The PCEP – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer certification, also known as Exam PCEP-30-0x, is designed for individuals who are beginning their journey in Python programming. This certification assesses the candidate's understanding of basic programming concepts such as data types, containers, functions, conditions, loops, and the Python programming language's syntax, semantics, and runtime environment. Achieving the PCEP certification demonstrates familiarity with universal computer programming concepts and the Python language, making it an excellent starting point for a career in software development, Python programming, and related technologies​ (Python Institute)​.

The PCEP exam is divided into four sections, each focusing on different aspects of Python programming:

• Section 1: Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals
• Section 2: Control Flow – Conditional Blocks and Loops
• Section 3: Data Collections – Tuples, Dictionaries, Lists, and Strings
• Section 4: Functions and Exceptions

Each section covers a wide range of topics, from basic programming terms and Python's logic to data collections, control flow mechanisms, and handling exceptions​.

To become PCEP certified, you must pass the exam, which has the following details:

• Validity: Lifetime
• Duration: 40 or 45 minutes plus 5 minutes for NDA/Tutorial
• Number of Questions: 30
• Format: Includes single- and multiple-select questions, drag & drop, gap fill, sort, code fill, code insertion, all based on Python 3.x
• Passing Score: 70%
• Languages: English, Spanish

For those preparing for the PCEP exam, there are intensive preparatory courses available that include a plethora of mock exams designed to emulate the style, structure, and difficulty of the actual certification exam. These courses cover the fundamentals of Python programming, from data types and loops to modules and file operations. The mock exams feature situational and problem-solving questions to encourage the application of theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, ensuring a deep understanding of Python programming concepts.