This EX294 practice question tests your understanding of transform data with filters and plugins. 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.
A custom filter plugin named `custom_filter` is stored in `./filter_plugins/` relative to the playbook. The playbook runs on a control node where the `ansible.cfg` sets `filter_plugins = /opt/ansible/filters`. Which location will Ansible search for the plugin first?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Both A and B, with A first then B
Why wrong: When filter_plugins is set, only that path is used.
/opt/ansible/filters
The ansible.cfg setting takes precedence over the default.
./filter_plugins/
Why wrong: This default is overridden by the config.
~/.ansible/plugins/filter
Why wrong: This is a user-level fallback, searched after configured paths.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
/opt/ansible/filters
Option B is correct because Ansible's plugin loading order prioritizes the `filter_plugins` directory specified in `ansible.cfg` over the `./filter_plugins/` directory relative to the playbook. The `ansible.cfg` setting explicitly overrides the default search path, so `/opt/ansible/filters` is checked first.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Both A and B, with A first then B
Why it's wrong here
When filter_plugins is set, only that path is used.
/opt/ansible/filters
Why this is correct
The ansible.cfg setting takes precedence over the default.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
./filter_plugins/
Why it's wrong here
This default is overridden by the config.
~/.ansible/plugins/filter
Why it's wrong here
This is a user-level fallback, searched after configured paths.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates assume the playbook-relative `./filter_plugins/` directory is always searched first, but the `ansible.cfg` setting explicitly overrides that order, making the configured path the primary search location.
Detailed technical explanation
Ansible's plugin search order is: (1) `filter_plugins` from `ansible.cfg`, (2) `./filter_plugins/` relative to the playbook, (3) `~/.ansible/plugins/filter`, and (4) the default system path. This hierarchy allows administrators to enforce a centralized plugin directory via `ansible.cfg`, overriding local playbook directories. In real-world scenarios, this prevents conflicts when multiple playbooks use different filter versions.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
Transform data with filters and plugins — This question tests Transform data with filters and plugins — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: /opt/ansible/filters — Option B is correct because Ansible's plugin loading order prioritizes the `filter_plugins` directory specified in `ansible.cfg` over the `./filter_plugins/` directory relative to the playbook. The `ansible.cfg` setting explicitly overrides the default search path, so `/opt/ansible/filters` is checked first.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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