The PCAP™ – Certified Associate in Python Programming practice test is designed to elevate your Python studies to an advanced level and help you launch a successful career as a developer. This comprehensive assessment features two tailored testing environments: a certification mode and a practice mode. The certification mode accurately evaluates your current knowledge base and identifies any weak points, while the practice mode allows you to focus deeply on the specific areas that require the most improvement.
Why should I take the PCAP™ Python Certification exam?
If you are aiming to build a career in data science, machine learning, or software development, earning a Python certification is an excellent stepping stone. Recognized by the Python Institute, the PCAP™ is a high-stakes, professional credential that validates your ability to handle intermediate-level coding tasks. It proves your expertise in essential developer skills, including debugging, designing, refactoring, and executing complex multi-module programs.
Questions: 120
Release Date: 07/2023
Job Role: Data Analyst, Software Developer
Language: English
The PCAP™ Python practice test contains 120 questions and covers the following objectives:
Section 1: Modules and Packages – 16 questions
PCAP-31-03 1.1 – Import and use modules and packages
- import variants: import, from import, import as, import *
- advanced qualifying for nested modules
- the dir() function
- the sys.path variable
PCAP-31-03 1.2 – Perform evaluations using the math module
- functions: ceil(), floor(), trunc(), factorial(), hypot(), sqrt()
PCAP-31-03 1.3 – Generate random values using the random module
- functions: random(), seed(), choice(), sample()
PCAP-31-03 1.4 – Discover host platform properties using the platform module
- functions: platform(), machine(), processor(), system(), version(), python_implementation(), python_version_tuple()
PCAP-31-03 1.5 – Create and use user-defined modules and packages
- idea and rationale;
- the __pycache__ directory
- the __name__ variable
- public and private variables
- the __init__.py file
- searching for/through modules/packages
- nested packages vs. directory trees
Section 2: Exceptions – 15 questions
PCAP-31-03 2.1 – Handle errors using Python-defined exceptions
- except, except:-except, except:-else:, except (e1, e2)
- the hierarchy of exceptions 3
- raise, raise ex
- assert
- event classes
- except E as e
- the arg property
PCAP-31-02 2.2 – Extend the Python exceptions hierarchy with self-defined exceptions
- self-defined exceptions
- defining and using self-defined exceptions
Section 3: Strings – 26 questions
PCAP-31-03 3.1 – Understand machine representation of characters
- encoding standards: ASCII, UNICODE, UTF-8, code points, escape sequences
PCAP-31-03 3.2 – Operate on strings
- functions: ord(), chr()
- indexing, slicing, immutability
- iterating through strings, concatenating, multiplying, comparing (against strings and numbers)
- operators: in, not in
PCAP-31-03 3.3 – Employ built-in string methods
- methods: .isxxx(), .join(), .split(), .sort(), sorted(), .index(), .find(), .rfind()
Section 4: Object-Oriented Programming – 37 questions
PCAP-31-03 4.1 – Understand the Object-Oriented approach
- ideas and notions: class, object, property, method, encapsulation, inheritance, superclass, subclass, identifying class components
PCEP-31-03 4.2 – Employ class and object properties
- instance vs. class variables: declarations and initializations
- the __dict__ property (objects vs. classes)
- private components (instances vs. classes)
- name mangling
PCAP-31-03 4.3 – Equip a class with methods
- declaring and using methods
- the self parameter
PCAP-31-03 4.4 – Discover the class structure
- introspection and the hasattr() function (objects vs classes)
- properties: __name__, __module__ , __bases__
PCAP-31-03 4.5 – Build a class hierarchy using inheritance
- single and multiple inheritance
- the isinstance() function
- overriding
- operators:
- not is, is
- polymorphism
- overriding the __str__() method
- diamonds
PCAP-31-03 4.6 – Construct and initialize objects
- declaring and invoking constructors
Section 5: Miscellaneous – 26 questions
PCAP-31-03 5.1 – Build complex lists using list comprehension
- list comprehensions: the if operator, nested comprehensions
PCAP-31-03 5.2 – Embed lambda functions into the code
- lambdas: defining and using lambdas
- self-defined functions taking lambdas as arguments
- functions: map(), filter()
PCAP-31-03 5.3 – Define and use closures
- closures: meaning and rationale
- defining and using closures
PCAP-31-03 5.4 – Understand basic Input/Output terminology
- I/O modes
- predefined streams
- handles vs. streams
- text vs. binary modes
PCAP-31-03 5.5 – Perform Input/Output operations
- the open() function
- the errno variable and its values
- functions: close(), .read(), .write(), .readline(), readlines()
- using bytearray as input/output buffer
Notes:
- The bullets that follow each of the skills measured are intended to illustrate how we are assessing that skill. Related topics may be covered in the exam.
- Most questions cover features that are general availability (GA). The exam may contain questions on Preview features if those features are commonly used.
