- A
Create the playbook file, then define hosts and tasks, then execute the playbook, then verify the httpd service.
This is correct because you must first create the file, then specify what to do (hosts and tasks), then run the playbook, and finally check that the installation succeeded.
- B
Define hosts and tasks, then create the playbook file, then execute the playbook, then verify the httpd service.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because you cannot define hosts and tasks before creating the playbook file; the file must exist to hold the definitions.
- C
Create the playbook file, then execute the playbook, then verify the httpd service, then define hosts and tasks.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because defining hosts and tasks must happen before execution, not after; otherwise the playbook has no instructions.
- D
Execute the playbook, then create the playbook file, then define hosts and tasks, then verify the httpd service.
Why wrong: This is incorrect because you cannot execute a playbook that does not exist yet; the file and its contents must be prepared first.
Steps to Create and Execute Ansible Playbook — Correct Order
This EX294 practice question tests your understanding of manage inventories and credentials. 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.
Drag and drop the steps to create and apply a simple Ansible playbook that installs httpd into the correct order.
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
Create the playbook file, then define hosts and tasks, then execute the playbook, then verify the httpd service.
A playbook defines hosts and tasks; tasks use modules; after execution, verification confirms success.
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.
- ✓
Create the playbook file, then define hosts and tasks, then execute the playbook, then verify the httpd service.
Why this is correct
This is correct because you must first create the file, then specify what to do (hosts and tasks), then run the playbook, and finally check that the installation succeeded.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Define hosts and tasks, then create the playbook file, then execute the playbook, then verify the httpd service.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because you cannot define hosts and tasks before creating the playbook file; the file must exist to hold the definitions.
- ✗
Create the playbook file, then execute the playbook, then verify the httpd service, then define hosts and tasks.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because defining hosts and tasks must happen before execution, not after; otherwise the playbook has no instructions.
- ✗
Execute the playbook, then create the playbook file, then define hosts and tasks, then verify the httpd service.
Why it's wrong here
This is incorrect because you cannot execute a playbook that does not exist yet; the file and its contents must be prepared first.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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 EX294 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
- →
Manage inventories and credentials — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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Manage inventories and credentials practice questions
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Red Hat Certified Engineer EX294 study guide
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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: Create the playbook file, then define hosts and tasks, then execute the playbook, then verify the httpd service. — A playbook defines hosts and tasks; tasks use modules; after execution, verification confirms success.
What should I do if I get this EX294 question wrong?
Identify which EX294 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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: 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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