- A
The inventory does not include the target hosts
Why wrong: Missing hosts would cause a host unreachable error, not a missing role.
- B
The project's source control sync failed, so the roles directory is empty
A failed sync means the roles were not downloaded, causing the 'not found' error.
- C
The job template is configured with an incorrect schedule
Why wrong: Schedule does not affect role paths.
- D
The credential used does not have access to the source control repository
Why wrong: A credential failure would cause a different error during sync, not a missing role.
Question 212 of 528
Missing Role in Ansible Tower Job Template: Causes and Fix
This EX294 practice question tests your understanding of manage inventories and credentials. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 sysadmin receives an error when running a job template: 'ERROR! the role 'common' was not found in the specified roles path'. The role exists in a source control repository referenced in the project. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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 project's source control sync failed, so the roles directory is empty
The error indicates that Ansible cannot find the 'common' role in the specified roles path. Since the role exists in the source control repository referenced by the project, the most likely cause is that the project's source control sync failed, leaving the roles directory empty or incomplete. Without a successful sync, the role files are not present on the Ansible control node, causing the job template execution to fail.
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.
- ✗
The inventory does not include the target hosts
Why it's wrong here
Missing hosts would cause a host unreachable error, not a missing role.
- ✓
The project's source control sync failed, so the roles directory is empty
Why this is correct
A failed sync means the roles were not downloaded, causing the 'not found' error.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The job template is configured with an incorrect schedule
Why it's wrong here
Schedule does not affect role paths.
- ✗
The credential used does not have access to the source control repository
Why it's wrong here
A credential failure would cause a different error during sync, not a missing role.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse a credential failure (Option D) with a sync failure, but the error message specifically points to a missing role file, not an authentication issue, and the sync failure is the direct cause of the missing role.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
When a project syncs from a source control repository (e.g., Git), Ansible Tower/AWX clones the repo into a local directory. If the sync fails due to network issues, invalid credentials, or repository unavailability, the roles directory may be empty or contain only partial data. The job template then looks for roles in the configured roles path (e.g., /var/lib/awx/projects/_<project_id>/roles), and if the role is missing, Ansible raises the 'role not found' error. This is distinct from a credential failure, which would manifest during the sync step itself.
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.
- →
Manage inventories and credentials — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this EX294 question test?
Manage inventories and credentials — This question tests Manage inventories and credentials — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The project's source control sync failed, so the roles directory is empty — The error indicates that Ansible cannot find the 'common' role in the specified roles path. Since the role exists in the source control repository referenced by the project, the most likely cause is that the project's source control sync failed, leaving the roles directory empty or incomplete. Without a successful sync, the role files are not present on the Ansible control node, causing the job template execution to fail.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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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