Question 11 of 498
PCEP Practice Question: Data Types, Variables, Basic I/O and Operators
Which of the following is a valid Python variable name?
⚠ Common exam trap
Python Institute often tests the misconception that hyphens or spaces are acceptable in variable names because they appear in other programming languages or file naming conventions, but Python strictly prohibits them.
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
✓
_var
(_var) is correct because in Python, variable names must start with a letter or an underscore, and can contain letters, digits, and underscores. The underscore is explicitly allowed as the first character, making _var a valid identifier.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
2var
Why it's wrong here
Cannot start with a digit.
- ✗
var name
Why it's wrong here
Space is not allowed.
- ✗
var-name
Why it's wrong here
Hyphen is not allowed.
- ✓
_var
Why this is correct
Underscore is allowed as first character.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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.
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