- A
Use ansible.builtin.include_vars inside the imported playbook
Why wrong: include_vars can load variables but does not pass them from the parent playbook.
- B
Set variables using set_fact before the import
Why wrong: set_fact sets variables for the current host, not for the imported playbook's scope.
- C
Use group_vars or host_vars
Why wrong: group_vars/host_vars are applied automatically but not for passing variables explicitly during import.
- D
Add a 'vars' block to the import_playbook statement
import_playbook: other.yml vars: { key: value } is the correct syntax.
Question 271 of 528
Correct Method to Pass Variables When Using ansible.builtin.import_playbook
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 uses ansible.builtin.import_playbook to include other playbooks. The administrator needs to pass variables to the imported playbook. Which approach is valid?
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
✓
Add a 'vars' block to the import_playbook statement
Option D is correct because `ansible.builtin.import_playbook` supports a `vars` keyword directly in the import statement, allowing you to pass variables to the imported playbook at the time of import. This is the only built-in method that passes variables into the imported playbook's scope without relying on external files or facts.
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 ansible.builtin.include_vars inside the imported playbook
Why it's wrong here
include_vars can load variables but does not pass them from the parent playbook.
- ✗
Set variables using set_fact before the import
Why it's wrong here
set_fact sets variables for the current host, not for the imported playbook's scope.
- ✗
Use group_vars or host_vars
Why it's wrong here
group_vars/host_vars are applied automatically but not for passing variables explicitly during import.
- ✓
Add a 'vars' block to the import_playbook statement
Why this is correct
import_playbook: other.yml vars: { key: value } is the correct syntax.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common trap is the misconception that `set_fact` or `include_vars` can pass variables into an imported playbook, but `import_playbook` creates a new play scope that does not inherit facts or variables set in the parent play unless explicitly passed via the `vars` keyword.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, `import_playbook` is a static import that merges the imported playbook's plays into the parent playbook at parse time, and the `vars` block in the import statement is evaluated and injected into the imported play's variable scope before execution. This differs from `include_playbook` (which is dynamic and runs at runtime), but `import_playbook` is the only one that supports a `vars` parameter. A real-world scenario is when you have a reusable playbook for deploying a web server and you need to pass the `http_port` and `ssl_enabled` values without relying on inventory variables.
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.
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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: Add a 'vars' block to the import_playbook statement — Option D is correct because `ansible.builtin.import_playbook` supports a `vars` keyword directly in the import statement, allowing you to pass variables to the imported playbook at the time of import. This is the only built-in method that passes variables into the imported playbook's scope without relying on external files or facts.
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
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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