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.
Exhibit
---
- name: Configure SSH
hosts: all
tasks:
- name: Ensure SSH server is running
service:
name: sshd
state: started
- name: Set SSH MaxAuthTries
lineinfile:
path: /etc/ssh/sshd_config
regexp: '^#?MaxAuthTries'
line: 'MaxAuthTries 3'
notify: restart sshd
handlers:
- name: restart sshd
service:
name: sshd
state: restarted
Refer to the exhibit. After running the playbook, the admin checks /etc/ssh/sshd_config and finds that the MaxAuthTries line is unchanged. 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.
Exhibit
---
- name: Configure SSH
hosts: all
tasks:
- name: Ensure SSH server is running
service:
name: sshd
state: started
- name: Set SSH MaxAuthTries
lineinfile:
path: /etc/ssh/sshd_config
regexp: '^#?MaxAuthTries'
line: 'MaxAuthTries 3'
notify: restart sshd
handlers:
- name: restart sshd
service:
name: sshd
state: restarted
A
The playbook needs become: yes to modify the file
Why wrong: That would cause a different error (permission denied).
B
The regexp pattern is incorrect and does not match the current configuration
If no line matches, lineinfile does nothing by default.
C
The handler was not notified because the task did not report 'changed'
Why wrong: The issue is that the line was not changed at all.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The regexp pattern is incorrect and does not match the current configuration
The lineinfile regexp does not match any existing line, and the module does not add it if not found.
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 playbook needs become: yes to modify the file
Why it's wrong here
That would cause a different error (permission denied).
✓
The regexp pattern is incorrect and does not match the current configuration
Why this is correct
If no line matches, lineinfile does nothing by default.
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 handler was not notified because the task did not report 'changed'
Why it's wrong here
The issue is that the line was not changed at all.
✗
The service name should be 'sshd' not 'sshd'
Why it's wrong here
The service name is correct.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 EX294 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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: The regexp pattern is incorrect and does not match the current configuration — The lineinfile regexp does not match any existing line, and the module does not add it if not found.
What should I do if I get this EX294 question wrong?
Identify which EX294 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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.
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