- A
In the ansible.cfg file.
Why wrong: ansible.cfg does not support variable definitions for playbooks.
- B
In the role's vars/main.yml.
Why wrong: Role vars are only available within that role's scope.
- C
In the playbook's vars_files directive.
vars_files includes YAML/JSON files with variables.
- D
In the inventory file variables.
Inventory can define host and group variables.
- E
Using the --extra-vars command line option.
--extra-vars overrides other variables.
Question 364 of 528
Ansible Pass Variables to Playbook — Three Essential Methods | Red Hat Certified Engineer Explained
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.
Which three methods can be used to pass variables to an Ansible playbook? (Select exactly 3.)
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
✓
In the playbook's vars_files directive.
Option C is correct because the `vars_files` directive in a playbook allows you to specify external YAML or JSON files containing variables, which are then merged into the play's variable scope at runtime. This is a standard method for passing variables to a playbook, as it separates variable definitions from the playbook logic.
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.
- ✗
In the ansible.cfg file.
Why it's wrong here
ansible.cfg does not support variable definitions for playbooks.
- ✗
In the role's vars/main.yml.
Why it's wrong here
Role vars are only available within that role's scope.
- ✓
In the playbook's vars_files directive.
Why this is correct
vars_files includes YAML/JSON files with variables.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
In the inventory file variables.
Why this is correct
Inventory can define host and group variables.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Using the --extra-vars command line option.
Why this is correct
--extra-vars overrides other variables.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse role-level variable files (like `vars/main.yml`) with playbook-level variable passing methods, or mistakenly think that `ansible.cfg` can hold variables, when in fact it only holds configuration directives.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, Ansible resolves variable precedence in a specific order, with `--extra-vars` having the highest precedence (overriding all others), followed by `vars_files` and inventory variables. In real-world scenarios, using `vars_files` is common for environment-specific configurations (e.g., `vars/prod.yml`), while `--extra-vars` is used for ad-hoc overrides during automation runs.
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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Implement advanced Ansible automation — study guide chapter
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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: In the playbook's vars_files directive. — Option C is correct because the `vars_files` directive in a playbook allows you to specify external YAML or JSON files containing variables, which are then merged into the play's variable scope at runtime. This is a standard method for passing variables to a playbook, as it separates variable definitions from the playbook logic.
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 →
Same concept, more angles
1 more ways this is tested on EX294
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which three of the following are valid methods to pass variables to an Ansible playbook at runtime? (Choose three.)
medium- ✓ A.Using '--extra-vars' command line option.
- B.Using '--ask-vault-pass' and storing variables in encrypted files.
- C.Using 'environment' directive in the playbook.
- ✓ D.Using 'vars_prompt' in the playbook.
- ✓ E.Using '-e @file' to load variables from a JSON file.
Why A: Option A is correct because the `--extra-vars` (or `-e`) command-line option allows you to pass variables directly to an Ansible playbook at runtime. This overrides any previously defined variables and can accept key=value pairs or load from JSON/YAML files, making it the primary method for runtime variable injection.
Keep practising
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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