Quick Answer
The answer is the find() method, which returns the lowest index where a specified substring is found, or -1 if the substring is not present. This behavior makes find() the correct choice because it provides a safe way to check for substring existence without raising an exception, unlike the index() method which throws a ValueError when the substring is missing. On the Certified Associate Python Programmer PCAP exam, this distinction between find() and index() is a frequently tested concept, often appearing in questions about string handling and error management. A common trap is confusing find() with index() due to their similar purpose, but the key difference is that find() returns -1 on failure while index() raises an exception. The re module’s search() function is also a distractor, but it returns a match object, not an integer index. For a quick memory tip, remember: "find fails friendly with -1, index throws an exception."
This PCAP practice question tests your understanding of strings. 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 method returns the lowest index where a specified substring is found, or -1 if not found?
find()
find returns the lowest index or -1 if not found.
locate()
Why wrong: locate is not a built-in string method in Python.
search()
Why wrong: search is a re module function for regex matching, not a string method.
index()
Why wrong: index returns the lowest index but raises ValueError if not found.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
find()
Option A (find) returns -1 if not found. Option B (index) raises ValueError. Option C (search) is from re module. Option D (locate) is not a Python method.
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.
find()
Why this is correct
find returns the lowest index or -1 if not found.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
locate()
Why it's wrong here
locate is not a built-in string method in Python.
search()
Why it's wrong here
search is a re module function for regex matching, not a string method.
index()
Why it's wrong here
index returns the lowest index but raises ValueError if not found.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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
Identify which PCAP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Strings — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Strings practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All PCAP questions
511 questions across all exam domains
Certified Associate Python Programmer PCAP study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
PCAP practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise PCAP questions linked to Modules and Packages.
Practise PCAP questions linked to Strings.
Practise PCAP questions linked to Object-Oriented Programming.
Practise PCAP questions linked to Exceptions and File I/O.
Practise PCAP questions linked to PCAP fundamentals.
Practise PCAP questions linked to PCAP scenario.
Practise PCAP questions linked to PCAP troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Strings — This question tests Strings — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: find() — Option A (find) returns -1 if not found. Option B (index) raises ValueError. Option C (search) is from re module. Option D (locate) is not a Python method.
Identify which PCAP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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 →
Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. What is the output?
mediumWhy C: The `find()` method returns the lowest index where the substring is found, or -1 if not found. The string 'Python' contains 'th' starting at index 4 (0-based), so `'Python'.find('th')` returns 4. The string 'Python' does not contain 'xyz', so `'Python'.find('xyz')` returns -1. Thus the output is '4' and '-1', making option C correct.
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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.
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.