PCEP Practice Question: Data Types, Variables, Basic I/O and Operators
Which TWO of the following are valid Python variable names?
⚠ Common exam trap
Python Institute often tests the misconception that hyphens or spaces are acceptable separators in variable names, similar to other languages, but Python strictly requires underscores and no whitespace.
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
✓
var2
'var2' starts with a letter and contains only alphanumeric characters and underscores, which satisfies Python's variable naming rules. Python variable names must begin with a letter or underscore, and can be followed by letters, digits, or underscores.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
var name
Why it's wrong here
Space not allowed.
- ✗
1var
Why it's wrong here
Cannot start with digit.
- ✓
var2
Why this is correct
Letters and digits allowed.
- ✓
_var
Why this is correct
Underscore allowed.
- ✗
my-var
Why it's wrong here
Hyphen not allowed.
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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.