Quick Answer
The answer is option A, `int('abc')`, because this code snippet directly triggers a `ValueError` from `int()` string conversion by passing a non-numeric string to the integer constructor. The `int()` function in Python requires a string that represents a valid integer literal in the given base (default base 10), and `'abc'` contains alphabetic characters that cannot be interpreted as digits, causing Python to raise the error `invalid literal for int() with base 10: 'abc'`. On the Certified Associate Python Programmer PCAP exam, this question tests your understanding of type conversion and exception handling, specifically how `ValueError` arises from invalid input to built-in functions. A common trap is assuming `int()` can convert any string, but it only works with strings that look like numbers—letters, spaces, or special characters will fail. Remember the memory tip: “If it’s not a digit, it won’t fit—`int()` expects a numeric hit.”
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.
[ERROR] 2025-01-01 12:00:00: Unhandled exception: ValueError: invalid literal for int() with base 10: 'abc'
Refer to the exhibit. Which of the following Python code snippets would generate this error?
[ERROR] 2025-01-01 12:00:00: Unhandled exception: ValueError: invalid literal for int() with base 10: 'abc'
int('abc')
Attempts to convert 'abc' to int, causing ValueError.
str(123)
Why wrong: Converts int to string, no error.
print('abc')
Why wrong: Prints string, no exception.
float('abc')
Why wrong: Raises ValueError but message is different.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
int('abc')
Option A is correct because `int('abc')` attempts to convert the string `'abc'` to an integer, which is not a valid numeric literal. Python raises a `ValueError` with the message 'invalid literal for int() with base 10: 'abc''. This error occurs because the `int()` function expects a string that represents a valid integer in the specified base (default base 10), and 'abc' does not meet that criterion.
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.
int('abc')
Why this is correct
Attempts to convert 'abc' to int, causing ValueError.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
str(123)
Why it's wrong here
Converts int to string, no error.
print('abc')
Why it's wrong here
Prints string, no exception.
float('abc')
Why it's wrong here
Raises ValueError but message is different.
Common exam traps
Python Institute often tests the exact wording of Python error messages, so the trap here is that candidates may confuse `ValueError` from `int()` with `ValueError` from `float()`, but the error message in the exhibit specifically cites 'invalid literal for int()', making only `int('abc')` the correct match.
Detailed technical explanation
The `int()` function in Python can accept a string and an optional base argument (default 10). When the string contains non-numeric characters (except leading '+' or '-'), Python's internal `_PyLong_FromBytes` function fails and raises a `ValueError`. In real-world scenarios, this often occurs when parsing user input or reading data from files where malformed numeric strings are encountered, requiring robust exception handling with `try-except` blocks.
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: int('abc') — Option A is correct because `int('abc')` attempts to convert the string `'abc'` to an integer, which is not a valid numeric literal. Python raises a `ValueError` with the message 'invalid literal for int() with base 10: 'abc''. This error occurs because the `int()` function expects a string that represents a valid integer in the specified base (default base 10), and 'abc' does not meet that criterion.
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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