Python Coding
Specialist (PCS)
Validate Your Intermediate Python Skills — for Students and Career-Focused Developers
The Python Certified Specialist (PCS) certification is designed for those ready to take their Python programming skills to the next level. Recognized as one of the most widely used and efficient coding languages in the world, Python enables developers to write clean, powerful code with less effort. This certification offers students, professionals, and career changers a valuable opportunity to demonstrate their proficiency and gain industry-recognized validation of their ability to build real-world applications with Python.
Industry-Recognized
Validate your intermediate Python programming skills with a credential trusted by schools, universities, and employers worldwide.
Skill Validation
Show your ability to write clean, functional Python code using loops, conditionals, functions, data structures, and basic object-oriented principles.
Ideal for IT entrants and Professionals
Perfect for IT entrants and professionals ready to move beyond the basics and prove their ability to solve problems and build logic in a real Python environment.
Interactive Learning
Experience a live coding environment with engaging Parsons puzzles, drag-and-drop questions, and multiple-choice options
- Number of questions: 35
- Time limit: 50 minutes
- Passing score: 75%
- Format: Linear and Live-in-the-App
The examination procedure
The candidates 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 50 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.
1. Python Fundamental Concepts
1.1. Fundamental Concepts
What is Python and what is the differences between interpreter and compiler?
1.2. Python Structure
Python Syntax and semantics and the importance of indentation and casing. Python keywords and the use of numeral systems and scientific notation
1.3. Comments
Insert inline and multi-line comments
2. Variables and Operators
2.1. Variable data types
Define, use and recognize various types of variables (integer, float, string). Store User Input in a variable and recognize the different scopes of a variable. Type Casting and Type Conversion
2.2. Using Operators in Expressions
Use Arithmetic, String, Bitwise and Relational Operators and identify their order of precedence
3. Using Conditional Statements
3.1. Logical Operators
Use Logical Operators in Expressions and identify their order of precedence
3.2. If statements
Using single or nested if, …else and …elif… conditional statement
4. Using Loops
4.1. The for… Loop
Using a for… Loop and the range function
4.2. The while… Loop
Using a while… loop
4.3. Controlling loops
Nesting, expanding, breaking and continuing loops. Avoiding infinite loops
5. Create and use Functions and Generators
5.1. Create a function
Define a function and generator and add documentation to it. Pass parameters inside a function and return values
5.2. Use a function
Calling a function with or without default values. Use basic, recursive and lambda functions
6. Python Data Structures
6.1. Lists
Define, nest, enumerate Lists and add remove or use elements from them and use their methods. Use slices
6.2. Strings
Use Strings as lists along with basic string functions
6.3. Tuples
Define and enumerate Tuples, use their elements and methods and recognize similarities and differences of them with Lists
6.4. Sets
Define, nest, enumerate Sets and add remove or use elements from them and use their methods
6.5. Dictionaries
Define, nest, enumerate Dictionaries and add remove or use elements from them and use their methods.
7. Using Modules and packages
7.1. Use Modules
Import, initialize, write and document modules. Hide entities in a module
7.2. Use Packages
Create and distribute packages. Python Hashbangs
8. Classes, Objects and OOP
8.1. Classes, Objects
Define your classes/objects, superclasses and subclasses. Define, add and remove class attributes, methods and variables
8.2. Fundamentals of OOP
Use single and multiple inheritance or override it. Use functions to get information on objects/classes
9. Respond to Events and Exceptions
9.1. Events and hooks
Using hooks on Events and their libraries
9.2. Errors and Exceptions
Common errors and how to handle them via the exception object
10. I/O operations using Python
10.1. Use Python to read and write files
Open, read, stream and write files. Understand the difference between text and binary files
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
Everyone can achieve more with practice!
PCS – Python Coding Specialist Practice Test by Knowledge Pillars offers coding specialists, software developers, and IT professionals the ability to assess their knowledge and prepare for the PCS 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 candidates 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