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Exam Information
Official specifications published by Python Institute
Exam Format
30
700
Entry-Level
Registration
$59 USD
OpenEDG Testing Service or online proctoring
English
Validity
Lifetime
Not required - certification does not expire; Can progress to PCAP certification
PCEP-30-02 Exam Topics and Domains
PCEP-30-02 is organized into 4 weighted domains.
1
Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals
18%
Understand fundamental terms and definitions
Interpreting and the interpreterCompilation and the compilerLexis, syntax, and semantics
- Understanding the difference between interpretation and compilation
- Understanding the role of lexis, syntax, and semantics in programming
Understand Python's logic and structure
KeywordsInstructionsIndentationComments
- Understanding Python's structural requirements
- Proper use of indentation and comments
Introduce literals and variables into code and use different numeral systems
LiteralsScientific notationNumeral systemsVariables and naming conventions
- Using different types of literals in Python
- Understanding numeral systems and their Python representations
- Following PEP-8 naming conventions
Choose operators and data types adequate to the problem
Numeric operatorsString operatorsAssignment and shortcut operatorsBitwise operatorsBoolean and relational operatorsType casting
- Understanding operator precedence and binding
- Using appropriate operators for different data types
- Performing type conversions
Perform Input/Output console operations
The print() functionThe input() functionType conversion functions
- Using print() function with parameters
- Getting and processing user input
2
Control Flow – Conditional Blocks and Loops
29%
Make decisions and branch the flow with the if instruction
Conditional statementsMultiple conditional statementsNesting conditional statements
- Using conditional statements to control program flow
- Implementing complex decision logic
Perform different types of iterations
The pass instructionBuilding loopsIterating through sequencesExpanding loops with elseNesting loops and conditional statementsControlling loop execution
- Implementing different types of loops
- Controlling loop execution with break and continue
- Using loop-else clauses
3
Data Collections – Tuples, Dictionaries, Lists, and Strings
25%
Collect and process data using lists
Constructing vectorsIndexing and slicingList methodsList functionsIterating through listsin and not in operatorsList comprehensionsCopying and cloningLists in lists: matrices and cubes
- Creating and manipulating lists
- Using list methods and functions
- Implementing list comprehensions
Collect and process data using tuples
Tuples: indexing, slicing, building, immutabilityTuples vs. lists: similarities and differencesLists inside tuples and tuples inside lists
- Understanding tuple immutability
- Choosing between tuples and lists
Collect and process data using dictionaries
Dictionaries: building, indexing, adding and removing keysIterating through dictionariesChecking the existence of keysDictionary methods
- Creating and manipulating dictionaries
- Iterating through dictionary data
- Using dictionary methods effectively
Operate with strings
Constructing stringsIndexing, slicing, immutabilityEscaping using the \ characterMulti-line stringsBasic string functions and methods
- Working with string data
- Using escape sequences
- Applying string methods
4
Functions and Exceptions
28%
Decompose the code using functions
Defining and invoking user-defined functionsThe return keywordThe None keywordRecursion
- Creating reusable functions
- Understanding return values
- Implementing recursive solutions
Organize interaction between the function and its environment
Parameters vs. argumentsPositional, keyword, and mixed argument passingDefault parameter valuesName scopes and the global keyword
- Understanding parameter passing mechanisms
- Managing variable scopes
- Using default parameters effectively
Python Built-In Exceptions Hierarchy
Base exceptionsAbstract exceptionsConcrete exceptions
- Understanding Python's exception hierarchy
- Recognizing common exceptions
Basics of Python Exception Handling
try-except blocksOrdering the except branchesPropagating exceptionsDelegating responsibility
- Implementing exception handling
- Managing exception flow
- Writing robust error-handling code
How do I earn this certification?
Passing PCEP-30-02 earns the PCEP – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer certification. It sits in the Python Programming track.
Next Level Options
- PCAP-31-03 - Certified Associate in Python ProgrammingObject-oriented programming and advanced Python features
- PCED-30-02 - Certified Entry-Level Data Analyst with Python Data analytics specialization path
- PCEA-30-01 - Certified Entry-Level AI Developer with Python AI and machine learning specialization
Alternative Paths
- PCAD-31-02 - Certified Associate in Data Analytics with Python Transition to data science and analytics
- PCAT-31-02 - Certified Associate in Testing with Python Specialize in test automation
- PCAI-31-01 - Certified Associate in AI with Python Focus on AI and machine learning applications
Practice with Precision
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How to study for this exam?
The most effective way to prepare for PCEP-30-02 is by using the PlanetCert Simulator to practice questions and review detailed explanations.
What's changed on this exam?
Current Status
- ACTIVE
- Last content update: 2022-02-23
- Announcement date: 2022-02-23
Updates
- Python 3.12 PCEP focuses on Python 3.x fundamentals that are version-agnostic • Release date: 2023-10-02
- Edube Interactive 2.0 Enhanced learning platform with better code sandbox • Release date: 2024-06-01
Who should take this exam?
This exam is typically taken by Aspiring programmers and learners interested in learning programming and Students seeking entry-level programming positions.
- Basic computer literacy
- Understanding of fundamental programming concepts
- Completion of Python Essentials - Part 1 course
- No prior programming experience required