Quick Answer
The correct choice is the one stating that a classmethod receives the class as its first implicit argument. This is the fundamental technical distinction: a `@classmethod` is bound to the class and automatically receives `cls` as its first parameter, giving it direct access to class-level attributes and methods, whereas a `@staticmethod` receives no implicit first argument and behaves exactly like a regular function defined inside the class, unable to interact with the class or its instances. On the Certified Associate Python Programmer PCAP exam, this concept tests your understanding of decorators and object-oriented design, often appearing in questions that ask you to identify which method can modify class state or why a staticmethod is used for utility functions. A common trap is confusing staticmethods with classmethods because both can be called on the class itself, but remember: classmethods get the class, staticmethods get nothing. For a quick memory tip, think “classmethod gets the class, staticmethod stays static.”
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 has both `@classmethod` and `@staticmethod` decorators. What is a key difference between them?
A classmethod cannot be called on an instance.
Why wrong: Both can be called on instances.
A classmethod receives the class as first argument.
That's the defining difference.
A staticmethod must be called from the class only.
Why wrong: It can also be called from instances.
A classmethod cannot access class variables.
Why wrong: It can access them via cls.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
A classmethod receives the class as first argument.
The key difference is that a `@classmethod` receives the class itself as the first implicit argument (conventionally named `cls`), allowing it to access or modify class-level state, while a `@staticmethod` receives no implicit first argument and behaves like a plain function, unable to access the class or instance. This makes option B correct because it accurately describes the distinguishing feature of a classmethod.
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.
A classmethod cannot be called on an instance.
Why it's wrong here
Both can be called on instances.
A classmethod receives the class as first argument.
Why this is correct
That's the defining difference.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
A staticmethod must be called from the class only.
Why it's wrong here
It can also be called from instances.
A classmethod cannot access class variables.
Why it's wrong here
It can access them via cls.
Common exam traps
Python Institute often tests the misconception that classmethods cannot be called on instances, leading candidates to incorrectly select option A, when in fact they can be called on instances and still receive the class as the first argument.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, `@classmethod` uses a descriptor protocol that binds the method to the class, while `@staticmethod` uses a descriptor that returns the underlying function unchanged. A subtle behavior: if you call a classmethod on a subclass, `cls` will be that subclass, enabling polymorphic factory methods. In real-world scenarios, classmethods are often used for alternative constructors (e.g., `datetime.fromtimestamp`), while staticmethods are used for utility functions that logically belong to a class but don't need class or instance context.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
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: A classmethod receives the class as first argument. — The key difference is that a `@classmethod` receives the class itself as the first implicit argument (conventionally named `cls`), allowing it to access or modify class-level state, while a `@staticmethod` receives no implicit first argument and behaves like a plain function, unable to access the class or instance. This makes option B correct because it accurately describes the distinguishing feature of a classmethod.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A programmer writes a class with a method that should be called on the class itself, not on instances. Which decorator is appropriate?
easyWhy B: The @classmethod decorator transforms a method so that it receives the class itself as the first implicit argument (cls), rather than an instance (self). This allows the method to be called on the class directly, e.g., MyClass.my_method(), and is the correct choice when a method should operate on the class level, not on instances.
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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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