Quick Answer
The correct choices are FileNotFoundError and ValueError, as both are built-in Python exceptions. FileNotFoundError is raised when an attempt to open a non-existent file or directory fails, typically during I/O operations like open(), while ValueError occurs when a function receives an argument of the correct type but an inappropriate value, such as int('abc'). On the Certified Associate Python Programmer PCAP exam, identifying built-in exceptions tests your understanding of Python’s standard exception hierarchy and common error scenarios. A frequent trap is confusing FileNotFoundError with OSError, but remember that FileNotFoundError is a specific subclass of OSError introduced in Python 3. For ValueError, think of operations where the type is right but the value is wrong—like converting a non-numeric string to an integer. A helpful memory tip: “File not found, value unsound” links FileNotFoundError to missing files and ValueError to invalid values.
This PCAP practice question tests your understanding of exceptions and file i/o. 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 built-in Python exceptions?
CustomException
Why wrong: User-defined, not built-in.
InputError
Why wrong: Not a built-in exception.
ValueError
Built-in exception for invalid value.
FileNotFoundError
Built-in exception for missing files.
FileReadError
Why wrong: Not a built-in exception.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
ValueError
ValueError (C) is a built-in Python exception that is raised when a built-in operation or function receives an argument with the correct type but an inappropriate value, such as int('abc'). FileNotFoundError (D) is a built-in exception in Python 3, raised when a file or directory is requested but does not exist, commonly encountered during file I/O operations like open().
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.
CustomException
Why it's wrong here
User-defined, not built-in.
InputError
Why it's wrong here
Not a built-in exception.
ValueError
Why this is correct
Built-in exception for invalid value.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
FileNotFoundError
Why this is correct
Built-in exception for missing files.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
FileReadError
Why it's wrong here
Not a built-in exception.
Common exam traps
Python Institute often tests the distinction between built-in exceptions and user-defined or non-existent exceptions, and the trap here is that candidates may confuse InputError or FileReadError with real built-in exceptions like EOFError or OSError, or assume that any error related to input or files must be a built-in exception.
Detailed technical explanation
Python's built-in exceptions are defined in the exceptions module and form a hierarchy rooted at BaseException, with Exception as the primary base for non-system-exiting exceptions. FileNotFoundError is a subclass of OSError, introduced in Python 3.3, and is specifically raised when the file specified in open() does not exist, which is distinct from PermissionError (permissions) or IsADirectoryError (path is a directory). In real-world scenarios, catching FileNotFoundError allows precise error handling for missing configuration files, while ValueError is commonly used to validate user input or function arguments, such as when converting strings to integers with int().
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
Exceptions and File I/O — This question tests Exceptions and File I/O — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: ValueError — ValueError (C) is a built-in Python exception that is raised when a built-in operation or function receives an argument with the correct type but an inappropriate value, such as int('abc'). FileNotFoundError (D) is a built-in exception in Python 3, raised when a file or directory is requested but does not exist, commonly encountered during file I/O operations like open().
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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