- A
Use a Vault credential to store the new secrets and reference them in the job template
Why wrong: Vault credentials are for vault encryption, not for storing machine credentials.
- B
Write a script that uses the Automation Controller API to update the credential's inputs (e.g., new SSH key or password) after rotating them on the target servers
The API allows programmatic rotation without exposing secrets in logs or playbooks.
- C
Store the new passwords directly in a playbook and run it manually on each server, then update the credential in the UI
Why wrong: This exposes secrets in plain text in the playbook and is not automated.
- D
Create a single machine credential with the same SSH key for all Linux servers and a single credential for all Windows servers
Why wrong: This violates security best practices by sharing keys, and rotation would still require updating each server individually.
EX294 Manage inventories and credentials Practice Question
This EX294 practice question tests your understanding of manage inventories and credentials. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
A company uses Ansible Automation Controller to manage a mix of Linux and Windows servers. Each server is in a separate inventory group. The Linux servers use SSH keys stored in machine credentials, and the Windows servers use username/password stored in machine credentials. Recently, a new security policy requires that all credentials must be rotated every 90 days. The automation team has 50 Linux servers and 20 Windows servers. They want to minimize manual effort and avoid exposing secrets in plain text during rotation. They currently have a Jenkins pipeline that can run scripts on the controller node. Which approach best meets the requirements?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Clue:
"minimum / minimize"Why it matters: Asks for the least resource use — fewest addresses, smallest subnet, lowest overhead. Eliminate over-provisioned options even if they would technically work.
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
Write a script that uses the Automation Controller API to update the credential's inputs (e.g., new SSH key or password) after rotating them on the target servers
Option B is correct because it uses the Automation Controller API to programmatically update credential inputs (SSH keys or passwords) after rotating them on the target servers, which minimizes manual effort, avoids exposing secrets in plain text (the API call uses HTTPS and authentication tokens), and satisfies the 90-day rotation policy. The Jenkins pipeline can invoke a script that first rotates the secret on each server (e.g., via SSH or WinRM) and then calls the API's PATCH endpoint for the credential to update the stored value, ensuring the credential remains synchronized without manual UI intervention.
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.
- ✗
Use a Vault credential to store the new secrets and reference them in the job template
Why it's wrong here
Vault credentials are for vault encryption, not for storing machine credentials.
- ✓
Write a script that uses the Automation Controller API to update the credential's inputs (e.g., new SSH key or password) after rotating them on the target servers
Why this is correct
The API allows programmatic rotation without exposing secrets in logs or playbooks.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "best", "minimum / minimize" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Store the new passwords directly in a playbook and run it manually on each server, then update the credential in the UI
Why it's wrong here
This exposes secrets in plain text in the playbook and is not automated.
- ✗
Create a single machine credential with the same SSH key for all Linux servers and a single credential for all Windows servers
Why it's wrong here
This violates security best practices by sharing keys, and rotation would still require updating each server individually.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may assume a Vault credential (Option A) automates rotation, but it only stores secrets securely and does not programmatically update them; the exam tests understanding that the API is the correct mechanism for automated credential updates without manual steps.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The Automation Controller API uses RESTful endpoints such as `/api/v2/credentials/{id}/` with a PATCH request to update credential inputs, where the payload must be JSON-encoded and the secret fields (e.g., `ssh_key_data`, `password`) are encrypted at rest by the controller. Under the hood, the controller stores credentials in its database using AES-256 encryption, and the API call must include a valid OAuth 2.0 token or session cookie for authentication. A real-world scenario is a CI/CD pipeline that triggers a playbook to rotate SSH keys on target hosts via `authorized_key` module, then immediately calls the API to update the credential, ensuring zero downtime and audit trail.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this EX294 question test?
Manage inventories and credentials — This question tests Manage inventories and credentials — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Write a script that uses the Automation Controller API to update the credential's inputs (e.g., new SSH key or password) after rotating them on the target servers — Option B is correct because it uses the Automation Controller API to programmatically update credential inputs (SSH keys or passwords) after rotating them on the target servers, which minimizes manual effort, avoids exposing secrets in plain text (the API call uses HTTPS and authentication tokens), and satisfies the 90-day rotation policy. The Jenkins pipeline can invoke a script that first rotates the secret on each server (e.g., via SSH or WinRM) and then calls the API's PATCH endpoint for the credential to update the stored value, ensuring the credential remains synchronized without manual UI intervention.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best", "minimum / minimize". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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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