PCEP™ – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer
(Exam PCEP-30-0x)PCEP™ – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer certification shows that the individual is familiar with universal computer programming concepts like data types, containers, functions, conditions, loops, as well as Python programming language syntax, semantics, and the runtime environment.
The PCEP™ certification shows that the individual is familiar with the following concepts: fundamental terms and definitions (e.g. compilation vs. interpretation), Python's logic and structure (e.g. keywords, instructions, indentation), literals, variables, and numeral systems, operators and data types, I/O operations, control flow mechanisms (conditional blocks and loops), data collections (lists, tuples, dictionaries, strings), functions (decomposition, built-in and user-defined functions, organizing interaction between functions and their environment, generators, recursion), exceptions (exception handling, hierarchies), as well as the essentials of Python programming language syntax, semantics, and the runtime environment.
Becoming PCEP™ certified ensures that the individual is acquainted with the most essential means provided by Python 3 to enable them to start their own studies at an intermediate level, and to continue their professional development.
PCEP™ certification is an interim step to the PCAP™ certification, and the starting point to launch a career in software development, Python programming, and related technologies. Becoming PCEP™ certified helps certification holders stand out from other candidates, get a foot in the door with an employer, and land a junior-level job in the IT sector and anywhere the basic knowledge of Python is an asset.
Become PCEP™ certified and get your foot in the door
Python is the programming language that opens more doors than any other, and the more you understand Python, 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.
PCEP™ certification will be particularly valuable for:
- aspiring programmers and learners interested in learning programming for fun and job-related tasks;
- learners looking to gain fundamental skills and knowledge for an entry-level job role as a software developer, data analyst, or tester;
- industry professionals wishing to explore technologies that are connected with Python, or that utilize it as a foundation;
- team leaders, product managers, and project managers who want to understand the terminology and processes in the software development cycle to more effectively manage and communicate with production and development 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.
Pablo Quesada
Global Operations Manager, San José, Costa Rica, PCEP, PCAPI started the Python Certification Program featured by Python Institute to prepare myself for the Python Entry Level Certification. I strongly recommend this certification program and encourage anybody who wants to start a career in this matter – you won't be disappointed. With this program completed, I could obtain my PCEP certification and prepared for the PCAP as well, and also implemented some projects in my current job already.
PCEP™: Exam Information
| SPECIFICATIONS ITEM | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Exam name | PCEP™ – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer |
| Exam Code & Current Versions | PCEP-30-02 – Status: Active (scheduled for retirement)
PCEP-30-03 – Status: In development |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Validity | Lifetime |
| Exam Duration | PCEP-30-02 – Exam: 40 minutes, NDA/Tutorial: 5 minutes |
| Number of Questions | 30 |
| Format | Single- and multiple-select questions, drag & drop, gap fill, sort, code fill, code insertion, interactive & scenario-based items |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Languages | PCEP-30-02: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese |
| Cost | USD 69 (Exam: Single-Shot)
|
| Delivery Channel | OpenEDG Testing Service – TestNow™ |
| Testing Policies | PCEP-30-0x Testing Policies – Click here to view Testing Policies |
| Exam Syllabus | PCEP-30-0x Exam Syllabus – Click here to view Exam Syllabus |
| Associated Certifications | PCAP – Certified Associate in Python Programming (Exam PCAP-31-0x)
PCPP1 – Certified Professional in Python Programming 1 (Exam PCPP-32-10x) |
| Courses Aligned | Python Essentials 1 (Free – Edube Interactive™, an OpenEDG Education Platform)
Python Essentials 1 (Cisco Networking Academy, Part 1, Modules 1-4) |
PCEP FAQ and Quick References
- Read the PCEP 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 7 days of your last attempt (waiting period).
If you purchased a voucher with a free retake option and failed your exam – wait 7 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 7 days from your last attempt.
Here's what you need to do to access the official Python Institute PCEP practice tests:
- Go to OpenEDG Voucher Store and buy a practice test voucher. (skip this step if you already have a voucher)
- Log in to your OpenEDG Learner Account, click "Practice", enter the voucher code, read and accept the terms and conditions, and activate the practice test. (Download a PDF Tutorial)
Note that if you're logged in as Test Candidate, you need to switch your role to Learner in order to be able to launch the practice test.
Congratulations! You've officially joined the Python Institute certified community, and earned an industry credential that validates your proficiency in Python, computer programming, and related technologies. Within 24 hours of your exam, you will receive an email with a link to your digital certification, verification code, and a PCEP badge issued by Credly's Acclaim. You can now share your awesome achievement with your peers, colleagues, and employers via LinkedIn and other social media channels.
What next? Keep on learning, keep on mastering your Python skills, and keep on climbing the certification ladder. Sign up for Python Essentials 2 and get yourself prepared for the PCAP certification to take your career to an even higher level.