- A
Relative imports only work when the importing module is part of a package.
They require __package__ to be set properly.
- B
In mod2.py, you can use `from .. import mod1` to import mod1 from pkg.
Yes, two dots go up one level to pkg.
- C
In main.py, you can use `from . import pkg` to import pkg.
Why wrong: main.py is a script, not a package, so relative imports are not allowed.
- D
A directory must contain an __init__.py file to be a package for relative imports to function.
Why wrong: Since Python 3.3, implicit namespace packages exist, but for regular packages __init__.py is needed. In this structure, it's present, so it's not a condition that must hold in general.
- E
The dot notation is interpreted based on the module's __name__ and __package__ attributes.
Yes, Python uses these to resolve the relative import.
PCAP Modules and Packages Practice Question
This PCAP practice question tests your understanding of modules and packages. 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.
Consider the following directory structure: project/ main.py pkg/ __init__.py mod1.py subpkg/ __init__.py mod2.py From main.py, you write: from pkg.subpkg import mod2 Which THREE of the following are true regarding relative imports?
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
Relative imports only work when the importing module is part of a package.
Option A is correct because relative imports (using dot notation like `..` or `.`) are only valid when the importing module is itself part of a package. This is because relative imports rely on the `__package__` attribute to resolve the import path; if the module is not inside a package (e.g., a top-level script), `__package__` is `None` or empty, and relative imports will raise an `ImportError`.
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.
- ✓
Relative imports only work when the importing module is part of a package.
Why this is correct
They require __package__ to be set properly.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
In mod2.py, you can use `from .. import mod1` to import mod1 from pkg.
Why this is correct
Yes, two dots go up one level to pkg.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
In main.py, you can use `from . import pkg` to import pkg.
Why it's wrong here
main.py is a script, not a package, so relative imports are not allowed.
- ✗
A directory must contain an __init__.py file to be a package for relative imports to function.
Why it's wrong here
Since Python 3.3, implicit namespace packages exist, but for regular packages __init__.py is needed. In this structure, it's present, so it's not a condition that must hold in general.
- ✓
The dot notation is interpreted based on the module's __name__ and __package__ attributes.
Why this is correct
Yes, Python uses these to resolve the relative import.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Python Institute often tests the misconception that relative imports can be used from any module, including top-level scripts, or that `__init__.py` is always mandatory for a package; the trap here is that candidates may think `main.py` can use `from . import pkg` because it is in the same directory as `pkg/`, ignoring that relative imports require the importing module to be part of a package.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Relative imports are resolved using the `__package__` attribute of the importing module, which is set by the import system based on the package hierarchy. For example, in `mod2.py`, `__package__` would be `'pkg.subpkg'`, so `from .. import mod1` correctly resolves to `pkg.mod1`. A common subtlety is that running a module as a script (e.g., `python mod2.py`) sets `__name__` to `'__main__'` and `__package__` to `None`, breaking relative imports even if the file is inside a package directory.
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 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
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 PCAP question test?
Modules and Packages — This question tests Modules and Packages — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Relative imports only work when the importing module is part of a package. — Option A is correct because relative imports (using dot notation like `..` or `.`) are only valid when the importing module is itself part of a package. This is because relative imports rely on the `__package__` attribute to resolve the import path; if the module is not inside a package (e.g., a top-level script), `__package__` is `None` or empty, and relative imports will raise an `ImportError`.
What should I do if I get this PCAP 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: 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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