- A
Set host_vars for each target host
Why wrong: host_vars define variables per host but do not directly condition task execution in a role.
- B
Set group_vars for the target group
Why wrong: group_vars define variables per group but do not directly condition task execution in a role.
- C
Use a 'when' condition in the role's tasks
A when condition can evaluate inventory or fact data to determine if a task runs on a particular host.
- D
Use tags on the role
Why wrong: Tags allow selective execution of tasks but require manual tagging and selection; they do not automatically limit execution to certain hosts.
Question 346 of 528
Conditional Role Execution Using when in Ansible
This EX294 practice question tests your understanding of manage task execution and roles. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 wants to ensure a role's tasks are executed only on certain hosts. Which approach should they use?
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 a 'when' condition in the role's tasks
Option C is correct because Ansible's 'when' clause allows conditional execution of tasks based on variables such as inventory hostname, group membership, or custom facts. By using a 'when' condition that checks the target host's identity (e.g., 'ansible_hostname' or 'inventory_hostname'), the administrator can ensure that the role's tasks run only on specific hosts, without modifying inventory structure or using separate variable files.
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.
- ✗
Set host_vars for each target host
Why it's wrong here
host_vars define variables per host but do not directly condition task execution in a role.
- ✗
Set group_vars for the target group
Why it's wrong here
group_vars define variables per group but do not directly condition task execution in a role.
- ✓
Use a 'when' condition in the role's tasks
Why this is correct
A when condition can evaluate inventory or fact data to determine if a task runs on a particular host.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Use tags on the role
Why it's wrong here
Tags allow selective execution of tasks but require manual tagging and selection; they do not automatically limit execution to certain hosts.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse variable scoping (host_vars/group_vars) with conditional execution, assuming that setting variables for a host or group inherently limits task execution to those hosts, when in fact variables only provide data and do not control task flow without an explicit 'when' condition.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, Ansible evaluates 'when' conditions using Jinja2 templates, and the condition can reference any variable from the host's facts or inventory, such as 'ansible_fqdn' or custom facts stored in /etc/ansible/facts.d. A common real-world scenario is using 'when: inventory_hostname in groups['webservers']' to restrict a role to only those hosts that are members of the 'webservers' group, even if the role is applied to a larger group. This approach avoids duplicating roles or creating multiple playbooks for different host subsets.
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.
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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 a 'when' condition in the role's tasks — Option C is correct because Ansible's 'when' clause allows conditional execution of tasks based on variables such as inventory hostname, group membership, or custom facts. By using a 'when' condition that checks the target host's identity (e.g., 'ansible_hostname' or 'inventory_hostname'), the administrator can ensure that the role's tasks run only on specific hosts, without modifying inventory structure or using separate variable files.
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
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