- A
Use the hostvars lookup to check tags.
Why wrong: hostvars may not contain the tag variable if not gathered.
- B
Use the ec2_instance_facts module inside the playbook to gather facts and filter.
Why wrong: This runs on all hosts, wasting resources.
- C
Use a static inventory file with hosts pre-filtered.
Why wrong: Defeats the purpose of dynamic inventory.
- D
Use the amazon.aws.aws_ec2 inventory plugin with compose and keyed_groups.
Pre-filters hosts at inventory time, most efficient.
Question 453 of 528
Filtering AWS EC2 Instances by Tag Using ansible aws_ec2 Inventory Plugin
This EX294 practice question tests your understanding of implement advanced 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.
A company uses dynamic inventory from a cloud provider. The playbook needs to run tasks only on instances with a specific tag. The ansible_ec2_tags variable is not available. What is the most efficient method to filter hosts?
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
✓
Use the amazon.aws.aws_ec2 inventory plugin with compose and keyed_groups.
Option D is correct because the `amazon.aws.aws_ec2` inventory plugin can dynamically filter EC2 instances by tag using `keyed_groups` and `compose` at inventory build time, avoiding runtime overhead. This is the most efficient method as it pre-filters hosts before the playbook runs, unlike runtime fact gathering or lookups.
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 hostvars lookup to check tags.
Why it's wrong here
hostvars may not contain the tag variable if not gathered.
- ✗
Use the ec2_instance_facts module inside the playbook to gather facts and filter.
Why it's wrong here
This runs on all hosts, wasting resources.
- ✗
Use a static inventory file with hosts pre-filtered.
Why it's wrong here
Defeats the purpose of dynamic inventory.
- ✓
Use the amazon.aws.aws_ec2 inventory plugin with compose and keyed_groups.
Why this is correct
Pre-filters hosts at inventory time, most efficient.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse runtime fact gathering (like `ec2_instance_info`) with inventory plugin filtering, not realizing that pre-filtering at inventory build time is far more efficient and aligns with Ansible's dynamic inventory best practices.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `amazon.aws.aws_ec2` plugin uses the AWS API to query instances and can apply `keyed_groups` to create groups based on tag values (e.g., `keyed_groups: - key: tags.Name`). The `compose` directive can set variables like `ansible_host` from instance metadata. This approach leverages the inventory plugin's caching mechanism, reducing API calls and improving performance in large environments.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 EX294 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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Implement advanced Ansible automation — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Implement advanced Ansible automation practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All EX294 questions
528 questions across all exam domains
- →
Red Hat Certified Engineer EX294 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
EX294 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related EX294 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Deploy Ansible Automation Platform practice questions
Practise EX294 questions linked to Deploy Ansible Automation Platform.
Manage inventories and credentials practice questions
Practise EX294 questions linked to Manage inventories and credentials.
Manage task execution and roles practice questions
Practise EX294 questions linked to Manage task execution and roles.
Coordinate rolling updates practice questions
Practise EX294 questions linked to Coordinate rolling updates.
Transform data with filters and plugins practice questions
Practise EX294 questions linked to Transform data with filters and plugins.
Create content collections and execution environments practice questions
Practise EX294 questions linked to Create content collections and execution environments.
Implement advanced Ansible automation practice questions
Practise EX294 questions linked to Implement advanced Ansible automation.
Manage automation security and operations practice questions
Practise EX294 questions linked to Manage automation security and operations.
EX294 fundamentals practice questions
Practise EX294 questions linked to EX294 fundamentals.
EX294 scenario practice questions
Practise EX294 questions linked to EX294 scenario.
EX294 troubleshooting practice questions
Practise EX294 questions linked to EX294 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free EX294 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 EX294 question test?
Implement advanced Ansible automation — This question tests Implement advanced Ansible automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use the amazon.aws.aws_ec2 inventory plugin with compose and keyed_groups. — Option D is correct because the `amazon.aws.aws_ec2` inventory plugin can dynamically filter EC2 instances by tag using `keyed_groups` and `compose` at inventory build time, avoiding runtime overhead. This is the most efficient method as it pre-filters hosts before the playbook runs, unlike runtime fact gathering or lookups.
What should I do if I get this EX294 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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 →
Keep practising
More EX294 practice questions
- A systems administrator is securing Ansible automation. Which two practices help protect sensitive data in playbooks? (C…
- A workflow template in automation controller consists of three job templates that must run sequentially with different c…
- Refer to the exhibit. A playbook fails with the given error. What is the most likely cause?
- An Ansible automation team is designing a playbook to manage network devices. They need to ensure that the playbook can…
- A systems administrator needs to run a playbook that applies configuration changes to a set of servers. They want to ens…
- An organization requires that all Ansible playbooks be executed using a specific service account that has limited permis…
Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This EX294 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Red Hat 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 EX294 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.