Quick Answer
The answer is super().work(). This syntax is correct because super() returns a proxy object that delegates method calls to the parent class according to Python’s Method Resolution Order (MRO), allowing the Manager subclass to invoke Employee’s work() method from within its own overridden version. On the Certified Associate Python Programmer PCAP exam, this tests your understanding of inheritance and the super() function, which is essential for cooperative multiple inheritance and avoiding hardcoded parent class names. A common trap is using ParentClass.work(self) instead, which works but breaks in diamond inheritance scenarios and is not the recommended approach. The PCAP exam often presents this in a multiple-choice context where you must distinguish super().work() from alternatives like Employee.work(self) or self.work(). Memory tip: think of super() as a “parental remote control” — it lets you call the parent’s version without naming the parent directly, keeping your code flexible and MRO-aware.
This PCAP practice question tests your understanding of object-oriented programming. 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.
A class 'Employee' has a method 'work()'. A subclass 'Manager' overrides 'work()' but also wants to call the parent's 'work()'. Which syntax correctly achieves this?
self.work()
Why wrong: This calls the overridden method recursively.
super().work()
This correctly calls the parent method using super().
super(Manager, self).work()
Why wrong: This is correct but more verbose; however, it is not wrong. The question expects D as best.
Employee.work(self)
Why wrong: This bypasses MRO and may cause issues with multiple inheritance.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
super().work()
Option B is correct because `super().work()` in Python calls the parent class's `work()` method from the overridden method in the subclass. This is the standard and recommended syntax for cooperative multiple inheritance, ensuring the method resolution order (MRO) is respected.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
self.work()
Why it's wrong here
This calls the overridden method recursively.
super().work()
Why this is correct
This correctly calls the parent method using super().
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
super(Manager, self).work()
Why it's wrong here
This is correct but more verbose; however, it is not wrong. The question expects D as best.
Employee.work(self)
Why it's wrong here
This bypasses MRO and may cause issues with multiple inheritance.
Common exam traps
Python Institute often tests the distinction between `super().work()` and `Employee.work(self)`, trapping candidates who think the latter is incorrect or who confuse `super()` with a direct class call, especially in the context of Python 3's simplified syntax.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, `super()` returns a proxy object that delegates method calls to the next class in the MRO, which is computed at runtime based on the class hierarchy and the instance's type. This is crucial in diamond inheritance scenarios (e.g., with mixins) where `super()` ensures each parent's method is called exactly once, avoiding duplication or missed calls. In real-world frameworks like Django or Flask, `super()` is used extensively in model and view inheritance to properly chain initialization and method calls.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
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FAQ
Object-Oriented Programming — This question tests Object-Oriented Programming — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: super().work() — Option B is correct because `super().work()` in Python calls the parent class's `work()` method from the overridden method in the subclass. This is the standard and recommended syntax for cooperative multiple inheritance, ensuring the method resolution order (MRO) is respected.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This PCAP practice question is part of Courseiva's free Python Institute 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 PCAP exam.
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