The answer is that using the `@classmethod` decorator or manually calling `classmethod()` on a function are both valid ways to define a class method in Python. The `@classmethod` decorator is the standard, modern approach, which automatically wraps a function so that it receives the class (`cls`) as its first argument instead of an instance (`self`). The less common but equally valid alternative is to explicitly apply the `classmethod()` built-in function to a regular function definition, as in `my_method = classmethod(lambda cls: pass)`, which achieves the same descriptor-based binding. On the Certified Associate Python Programmer PCAP exam, this question tests your understanding of Python’s descriptor protocol and the distinction between decorator syntax and explicit function calls. A common trap is confusing `@staticmethod` with `@classmethod`, or thinking that only the decorator form is valid. Remember the memory tip: “Decorator is the norm, but the built-in function is still a valid form.”
PCAP Object-Oriented Programming Practice Question
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.
Which TWO of the following are valid ways to define a class method in Python? (Select exactly two.)
Option A is correct because it manually applies the `classmethod()` built-in function to a regular function, converting it into a class method. This is a valid, though less common, way to define a class method, as the `classmethod` descriptor wraps the function so that the first argument passed is the class (`cls`), not an instance.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
class MyClass:
def my_method(cls): pass
Why it's wrong here
Missing @classmethod, method would take self, not cls.
✗
def my_method(self): pass
Why it's wrong here
Instance method, not class method.
✗
@staticmethod
def my_method(cls): pass
Why it's wrong here
Static method does not take cls.
✓
@classmethod
def my_method(cls): pass
Why this is correct
Standard class method definition.
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 distinction between the explicit `classmethod()` call and the decorator syntax, and the trap here is that candidates may think only the `@classmethod` decorator is valid, overlooking the manual `classmethod()` function call as an equally valid alternative.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, `@classmethod` is syntactic sugar for `my_method = classmethod(my_method)`. The `classmethod` descriptor implements the descriptor protocol, so when the method is accessed on a class, it binds the class (or the class of the instance) as the first argument. This is crucial for factory methods that need to return instances of the class, even when subclassed, because `cls` always refers to the actual calling class, not the defining class.
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.
Object-Oriented Programming — This question tests Object-Oriented Programming — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: def my_method(cls): pass
my_method = classmethod(my_method) — Option A is correct because it manually applies the `classmethod()` built-in function to a regular function, converting it into a class method. This is a valid, though less common, way to define a class method, as the `classmethod` descriptor wraps the function so that the first argument passed is the class (`cls`), not an instance.
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.
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 →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.