- A
Use the 'async' keyword with 'poll: 0' and then use async_status module.
async with poll=0 starts the task and returns immediately; async_status checks the result later.
- B
Use 'delegate_to: localhost' and 'run_once'.
Why wrong: delegate_to changes the host but the task still blocks execution.
- C
Use a separate playbook invoked with 'ansible-playbook' via command module.
Why wrong: This is cumbersome and does not integrate well with the current playbook.
- D
Use 'throttle' to limit execution.
Why wrong: throttle limits parallelism but does not background the task.
Question 64 of 528
Async Tasks — poll: 0 Method
This EX294 practice question tests your understanding of manage task execution and roles. 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 playbook includes a long-running task that should not block the rest of the playbook. The administrator wants to start the task and later check its status. Which method should be used?
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 'async' keyword with 'poll: 0' and then use async_status module.
Option A is correct because setting `poll: 0` with the `async` keyword launches the task in the background without waiting for it to complete, and the `async_status` module can then be used later to check the task's status by referencing its job ID. This allows the playbook to continue executing other tasks while the long-running task runs asynchronously.
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 'async' keyword with 'poll: 0' and then use async_status module.
Why this is correct
async with poll=0 starts the task and returns immediately; async_status checks the result later.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use 'delegate_to: localhost' and 'run_once'.
Why it's wrong here
delegate_to changes the host but the task still blocks execution.
- ✗
Use a separate playbook invoked with 'ansible-playbook' via command module.
Why it's wrong here
This is cumbersome and does not integrate well with the current playbook.
- ✗
Use 'throttle' to limit execution.
Why it's wrong here
throttle limits parallelism but does not background the task.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse `async` with `throttle` or `delegate_to`, thinking any concurrency-related keyword will make a task non-blocking, when only `async` with `poll: 0` achieves true background execution.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, when `async` is used with `poll: 0`, Ansible starts the task, records the job ID, and immediately moves on without polling for completion. The `async_status` module later queries the job ID via the Ansible control node's connection to the target host, retrieving the task's exit code, stdout, and stderr. A real-world scenario is rebooting a server or installing a large package that takes minutes; using async with poll: 0 allows the playbook to continue with other hosts or tasks, then check the result later with `async_status` and `until` to wait for completion.
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.
Visual reference
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.
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Manage task execution and roles — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this EX294 question test?
Manage task execution and roles — This question tests Manage task execution and roles — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use the 'async' keyword with 'poll: 0' and then use async_status module. — Option A is correct because setting `poll: 0` with the `async` keyword launches the task in the background without waiting for it to complete, and the `async_status` module can then be used later to check the task's status by referencing its job ID. This allows the playbook to continue executing other tasks while the long-running task runs asynchronously.
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.
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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.
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