Quick Answer
The correct answer is that static methods in Python do not receive an implicit first argument, meaning they require neither `self` nor `cls`. This is because the `@staticmethod` decorator explicitly strips the automatic parameter injection that instance and class methods normally get, so the method behaves exactly like a plain function tucked inside a class’s namespace. On the Certified Associate Python Programmer PCAP exam, this concept often appears in questions asking you to distinguish between `@staticmethod`, `@classmethod`, and regular instance methods—a common trap is assuming all methods inside a class automatically receive `self`. Remember that static methods have no implicit first argument, so you must pass every argument manually when calling them. A useful memory tip: think of the word “static” as “standalone”—it stands alone without any hidden parameters, just like a regular function.
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 statements about static methods (@staticmethod) are correct?
They do not receive an implicit first argument.
Correct: no self or cls.
They can access instance attributes via self.
Why wrong: They have no self.
They can access class variables only via cls.
Why wrong: They have no cls.
They are defined using the @staticmethod decorator.
Correct.
They can only be defined inside a metaclass.
Why wrong: They are defined in any class.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
They do not receive an implicit first argument.
Option A is correct because static methods in Python do not receive an implicit first argument like `self` (for instance methods) or `cls` (for class methods). They behave like plain functions but belong to a class's namespace, and are called without any automatic parameter injection.
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.
They do not receive an implicit first argument.
Why this is correct
Correct: no self or cls.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
They can access instance attributes via self.
Why it's wrong here
They have no self.
They can access class variables only via cls.
Why it's wrong here
They have no cls.
They are defined using the @staticmethod decorator.
Why this is correct
Correct.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
They can only be defined inside a metaclass.
Why it's wrong here
They are defined in any class.
Common exam traps
Python Institute often tests the distinction between `@staticmethod` and `@classmethod`, and the trap here is that candidates confuse static methods with class methods, assuming static methods can access class variables via `cls` or instance attributes via `self`.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, the `@staticmethod` decorator wraps a function so that when accessed on an instance, Python does not bind the method to the instance (no `self` is passed). This is implemented via the descriptor protocol: the static method's `__get__` returns the underlying function unchanged. A real-world scenario is utility functions like `math.sqrt` that logically belong to a class but don't need instance or class state.
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: They do not receive an implicit first argument. — Option A is correct because static methods in Python do not receive an implicit first argument like `self` (for instance methods) or `cls` (for class methods). They behave like plain functions but belong to a class's namespace, and are called without any automatic parameter injection.
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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