EX294 Deploy Ansible Automation Platform Practice Question
This EX294 practice question tests your understanding of deploy ansible automation platform. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```
[webservers]
web1 ansible_host=192.168.1.10
web2 ansible_host=192.168.1.11
[webservers:vars]
ansible_user=admin
ansible_ssh_private_key_file=/home/admin/.ssh/id_rsa
```
An admin imports this inventory into AAP and assigns a machine credential that uses SSH key authentication. The job fails with 'Authentication failed'. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The credential's SSH key is not being used because the inventory variable ansible_ssh_private_key_file conflicts.
Option B is correct because AAP does not use inventory variables for authentication; it uses credentials. The variable 'ansible_ssh_private_key_file' is ignored by AAP, and the credential must be used. Option A is incorrect because the credential is present. Option C is incorrect because the key path is not used. Option D is incorrect because the become method is not relevant to this failure.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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 private key file path in the inventory does not exist on the controller.
Why it's wrong here
The inventory variable is not used by AAP if a credential is assigned.
✓
The credential's SSH key is not being used because the inventory variable ansible_ssh_private_key_file conflicts.
Why this is correct
AAP uses the credential's key when a credential is assigned; the inventory variable is ignored and can cause confusion.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
The machine credential does not contain an SSH private key.
Why it's wrong here
The admin assigned a credential that uses SSH key authentication, so it must have a key.
✗
The 'ansible_become' variable is missing from the inventory.
Why it's wrong here
Become is not related to authentication failure.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related EX294 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Deploy Ansible Automation Platform — This question tests Deploy Ansible Automation Platform — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The credential's SSH key is not being used because the inventory variable ansible_ssh_private_key_file conflicts. — Option B is correct because AAP does not use inventory variables for authentication; it uses credentials. The variable 'ansible_ssh_private_key_file' is ignored by AAP, and the credential must be used. Option A is incorrect because the credential is present. Option C is incorrect because the key path is not used. Option D is incorrect because the become method is not relevant to this failure.
What should I do if I get this EX294 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related EX294 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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 →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.