EX294 Practice Question: Create content collections and execution environments
This EX294 practice question tests your understanding of create content collections and execution environments. 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.
Which TWO factors should be considered when choosing a base container image for an execution environment?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The presence of ansible-core and ansible-runner.
An execution environment is a container image that includes all dependencies needed to run Ansible automation. For it to function correctly, the base image must contain `ansible-core` and `ansible-runner`, as these provide the core automation engine and the runner that manages playbook execution, respectively. Without these components, the container cannot execute Ansible jobs, making their presence a mandatory requirement.
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.
✗
The date of the last update.
Why it's wrong here
While recency matters, it is less critical than functionality and compatibility.
✓
The presence of ansible-core and ansible-runner.
Why this is correct
These components are essential for running Ansible inside the container.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The size of the image.
Why it's wrong here
Size is a consideration but not as critical as functionality and compatibility.
✓
The base operating system version.
Why this is correct
The OS must be compatible with the collections and modules you plan to use.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The number of layers.
Why it's wrong here
Number of layers is an optimization detail, not a primary selection factor.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Red Hat often tests the misconception that image size or layer count are critical selection criteria, when in fact the mandatory technical requirement is the presence of `ansible-core` and `ansible-runner` to ensure the container can actually run Ansible jobs.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, `ansible-runner` is the component that interfaces with the container runtime, handling playbook execution, event emission, and artifact collection. The base image must also include Python and any required system libraries (e.g., libffi, OpenSSL) that `ansible-core` depends on. In a real-world scenario, using a minimal base image like `python:3.11-slim` without `ansible-runner` would cause the execution environment to fail with an 'ansible-runner not found' error when triggered by Automation Controller or AWX.
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.
Create content collections and execution environments — This question tests Create content collections and execution environments — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The presence of ansible-core and ansible-runner. — An execution environment is a container image that includes all dependencies needed to run Ansible automation. For it to function correctly, the base image must contain `ansible-core` and `ansible-runner`, as these provide the core automation engine and the runner that manages playbook execution, respectively. Without these components, the container cannot execute Ansible jobs, making their presence a mandatory requirement.
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.
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Question Discussion
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