- A
Variables defined in the inventory file override variables defined in group_vars/ for the same group.
Why wrong: Incorrect: Variables in group_vars/ have higher precedence than those defined inline in the inventory.
- B
The 'ansible_host' variable can be used to specify the IP address or FQDN for a managed node.
Correct: 'ansible_host' overrides the hostname in the inventory for connection purposes.
- C
Host variables can be defined in the inventory file using the 'host_vars' directory.
Why wrong: Incorrect: Host variables are defined in the host_vars/ directory or inline in the inventory, not in a directory named 'host_vars' inside the inventory file.
- D
Group variables can be stored in YAML files under the 'group_vars' directory.
Correct: group_vars/ is a standard directory where group-specific variables are stored in YAML files.
- E
Ansible facts are only gathered when the 'gather_facts: no' option is set in the playbook.
Why wrong: Incorrect: Facts are gathered by default; setting 'gather_facts: no' disables fact gathering.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that group variables can be stored in YAML files under the 'group_vars' directory, and host variables can be set inline in the inventory or in host_vars/. This is true because Ansible’s inventory system separates variable definitions by scope: group_vars/ applies to all hosts in a group, while host_vars/ targets individual hosts, and both directories use YAML files for clarity and reusability. On the ENCOR 350-401 exam, this tests your understanding of Ansible’s variable precedence and inventory structure, often appearing in automation or network configuration management questions. A common trap is confusing the 'ansible_host' variable, which overrides the hostname for SSH connections, with a regular host variable—remember that 'ansible_host' is a connection override, not a data variable. For facts, Ansible gathers them automatically unless disabled with gather_facts: no, so never assume facts are absent by default. Memory tip: “Group_vars for the gang, host_vars for the one, ansible_host for the SSH run.”
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.
Which two statements about Ansible inventory and variables are true? (Choose two.)
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
The 'ansible_host' variable can be used to specify the IP address or FQDN for a managed node.
Group variables can be defined in group_vars/ files or directly in the inventory. Host variables can be set inline in the inventory or in host_vars/. The 'ansible_host' variable overrides the hostname for SSH connection. Variables defined in playbooks override inventory variables. Ansible facts are gathered automatically unless disabled.
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.
- ✗
Variables defined in the inventory file override variables defined in group_vars/ for the same group.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Variables in group_vars/ have higher precedence than those defined inline in the inventory.
- ✓
The 'ansible_host' variable can be used to specify the IP address or FQDN for a managed node.
Why this is correct
Correct: 'ansible_host' overrides the hostname in the inventory for connection purposes.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Host variables can be defined in the inventory file using the 'host_vars' directory.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Host variables are defined in the host_vars/ directory or inline in the inventory, not in a directory named 'host_vars' inside the inventory file.
- ✓
Group variables can be stored in YAML files under the 'group_vars' directory.
Why this is correct
Correct: group_vars/ is a standard directory where group-specific variables are stored in YAML files.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Ansible facts are only gathered when the 'gather_facts: no' option is set in the playbook.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Facts are gathered by default; setting 'gather_facts: no' disables fact gathering.
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.
- →
Ansible Automation — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Ansible Automation practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All 350-401 questions
2,015 questions across all exam domains
- →
ENCOR 350-401 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
350-401 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related 350-401 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Architecture practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Architecture.
Enterprise Network Design practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Enterprise Network Design.
SD-Access Architecture practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to SD-Access Architecture.
SD-WAN Architecture practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to SD-WAN Architecture.
QoS Architecture practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to QoS Architecture.
Virtualization practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Virtualization.
Network Function Virtualization practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Network Function Virtualization.
Virtual Machines and Hypervisors practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Virtual Machines and Hypervisors.
VRF and Path Isolation practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to VRF and Path Isolation.
Infrastructure practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to Infrastructure.
OSPF practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to OSPF.
BGP practice questions
Practise 350-401 questions linked to BGP.
Practice this exam
Start a free 350-401 practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
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: The 'ansible_host' variable can be used to specify the IP address or FQDN for a managed node. — Group variables can be defined in group_vars/ files or directly in the inventory. Host variables can be set inline in the inventory or in host_vars/. The 'ansible_host' variable overrides the hostname for SSH connection. Variables defined in playbooks override inventory variables. Ansible facts are gathered automatically unless disabled.
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 →
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.