EX294 Practice Question: Create content collections and execution environments
Which TWO factors should be considered when choosing a base container image for an execution environment?
⚠ Common exam trap
Red Hat often tests the misconception that image size or layer count are critical selection criteria, when in fact the mandatory technical requirement is the presence of `ansible-core` and `ansible-runner` to ensure the container can actually run Ansible jobs.
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 presence of ansible-core and ansible-runner.
Option B is correct because an execution environment must contain ansible-core and ansible-runner to actually execute Ansible playbooks and roles; without these packages the image cannot function as an automation execution environment. Option D is correct because the base operating system version determines package availability, supported Python versions, and compatibility with the ansible-core and collection dependencies you install, so it must be chosen deliberately. Option A is not a primary selection factor because a recent update date alone does not guarantee the required Ansible tooling or OS compatibility. Option C is not a primary factor because image size affects pull time and storage but does not determine whether the environment can run Ansible content. Option E is not a primary factor because the number of layers is an optimization detail, not a functional requirement for an execution environment.
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 date of the last update.
Why it's wrong here
The last-update date alone says nothing about the image's security posture, supported packages or compatibility with the execution environment's Python and collection requirements. It is tempting as a rough freshness proxy, but it is correct only when paired with verifiable patch status and vendor support.
- ✓
The presence of ansible-core and ansible-runner.
Why this is correct
A suitable base image must already provide ansible-core and ansible-runner, since execution environments rely on these to execute playbooks and communicate with the controller. Choosing an image lacking them forces manual installation and risks version incompatibilities.
- ✗
The size of the image.
Why it's wrong here
Image size affects pull time and registry storage, but the question asks which factors determine suitability as a base for an execution environment; the decisive criteria are the runtime and dependencies the automation content requires. Size is genuinely relevant when optimising bandwidth-constrained deployments, which is why it tempts.
- ✓
The base operating system version.
Why this is correct
The base operating system version determines which package manager and system libraries are available, directly affecting dependency resolution during image builds. Matching the host's RHEL or Fedora release ensures compatible glibc and Python runtimes, satisfying the stem's requirement to consider compatibility when selecting a base image for execution environments.
- ✗
The number of layers.
Why it's wrong here
Number of layers is an optimization detail, not a primary selection factor.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.