PCEP Practice Question: Data Types, Variables, Basic I/O and Operators
Which of the following are valid Python variable names? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
The PCEP exam often tests the distinction between hyphens (which are not allowed) and underscores (which are allowed), and the rule that keywords like 'for' cannot be used as variable names, even though they look like valid identifiers.
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
✓
data_1
(data_1) is correct because Python variable names can contain letters, digits, and underscores, but must not start with a digit. 'data_1' starts with a letter and includes an underscore and digit, all of which are allowed.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
for
Why it's wrong here
for is a reserved keyword and cannot be used as a variable name.
- ✓
data_1
Why this is correct
Letters, digits, and underscores are allowed, and the name does not start with a digit.
- ✓
_count
Why this is correct
Underscore is allowed at the start of a variable name.
- ✗
2nd_place
Why it's wrong here
Variable names cannot start with a digit.
- ✗
my-var
Why it's wrong here
Hyphens are not allowed in variable names; underscores are used instead.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This PCEP 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 PCEP exam.