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Python Institute · DevOps & Automation · Entry

PCEP Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer exam guide

Exam PCEP-30-03 (succeeds PCEP-30-02, scheduled for release 31 Oct 2026)

PCEP from the Python Institute (OpenEDG) certifies entry-level Python skills: syntax, data types, control flow, collections, functions and exceptions. It is an affordable first credential for students and career changers, and the Python Institute scheduled the updated PCEP-30-03 version for release on 31 October 2026.

Questions30
Time limit40 minutes
Passing score70%
Exam fee$69 USD
Valid for5 years
DeliveryOnline proctored via OpenEDG TestNow

Format: Single- and multiple-select, drag and drop, gap fill, code insertion. Fee note: Exam + retake $86; exam + retake + practice test $95. Plus 5-minute NDA/tutorial.

Who it's for

Beginners, students and IT professionals new to programming who want a recognized first Python credential.

What the exam covers

Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals—
Control Flow - Conditional Blocks and Loops—
Data Collections - Tuples, Dictionaries, Lists and Strings—
Functions and Exceptions—

A dash means the vendor does not publish a weight for that domain.

Eligibility & prerequisites

Required: None

Recommended: Completion of the free Python Essentials 1 course on edube.org or equivalent.

Keeping it active

Valid 5 years. Renew by passing the current PCEP or a higher-level Python Institute exam.

Skills & careers

Skills it validates

  • Python syntax, literals, variables and operators
  • if/elif/else and loops with break/continue
  • Lists, tuples, dictionaries and strings
  • Defining functions, parameters and scope
  • Handling built-in exceptions
  • Reading and predicting code output

Job roles

Junior Python DeveloperQA Automation TesterData Analyst (entry level)IT Support ScripterProgramming Intern

Where it fits in your path

Take before

No prerequisite certification needed.

You are here

PCEP Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer

Planning a degree too? See how this cert earns college credit in the College Credit Navigator.

Build my study plan

  1. Week 1: Python Essentials 1 modules 1-2: setup, print/input, data types, operators.
  2. Week 2: Modules 3: conditionals, loops, lists and slicing.
  3. Week 3: Module 4: functions, tuples, dictionaries, exceptions.
  4. Week 4: Work the official syllabus line by line, take the $29 practice test, and drill output-prediction questions.

Make it yours: pick your exam date and weekly hours. We'll split your time by domain weight and give you a printable plan.

Exam-day tips

  • Most questions ask what a snippet prints - trace code by hand, especially loops with else clauses.
  • Know operator precedence and integer vs float division (//, /, %, **).
  • Know list slicing with negative indices and steps, and that slices create copies.
  • Learn which built-in exceptions specific errors raise (IndexError, KeyError, ValueError, TypeError, ZeroDivisionError).
  • Budget about 80 seconds per question; flag and return.

Key terms for this exam

All 6 terms Study with thinQcards™

Commonly confused on this exam

Frequently asked questions

How much does PCEP cost?

From $69 for the exam alone, $86 with a retake, or $95 with a retake and practice test.

How long is PCEP valid?

5 years.

What is the PCEP passing score?

70%.

What changed in PCEP-30-03?

The Python Institute scheduled PCEP-30-03 for release on 31 October 2026 as a routine update; existing credentials keep their validity. Check the syllabus for objective changes.

PCEP or PCAP first?

PCEP if you are new to Python; experienced programmers can go straight to PCAP.

Official page: pythoninstitute.org. Reviewed November 2026. Vendors change fees and objectives, so confirm with the vendor before you book. Spot something out of date? Tell us.