PCAT™ – Certified Associate Tester with Python
(Exam PCAT-31-0x)PCAT™ – Certified Associate Tester with Python certification is a Python Institute's Testing specialization track credential that covers the most important elements of automated testing activities from the perspective of a Python programmer. The exam covers the principles of software testing, the fundamentals of unit testing, the principles of software engineering, software decomposition, and the Test-Driven and Behavior-Driven Development (TDD, BDD) approaches to programming.
PCAT certification gives its holders confidence in their software testing and programming skills, helps them stand out in the job market, and gives them a head start on preparing for and advancing to the professional level.
The PCAT™ certification shows that the individual is able to: explain the importance of software testing and the differences between different types of software testing, explain the most important software testing terms and definitions, understands the concept of the test pyramid, employ test automation and perform code refactoring, use assertions, context managers, and decorators, design and execute unit tests and analyze their results to implement quality code modifications and built-ins, organize unit tests into modules, create code following the TDD approach principles, and explain and employ the fundamental concepts of the BDD approach.
Becoming PCAT™ certified ensures that the individual has comprehensive knowledge of software testing and software enginnering concepts, methodologies, and best practices, as well as they are fully acquainted with all the primary means provided by Python 3, related testing frameworks and test automation tools, to develop high-quality code and perform automated testing activities to enable them to start their own studies at an advanced level, and to open a path to the software tester's career.
PCAT™ certification is an interim step to the PCPT1 (Unite Testing), PCPT2 (Test Automation), and PCPT3 (Security) certifications, a great motivator for self-improvement and self-development, and most importantly – the means to keep one's Python testing skills up to date and demonstrate them to others. Becoming PCAT™ certified reflects the candidate's interest in developing a specialized proficiency in using Python for the purposes of software testing, Test-Driven Development and Behavior-Driven Development programming approaches, as well as their ability to use them for commercial and non-commercial software development projects, and create, develop, and improve their own programming portfolio to increase their value in the job market.
Become PCAT™ certified and take your career to the next level
Python is the programming language that opens more doors than any other, and the more you understand Python and related technologies, the more you can do in the 21st Century. With a solid knowledge of Python, you can work in a multitude of jobs and a multitude of industries.
PCAT™ certification is a valuable credential for individuals looking to acquire the skills and knowledge essential to continue to more advanced, more specialized, and higher paying Software Development, Software Testing, Quality Assurance, Security, Networking, IoT, and engineering roles. It will particularly appeal to:
- aspiring programmers, software testing beginners, and learners interested in learning the basics of Python testing for for fun and job-related tasks
- learners looking to gain fundamental skills and knowledge for an entry-level job role as a software developer, software tester, QA engineer, and test engineer
- software testing and test engineering industry professionals who know other programming language(s) and tools, wishing to explore technologies connected with Python, or to utilize it as a foundation for software testing purposes
- aspiring programmers, learners, and industry professionals looking to acquire essential skills in Python and software testing for further self-development in the areas of software development, software testing and test automation, security, software engineering, software architecture, and quality assurance.
- team leaders, product managers, project managers, and product owners who want to understand the terminology and processes in software testing to more effectively manage and communicate with software development and software testing teams.
Python is either the highest-paid, or one of the highest-paid languages in all parts of the world today, and the salaries range between $90,000 and $130,000 a year (source: SalaryExpert.com).
With the ever-increasing reliance on the Internet, and with Python playing an ever-growing role, the salary of the average Python programmer is almost surely to rise.
Currently, there are 100,000+ unfulfilled Python jobs around the world, and the supply of qualified Python programmers is unable to match the demand.
PCAT™: Exam Information
| SPECIFICATIONS ITEM | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Exam name | PCAT™ – Certified Associate Tester with Python |
| Exam Code & Current Exam Versions | PCAT-31-01 – Status: Active
PCAT-31-02 – Status: In development |
| Prerequisites | No formal prerequisites. Recommended experience: PCEP & PCAP (or equivalent) + PCET™ + field-specific skills |
| Validity | 6 years |
| Exam Duration | Exam: 60 minutes + NDA |
| Number of Questions | 42 |
| Format | Single- and multiple-select questions, scenario-based items |
| Passing Score | 75% |
| Languages | English |
| Cost | Exam – from $195
|
| Delivery Channel | OpenEDG Testing Service (TestNow™) |
| Testing Policies | PCAT Testing Policies |
| Exam Syllabus | PCAT Exam Syllabus |
| Associated Certifications | PCET – Certified Entry-Level Tester with Python (Exam PCET-30-0x) |
| Free Courses Aligned | Python for Testing 101 (PT101) (Free – Edube Interactive™, an OpenEDG Education Platform)
Python for Testing 102 (PT102) (Free – Edube Interactive™ – Status: In development) |
PCAT FAQ and Quick References
- Read the PCAT Testing Policies and TestNow specifications to make sure you follow the code of conduct, meet all the technical requirements, and know what to expect during your exam session.
- Create a Test Candidate account if you haven't already done it. (Download a PDF Tutorial)
- Go to OpenEDG Voucher Store and buy an exam voucher. You can choose between a single-shot voucher, voucher with retake, and voucher + practice test bundle.
- Log in to your test candidate account, enter the voucher code, perform a diagnostics check, check in, and launch your exam session. (Download a PDF Tutorial)
You can only retake a failed exam after 15 days of your last attempt (waiting period).
If you purchased a voucher with a free retake option and failed your exam – wait 15 days, go to the Exam History section on your Test Candidate account, and click the Get Free Retake button that will become activated next to your exam session status information. Your exam voucher will automatically be assigned to your account and become available in the Certify section.
If you purchased a single-shot voucher and failed your exam, you need to purchase a new voucher to take the exam again. You can launch a new exam session after 15 days from your last attempt.
The Practice Tests for the PCAT exam are currently in development and will be available soon in the OpenEDG Store.
Congratulations! You’ve officially joined the Python Institute certified community and earned an industry-recognized credential that validates your advanced skills in Python programming, software testing, and quality assurance. Within 24 hours of completing your exam, you’ll receive an email containing a link to your digital certificate, verification code, and your official PCAT badge issued through Credly’s Acclaim platform. Share your achievement proudly with peers, colleagues, and employers on LinkedIn and other professional networks.
What’s next? Continue expanding your professional expertise by advancing to the PCPP1™ – Certified Professional Python Programmer certification to deepen your understanding of advanced Python concepts and software development practices. You can also explore specialized pathways such as Python for Automation or Python for AI — through the PCEA™, PCEI™, and PCAA™ exams — to gain hands-on experience in emerging fields and apply your Python and testing skills to intelligent, automated solutions. Each of these paths will help you elevate your career and stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of software engineering and automation.