Quick Answer
The answer is super(). In Python, when a subclass overrides a method, calling the parent class's version requires the super() function, which returns a proxy object that delegates method calls to the appropriate parent class following the Method Resolution Order (MRO). This is essential for cooperative multiple inheritance, ensuring that all parent classes in the hierarchy are properly invoked. On the Certified Associate Python Programmer PCAP exam, this concept tests your understanding of inheritance and polymorphism, often appearing in questions where a subclass needs to extend rather than replace a parent method. A common trap is confusing super() with explicitly naming the parent class, which can break MRO in complex hierarchies. Remember that super() is not a keyword but a built-in function, and it works seamlessly with single and multiple inheritance. A helpful memory tip: think of super() as the "safety net" that always calls the next class in line, not just the immediate parent.
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 subclass overrides a method but wants to call the parent class's version. Which keyword should be used?
base
Why wrong: Not a Python keyword.
super()
super() accesses methods of the parent class following MRO.
parent
Why wrong: No built-in parent keyword.
self
Why wrong: self refers to current instance.
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()
In Python, the `super()` function is used to call a method from the parent class. When a subclass overrides a method, `super().method_name()` allows the subclass to invoke the parent class's implementation, enabling cooperative multiple inheritance and proper method resolution order (MRO). This is the correct keyword for accessing the parent class's version of an overridden method.
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.
base
Why it's wrong here
Not a Python keyword.
super()
Why this is correct
super() accesses methods of the parent class following MRO.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
parent
Why it's wrong here
No built-in parent keyword.
self
Why it's wrong here
self refers to current instance.
Common exam traps
Python Institute often tests the distinction between `super()` and `self`, where candidates mistakenly think `self` can access the parent's overridden method, but `self` always refers to the current instance and will call the subclass's version if overridden.
Trap categories for this question
Keyword trap
Not a Python keyword.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, `super()` returns a proxy object that delegates method calls to the next class in the MRO, which is determined by the class hierarchy and the `__mro__` attribute. This is crucial in diamond inheritance scenarios (e.g., multiple inheritance) where `super()` ensures each parent class's method is called exactly once, following the C3 linearization algorithm. A real-world scenario is when extending a framework's base class (e.g., Django's `Model.save()`) where you must call `super().save()` to preserve base functionality while adding custom logic.
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: super() — In Python, the `super()` function is used to call a method from the parent class. When a subclass overrides a method, `super().method_name()` allows the subclass to invoke the parent class's implementation, enabling cooperative multiple inheritance and proper method resolution order (MRO). This is the correct keyword for accessing the parent class's version of an overridden method.
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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