200-901 Software Development and Design Practice Question
Which TWO of the following Python exception handling statements are valid? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests Python 2 vs Python 3 syntax changes, specifically the comma-based exception binding. Candidates may also mistakenly think that catching multiple exceptions with a tuple or using a bare except is valid.
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
✓
try:\n x = 1/0\nexcept ZeroDivisionError as e:\n print(e)
Options A and C are valid Python exception handling statements. Option A uses the correct `as` keyword to bind the exception instance. Option C shows proper syntax with multiple except blocks, where a generic `except:` can follow a specific except. Option B is invalid because it uses the obsolete comma syntax (`except ZeroDivisionError, e`), removed in Python 3. Option D is invalid because you cannot catch multiple exception types with a single `as` variable using a tuple; the syntax is not supported. Option E is invalid because a bare `except:` clause is considered poor practice and is not a valid 'exception handling statement' in this context—it catches all exceptions without specificity.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
try:\n x = 1/0\nexcept ZeroDivisionError as e:\n print(e)
Why this is correct
Correct syntax: `except ExceptionType as variable`.
- ✗
try:\n x = 1/0\nexcept ZeroDivisionError, e:\n print(e)
Why it's wrong here
Obsolete comma syntax removed in Python 3.
- ✓
try:\n x = 1/0\nexcept ZeroDivisionError:\n print('error')\nexcept:\n print('other error')
Why this is correct
Valid: multiple except blocks, with bare `except:` allowed.
- ✗
try:\n x = 1/0\nexcept (ZeroDivisionError, TypeError) as e:\n print(e)
Why it's wrong here
Invalid: tuple of exceptions with `as` is not valid syntax.
- ✗
try:\n x = 1/0\nexcept:\n print('error')
Why it's wrong here
Invalid: bare `except:` is not considered a valid exception handling statement.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.