- A
KeyError
Correct.
- B
ValueError
Why wrong: Wrong type.
- C
IndexError
Why wrong: For list index.
- D
AttributeError
Why wrong: Attribute not found.
Question 35 of 1,000
200-901 Software Development and Design Practice Question
This 200-901 practice question tests your understanding of software development and design. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which Python exception would be raised by the following code?
my_dict = {'a': 1} value = my_dict['b']
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
KeyError
Accessing a dictionary key that does not exist raises a KeyError in Python. In the code, my_dict['b'] attempts to retrieve the value for key 'b', which is not present in the dictionary {'a': 1}, so Python raises KeyError.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
KeyError
Why this is correct
Correct.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
ValueError
Why it's wrong here
Wrong type.
- ✗
IndexError
Why it's wrong here
For list index.
- ✗
AttributeError
Why it's wrong here
Attribute not found.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between KeyError and IndexError, trapping candidates who confuse dictionary key access with list index access, especially when the code uses square brackets in both contexts.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, Python dictionaries use hash tables; when you access a key, Python computes the hash and looks up the bucket. If the key is absent, the __getitem__ method raises KeyError. A subtle behavior is that the .get() method returns None (or a default) instead of raising an exception, which is often used in production code to avoid crashes when keys may be missing.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 200-901 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-901 question test?
Software Development and Design — This question tests Software Development and Design — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: KeyError — Accessing a dictionary key that does not exist raises a KeyError in Python. In the code, my_dict['b'] attempts to retrieve the value for key 'b', which is not present in the dictionary {'a': 1}, so Python raises KeyError.
What should I do if I get this 200-901 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This 200-901 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-901 exam.
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