PCEP Practice Question: Data Types, Variables, Basic I/O and Operators
Which of the following is a valid variable name in Python?
⚠ Common exam trap
Python Institute often tests the rule that hyphens are not allowed in variable names, leading candidates to mistakenly think my-var is valid because it resembles common naming in other languages or file systems.
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
✓
_count
(_count) is correct because in Python, variable names can start with an underscore, and underscores are allowed anywhere in the name. The name _count follows all Python identifier rules: it starts with a letter or underscore, contains only letters, digits, or underscores, and is not a reserved keyword.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
my-var
Why it's wrong here
Hyphen is not allowed.
- ✗
2nd_place
Why it's wrong here
Cannot start with a digit.
- ✓
_count
Why this is correct
Underscore is allowed at start.
- ✗
class
Why it's wrong here
Reserved keyword.
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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.