PCEA™ – Certified Entry-Level Automation Specialist with Python
(Exam PCEA-30-0x)PCEA™ – Certified Entry-Level Automation Specialist with Python is a professional credential that validates foundational skills in automating tasks using Python. It demonstrates the ability to apply Python to routine, well-defined automation scenarios, including command-line scripting, file and data processing, logging and monitoring, simple web and API interactions, and scheduling with reporting.
PCEA™ – Certified Entry-Level Automation Specialist with Python validates a learner’s ability to identify tasks suitable for automation, run and configure Python scripts from the command line, and build reliable, traceable automations. The certification covers the fundamentals of automation concepts and ROI, command-line execution with arguments and environments, logging and monitoring basics, file and data automation (text, CSV, JSON), entry-level web/API interactions, and scheduling with notifications and simple reporting.
The exam emphasizes Python’s built-in capabilities – control flow, functions, file handling, and modules such as os, pathlib, shutil, subprocess, time, and datetime – alongside practical libraries including logging, csv, json, requests, BeautifulSoup (HTML parsing), schedule (job scheduling), and smtplib (email alerts). Candidates demonstrate the ability to organize and back up files, process CSV/JSON data, fetch and parse basic web content or APIs, log successes and failures, and generate text/HTML reports on a schedule.
PCEA is designed for beginners in automation who already possess basic programming skills (PCEP™-level or equivalent knowledge). It provides a supportive entry into Python-driven automation and establishes the practical and conceptual foundation needed for more advanced workflows, integrations, and certifications in the future.
Becoming PCEA certified proves that you understand the essentials of automation and can apply Python to simplify tasks, reduce errors, and improve efficiency. It helps establish a strong foundation for further study, career development, and more advanced credentials in automation, testing, and data analysis.
PCEA certification is part of the OpenEDG Python Institute certification track. It leads directly into associate-level certifications such as the PCAA™ – Certified Associate Automation Specialist with Python, building toward professional-level qualifications and specialized domains.
Become PCEA™ certified and start your automation career
The PCEA certification is intended for anyone who wants to gain confidence in applying Python to real-world automation tasks. It serves as a starting point for a career in IT operations, business process automation, or software development with automation skills.
PCEA certification is especially relevant for:
- Students beginning their studies in IT, computer science, or automation;
- Aspiring IT and business professionals seeking to validate entry-level automation skills;
- Junior developers or administrators looking to improve efficiency through Python scripting;
- Career changers wanting to demonstrate practical automation knowledge;
- Learners aiming to progress toward higher-level certifications in automation, testing, or data analysis;
- Educators or trainers interested in teaching introductory automation concepts with Python;
- Users interested in applying automation to personal and professional tasks.
Python is one of the most important and widely used programming languages in automation. Its clear syntax and versatile libraries make it a trusted tool for beginners and professionals alike. Whether it’s organizing files, processing data, fetching web content, or scheduling repetitive tasks, Python helps automation specialists work faster, reduce errors, and focus on higher-value work.
Essential automation skills – such as handling files and data, logging and monitoring, interacting with web services, and generating reports – are in high demand across many industries. From finance and healthcare to logistics, education, and business operations, organizations need people who can streamline workflows, improve accuracy, and increase productivity through automation.
Entry-level roles like IT support assistant, business operations analyst, junior system administrator, or data technician often require foundational knowledge in Python and basic automation practices. These roles focus on real tasks like cleaning up folders, backing up files, processing CSV or JSON data, fetching API data, or creating scheduled status reports. According to Glassdoor and Salary.com, entry-level automation specialists or IT roles with automation skills in the U.S. typically earn between $50,000 and $85,000 per year, with strong opportunities for growth as skills and experience expand.
By learning Python and essential automation practices, you’re building a strong starting point for a career in IT, business operations, or software development. These core skills are the foundation for more advanced automation tools and certifications, and they help beginners feel confident applying automation in real-world situations.
PCEA™: Exam Information
| SPECIFICATIONS ITEM | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Exam name | PCEA™ – Certified Entry-Level Automation Specialist with Python |
| Exam Code & Current Exam Versions | PCEA-30-01 (Limited Availability – Small Market Trial/Beta) |
| Prerequisites | Formal: None
Recommended Experience: PCEP™ (or equivalent knowledge: basic Python; some exposure to scripting or data handling) |
| Validity | 7 years |
| Exam Duration | Exam: 60 minutes + NDA |
| Number of Questions | 46 |
| Format | Single-select, multiple-select, and input-based questions, including scenario-driven and analytical items that test both conceptual understanding and practical application. |
| Passing Score | 75% |
| Languages | English |
| Cost |
USD 69 (Exam) |
| Delivery Channel | OpenEDG Testing Service (TestNow™) |
| Testing Policies | PCEA Testing Policies |
| Exam Syllabus | PCEA Exam Syllabus |
| Associated Certifications | PCAA – Certified Associate Automation Specialist with Python (Exam PCAA-31-0x) |