- A
Vault-encrypted files cannot be used with include_vars.
Why wrong: They can be used if vault password is provided.
- B
Vault can encrypt entire files or individual variables.
ansible-vault encrypts at file level; variable encryption requires specific syntax.
- C
Vault uses AES-128 encryption by default.
Why wrong: It uses AES-256.
- D
Vault passwords can be stored directly in ansible.cfg.
Why wrong: Only a path to a password file can be configured.
- E
Vault supports multiple passwords with vault IDs.
Vault ID allows using different passwords for different encrypted files.
Question 31 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.
Which two statements about ansible-vault are true? (Select exactly 2.)
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
✓
Vault can encrypt entire files or individual variables.
Option B is correct because ansible-vault can encrypt either entire files (e.g., vars files, role defaults) or individual variables within a YAML file using the `!vault` tag. This flexibility allows you to protect sensitive data at the granularity you choose, without requiring separate encrypted files for each secret.
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.
- ✗
Vault-encrypted files cannot be used with include_vars.
Why it's wrong here
They can be used if vault password is provided.
- ✓
Vault can encrypt entire files or individual variables.
Why this is correct
ansible-vault encrypts at file level; variable encryption requires specific syntax.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Vault uses AES-128 encryption by default.
Why it's wrong here
It uses AES-256.
- ✗
Vault passwords can be stored directly in ansible.cfg.
Why it's wrong here
Only a path to a password file can be configured.
- ✓
Vault supports multiple passwords with vault IDs.
Why this is correct
Vault ID allows using different passwords for different encrypted files.
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 the encryption algorithm (AES-128 vs AES-256) or assume vault-encrypted files cannot be dynamically included, when in fact include_vars works seamlessly with decryption.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, ansible-vault uses AES-256 in CBC mode with a random salt and a PBKDF2-derived key (10000 iterations by default) to encrypt data. Vault IDs (option E) allow you to use multiple vault passwords in the same playbook, each identified by a label (e.g., `--vault-id prod@vault-pass-prod`), enabling role-based or environment-based secret management without password conflicts.
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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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: Vault can encrypt entire files or individual variables. — Option B is correct because ansible-vault can encrypt either entire files (e.g., vars files, role defaults) or individual variables within a YAML file using the `!vault` tag. This flexibility allows you to protect sensitive data at the granularity you choose, without requiring separate encrypted files for each secret.
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 →
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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.
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