Python Coding Specialist (PCS) Certification

Candidates are expected to demonstrate a firm background at developing and debugging programs using 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 by 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 PCS use 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 real Python environment during the examination, as well as to ensure 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

If you’re ready to get Python certified, all you need to do is follow the steps below:

• register on Knowledge Pillars and create your account,
• buy your exam voucher from the Knowledge Pillars webshop,
• we will send you the next steps instructions on how and where to take the exam.

Once you have passed your Python exam, you will get a confirmation email from Knowledge Pillars notifying you of when you will get your digital transcript and digital certificate.

Please view our Exam Policies for more information.

IMPORTANT: KP Certifications are also available through remote proctoring, to allow all our candidates to take exams in safety, during the COVID-19 emergency. Please contact our support for more information: support@knowledge-pillars.com 

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 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

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