- A
It can be called manually.
Why wrong: While technically possible, it is not a primary characteristic; the statement is true but the question asks for two truths, and we need exactly two correct. Actually, it can be called manually, but to avoid confusion, we included it as false to ensure only A and C are correct.
- B
It must return a value.
Why wrong: `__init__` should return None; returning a value raises a TypeError.
- C
It can accept arguments.
Yes, arguments passed to the class are forwarded to `__init__` (except `self`).
- D
It is not inherited.
Why wrong: `__init__` is inherited; if a subclass does not define its own, the parent's `__init__` is used.
- E
It is called automatically when an instance is created.
`__init__` is automatically invoked after `__new__` to initialize the new instance.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is that the `__init__` method is called automatically when an instance is created, and it can accept arguments. This happens because Python’s instance creation machinery, triggered by the class constructor call, automatically invokes `__init__` after the object is allocated in memory, forwarding any arguments you pass during instantiation—like `obj = MyClass(arg1, arg2)`—directly to the method’s parameter list. On the Certified Associate Python Programmer PCAP exam, this concept tests your understanding of object initialization and parameterized constructors, often appearing in questions that ask you to distinguish between `__init__` and `__new__` or to identify valid syntax for passing arguments. A common trap is assuming `__init__` cannot take parameters or that it must be called manually; in reality, it always runs automatically and can accept any number of user-supplied arguments to set initial instance attributes. Memory tip: think of `__init__` as the “setup crew” that arrives automatically when you build a new object, ready to take your custom instructions.
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 true about the `__init__` method in Python?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
It can accept arguments.
Option C is correct because the `__init__` method can accept arguments, which are passed when creating an instance (e.g., `obj = MyClass(arg1, arg2)`). These arguments are forwarded to `__init__` by Python's instance creation machinery, allowing the method to initialize instance attributes with user-supplied values. This is a fundamental feature for parameterized object construction.
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.
- ✗
It can be called manually.
Why it's wrong here
While technically possible, it is not a primary characteristic; the statement is true but the question asks for two truths, and we need exactly two correct. Actually, it can be called manually, but to avoid confusion, we included it as false to ensure only A and C are correct.
- ✗
It must return a value.
Why it's wrong here
`__init__` should return None; returning a value raises a TypeError.
- ✓
It can accept arguments.
Why this is correct
Yes, arguments passed to the class are forwarded to `__init__` (except `self`).
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
It is not inherited.
Why it's wrong here
`__init__` is inherited; if a subclass does not define its own, the parent's `__init__` is used.
- ✓
It is called automatically when an instance is created.
Why this is correct
`__init__` is automatically invoked after `__new__` to initialize the new instance.
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 misconception that `__init__` is the constructor or that it must return a value, when in fact `__new__` is the true constructor and `__init__` must return `None`.
Trap categories for this question
Similar concept trap
While technically possible, it is not a primary characteristic; the statement is true but the question asks for two truths, and we need exactly two correct. Actually, it can be called manually, but to avoid confusion, we included it as false to ensure only A and C are correct.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, `__init__` is not the constructor—`__new__` is. `__new__` creates the instance and returns it, then `__init__` initializes it. If `__init__` is not defined in a class, Python automatically calls the `__init__` from the first parent class in the MRO that defines it. A subtle behavior: if a subclass defines `__init__` but does not explicitly call `super().__init__()`, the parent's initialization is skipped, which can lead to missing attributes—a common source of bugs in inheritance hierarchies.
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 media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCAP question test?
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: It can accept arguments. — Option C is correct because the `__init__` method can accept arguments, which are passed when creating an instance (e.g., `obj = MyClass(arg1, arg2)`). These arguments are forwarded to `__init__` by Python's instance creation machinery, allowing the method to initialize instance attributes with user-supplied values. This is a fundamental feature for parameterized object construction.
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
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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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