- A
Use ansible-vault to encrypt the password string and store it in a file, then include_vars.
ansible-vault is the standard way to encrypt sensitive data.
- B
Use a lookup plugin to fetch from a secrets manager.
Why wrong: While possible, this is beyond typical RHCE scope and adds complexity.
- C
Store the password in an environment variable on the controller.
Why wrong: Environment variables are not portable across systems.
- D
Hardcode the password in the playbook and use .gitignore.
Why wrong: Hardcoding secrets is insecure and not recommended.
Question 350 of 528
EX294 Implement advanced Ansible automation Practice Question
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.
An administrator needs to securely store a database password used across multiple roles in a shared repository. Which approach is recommended?
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 ansible-vault to encrypt the password string and store it in a file, then include_vars.
Option A is correct because ansible-vault encrypts sensitive data at rest using AES-256, and the encrypted file can be safely stored in a shared repository. The `include_vars` module then decrypts the file at runtime when the vault password is provided, allowing multiple roles to access the password without exposing it in plaintext.
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-vault to encrypt the password string and store it in a file, then include_vars.
Why this is correct
ansible-vault is the standard way to encrypt sensitive data.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use a lookup plugin to fetch from a secrets manager.
Why it's wrong here
While possible, this is beyond typical RHCE scope and adds complexity.
- ✗
Store the password in an environment variable on the controller.
Why it's wrong here
Environment variables are not portable across systems.
- ✗
Hardcode the password in the playbook and use .gitignore.
Why it's wrong here
Hardcoding secrets is insecure and not recommended.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse 'secure storage in a repository' with external secrets managers (Option B), but the question explicitly limits the context to a shared repository, making ansible-vault the correct built-in solution.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Ansible-vault uses a symmetric encryption key derived from the vault password via PBKDF2, and the encrypted data is stored in a YAML file with a `!vault` tag. When `include_vars` loads the file, Ansible automatically decrypts it using the vault password provided via `--ask-vault-pass` or a vault password file, ensuring the plaintext password is only available in memory during playbook execution. In a real-world scenario, teams often combine ansible-vault with a vault password stored in a CI/CD pipeline secret to automate secure deployments.
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.
Quick reference
Symmetric Encryption Algorithm Comparison
| Algorithm | Key Size | Block Size | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AES-128 | 128-bit | 128-bit | Current standard | NIST approved; WPA3, TLS |
| AES-256 | 256-bit | 128-bit | Current standard | Preferred for sensitive / govt data |
| 3DES | 112-bit effective | 64-bit | Deprecated (2023) | Replaced by AES |
| DES | 56-bit | 64-bit | Broken | Cracked in < 24 h; never deploy |
| ChaCha20 | 256-bit | Stream cipher | Current | TLS 1.3, WireGuard |
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 ansible-vault to encrypt the password string and store it in a file, then include_vars. — Option A is correct because ansible-vault encrypts sensitive data at rest using AES-256, and the encrypted file can be safely stored in a shared repository. The `include_vars` module then decrypts the file at runtime when the vault password is provided, allowing multiple roles to access the password without exposing it in plaintext.
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.