones, but only 'meta' handles dependencies. For memory, think of "meta" as the "meeting room" where roles schedule their prerequisites before the main tasks begin.
350-401 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 playbooks and roles 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
Roles in Ansible use a standardized directory structure that includes 'tasks', 'handlers', 'vars', 'defaults', and 'meta'.
Roles use a predefined directory structure with tasks, handlers, vars, defaults, and meta. The 'import_role' statically includes a role at playbook parse time, while 'include_role' dynamically includes it at runtime. Handlers are triggered by 'notify' and run once even if notified multiple times. The 'vars' directory holds high-precedence variables, while 'defaults' holds low-precedence defaults. The 'meta' directory contains 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.
- ✓
Roles in Ansible use a standardized directory structure that includes 'tasks', 'handlers', 'vars', 'defaults', and 'meta'.
Why this is correct
Correct: This is the standard role directory layout used by Ansible.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The 'import_role' module includes a role dynamically during play execution.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: 'import_role' is static (included at playbook parse time); 'include_role' is dynamic.
- ✓
Handlers are special tasks that run only when notified by other tasks, and they run only once even if notified multiple times.
Why this is correct
Correct: Handlers are triggered by 'notify' and execute once at the end of the play.
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: 'defaults' has the lowest precedence; 'vars' directory has higher precedence.
- ✓
The 'meta' directory in a role is used to define role dependencies.
Why this is correct
Correct: The meta/main.yml file defines dependencies on other roles.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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: Roles in Ansible use a standardized directory structure that includes 'tasks', 'handlers', 'vars', 'defaults', and 'meta'. — Roles use a predefined directory structure with tasks, handlers, vars, defaults, and meta. The 'import_role' statically includes a role at playbook parse time, while 'include_role' dynamically includes it at runtime. Handlers are triggered by 'notify' and run once even if notified multiple times. The 'vars' directory holds high-precedence variables, while 'defaults' holds low-precedence defaults. The 'meta' directory contains 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
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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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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