Python Coding
Apprentice
(PCA)
Start Your Programming Journey with Python — for Students and New Developers
The Python Certified Apprentice (PCA) certification is ideal for students, career explorers, and professionals beginning their programming journey. It validates your foundational Python skills through real-world, hands-on applications—whether you’re automating simple tasks, tracking data, building web apps with Flask, or experimenting with games and blockchain projects. Python’s versatility makes it a powerful first language and a gateway to future roles in software development, gaming, data science, AI, and more.
Industry-Recognized
Global Python Credential Validate your Python programming skills with a certification recognized worldwide.
Skill Validation
Confirm your understanding of basic syntax, variables, functions, and control flow, ensuring you're ready to apply these skills in real-world scenarios.
Ideal for Beginners
Introductory Exam are perfect for junior coders eager to test and prove their capabilities in a real coding environment.
Interactive Learning
Experience a live coding environment with engaging Parsons puzzles, drag-and-drop questions, and multiple-choice options
- Number of questions: 25
- Time limit: 45 minutes
- Passing score: 75%
- Format: Linear and Live-in-the-App
The examination procedure
The students will have to answer all the question within the given timeframe.
They are free to ignore as many questions as they want. They will have the option to flag the questions and then review them at the end of the test (within the 45 minutes timeframe). All unanswered questions will be marked as incorrect.
When the test finishes the result of the examination is sent to the Knowledge Pillars server for storing.
Find more information about our Exam Retake Policy and Exam Proctoring options.
Candidates are expected to demonstrate a general background in coding with Python. Prior to taking the exam, a candidate is expected to have approximately 150 hours of hands-on experience or lectures on developing using Python.
The elevated level of preparation required is derived from the industry-standard level of the exam and the fact that this certification reflects the candidate’s readiness to enter the job market. Moreover, this Certification is used as a job placement index by recruiting managers, for the correct placement of a job seeker. Knowledge Pillars PCA uses a task-based format in order to ensure the validity of the results.
To optimize the examination experience for the Candidate, Knowledge Pillars has taken certain steps to utilize a real Python coding environment during the examination, as well as to ensure a stable experience for the examinées. The exam is provided both in Testing Centers or remotely, via the remote proctoring system.
Skills Measured:
- Data Types & Operations
- Variables
- Input and Output
- Conditionals
- Loops
- Lists
- Functions
Data Types & Operations
- Strings
- Integers
- Floats
- Type & Casting
- String Concatenation
- Logical Operators (and, or)
- Comparison Operators (==, >, <)
- Math Operations (+, -, *, /)
- Assignment Ops (+=,-=,*=,/= )
Variables
- Definition of a Variable
- Naming conventions
- Dot Notation
- Use as parameters
Input and Output
- Output (say, print)
- Store user input (ask, input)
Conditionals
- If
- Elif
- Else
- Compound Logic
- Nested If Statements
Loops
- For loops with range
- For loops with list
- For loops with incrementation
- While loops
Lists
- Append
- Remove
- Indices
- Loop through List
- Random Choice
Functions
- Define a Function
- Call a Function
- Function Parameters
- Return
Everyone can achieve more with practice!
PCA – Python Coding Apprentice Practice Test by Knowledge Pillars offers school students, aspiring coders, junior software developers, and IT professionals the ability to assess their knowledge and prepare for the PCA international certification exam. This assessment performed live-in-the-app combines a variety of Parsons programming puzzles, drag-and-drop matching and multiple-choice question types. You can also choose the objective domains you want to practice. Those students who sign-up and practice frequently are guaranteed to pass their international certification exam.
Each time you complete a practice test round, you receive a full performance and score report to help you focus on the exam domain objectives that require more practice. You can use the practice test as many times as you like within 90 days and observe how you improve by comparing your previous performance and score reports.
Practice Test Details
- Number of questions: 120
- Access Limit: 90 days
- Format: Linear and Live-in-the-App
- Modes: Real Test and Practice Test
Get your certification in just three steps:
- Sign up on Knowledge Pillars and create your exam account.
- Purchase your exam voucher from the Knowledge Pillars Store or reach out to one of our TTPs
- If you are a student, reach out to your scholastic institution.
- Check your email for exam instructions. Be sure to check your spam folder and add Knowledge Pillars to your safe sender list.
Exam Confirmation and Certification Details
After passing your exam, you’ll receive an email with details on accessing your digital transcript and official certification.
Remote Proctoring and Exam Policies
IMPORTANT: KP Certifications offer remote proctoring, allowing candidates to take exams safely and conveniently from anywhere. If you need assistance, contact our support team at [email protected].
The minimum system requirements are:
- Operating system: Windows 7/8/10 OS, MacOS X 10.0x or newer, Linux OS
- Minimum RAM: 1GB or more depending on the Operating System
- Minimum processor: 1.0 Ghz or more depending on the operating system and the architecture
- A color monitor with minimum display resolution: 1366px by 768px
- Internet access
- The latest version of the Chrome browser
- Automatic updates, notifications, other popup windows, and anything that can disrupt the examination process should be disabled