PCEP

About the certification

Build a solid foundation in Python

The OpenEDG Python Institute PCEP™ – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer certification is designed for students, beginners, aspiring developers, and professionals taking their first steps in programming.

PCEP-30-03 measures foundational knowledge of Python language structure, syntax, data types, control flow, collections, functions, exceptions, file operations, and selected standard library modules. The exam emphasizes practical code understanding and problem-solving, rather than advanced software development.

It is a natural starting point for further learning in software development, automation, testing, data analytics, cybersecurity, and related fields, and for progressing to the PCAP™ certification.

Skills you will demonstrate

Read, interpret, trace, and complete short Python programs.
Use variables, operators, input, output, conditions, and loops.
Work with lists, tuples, sets, dictionaries, and strings.
Define functions, pass arguments, and use return values.
Recognize exceptions and perform basic file operations.
Import and use selected Python standard library modules.

Community voices

What our learners and partners say

Discover how Python Institute certification programs have supported learning, teaching, and professional development.

I strongly recommend this certification program and encourage anybody who wants to start a career in this matter – you won't be disappointed.

Pablo Quesada Global Operations Manager, Costa Rica
PCEP & PCAP certified

…it is the value that PCAP and PCEP offer that makes the difference.

Andrew Smith Senior Lecturer
The Open University, UK

Our students have progressed from zero experience to entering the marketplace as junior programmers after passing the exams from the Python Institute.

Sotiris Pafitis CEO, SCP – School of Certified Professionals
Cyprus

PCEP-30-03 Exam Scope

Five domains. One practical foundation.

The exam contains 35 questions across five weighted sections. Each section assesses the ability to understand and apply essential Python programming concepts.

Section 01

Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals

17%

6 questions

Language structure, code execution, syntax, and semantics
Keywords, indentation, comments, literals, and variables
Operators, expressions, input/output, and type conversions

Section 02

Control Flow: Conditional Blocks and Loops

23%

8 questions

Conditional statements, including nested and compound decisions
while and for loops, and range()
Nested loops, break, continue, and pass

Section 03

Data Collections: Lists, Tuples, Sets, Dictionaries, and Strings

26%

9 questions

Creating, accessing, modifying, and iterating over collections
Indexing, slicing, membership, and nested structures
String methods and formatting, including f-strings

Section 04

Functions and Exceptions

20%

7 questions

Defining and calling functions, return values, and parameters
Positional, keyword, default, and variable-length arguments
Variable scope and basic try/ except handling

Section 05

File Handling and Module Imports

14%

5 questions

Reading, writing, and appending text files
Working with CSV files using the csv module
Importing modules and using selected math and random functions

The section weights correspond to 6, 8, 9, 7, and 5 questions, respectively. Review the complete PCEP-30-03 exam syllabus for all assessment objectives.

Get started

Your path to PCEP certification

Learn the fundamentals, review the exam requirements, and take your exam through the official OpenEDG testing service.

Learn Python fundamentals

Start with Python Essentials 1 on Edube. Then review the PCEP-30-03 scope to identify any additional topics you should practice.

Explore the free course

Review and prepare

Check the five exam domains, practice reading and writing short Python programs, and review testing policies and technical requirements.

Review testing policies

Take the PCEP exam

Purchase a PCEP-30-03 voucher and follow the TestNow™ instructions to redeem your code and complete your exam session.

Purchase your voucher

Certification roadmap

Continue growing with Python

PCEP is the entry point to the Python Institute's General-Purpose Programming certification pathway. No prior certification is required to start.

Entry · You are here

PCEP™ Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer
Associate

PCAP™ Certified Associate Python Programmer
Professional

PCPP1™ Certified Professional Python Programmer 1
Professional

PCPP2™ Certified Professional Python Programmer 2

Exam information

PCEP-30-03 at a glance

Important information to review before purchasing or scheduling your certification exam.

Exam: PCEP™ – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer
Exam code: PCEP-30-03
Level / Track: Entry / General-Purpose Programming
Prerequisites: None
Number of questions: 35
Exam duration: 50 minutes
Passing score: 70%
Question types: Single-select, multiple-select, interactive, and scenario-based
Credential validity: 5 years
Exam delivery: TestNow™ (OpenEDG Testing Service)
Exam vouchers: Available through the OpenEDG Store. Pricing and options depend on the selected product and currency.

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know

No. PCEP is an entry-level certification with no prerequisites. It is suitable for beginners and students, as well as professionals who want to validate foundational Python knowledge.

The exam covers programming and Python fundamentals; conditions and loops; lists, tuples, sets, dictionaries, and strings; functions and exceptions; and file handling and module imports. Review the five-section exam scope above for question counts and weights.

Review the testing policies and technical requirements.
Create or sign in to your OpenEDG testing account.
Purchase the PCEP-30-03 exam voucher.
Follow the TestNow™ instructions to redeem your voucher, complete any required checks, and start your session.

Yes. A waiting period generally applies between attempts (currently seven days under the published PCEP testing policies). Whether another attempt is included depends on the voucher purchased. Check the current policies and your voucher terms before retaking the exam.

Yes. Releasing a new exam version does not itself invalidate an existing PCEP credential. Previously earned credentials retain their original validity period.

Consider Python Essentials 2 and the PCAP™ – Certified Associate Python Programmer certification, the next step in the General-Purpose Programming pathway.