Quick Answer
The correct answers are _myVar and var123. Python valid variable names must start with either a letter or an underscore, followed by any combination of letters, digits, or underscores—no spaces, hyphens, or special characters like @ or $ are allowed. This rule is tested directly on the Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer PCEP exam, often in multiple-choice or multiple-select questions that ask you to identify legal identifiers from a list. A common trap is assuming that a variable can start with a digit, like 2ndPlace, or that reserved keywords like for or class are permissible names. To remember the rule, think of the underscore as a secret starter: it’s the only non-letter that can lead a name, just like a silent partner in a business.
This PCEP practice question tests your understanding of computer programming and python fundamentals. 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 valid Python variable names? (Choose two.)
for
Why wrong: Reserved keyword.
var123
Valid: letters and digits.
my-var
Why wrong: Hyphen not allowed.
1var
Why wrong: Cannot start with a digit.
_myVar
Valid: starts with underscore.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
var123
Option B (var123) is correct because Python variable names must start with a letter or underscore, and can contain letters, digits, or underscores. 'var123' starts with a letter and contains only valid characters, making it a legal identifier.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
for
Why it's wrong here
Reserved keyword.
var123
Why this is correct
Valid: letters and digits.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
my-var
Why it's wrong here
Hyphen not allowed.
1var
Why it's wrong here
Cannot start with a digit.
_myVar
Why this is correct
Valid: starts with underscore.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Python Institute often tests the rule that hyphens are not allowed in variable names, tricking candidates who are used to hyphenated names from other languages like HTML or CSS.
Trap categories for this question
Keyword trap
Reserved keyword.
Detailed technical explanation
Python identifiers follow the Unicode standard for characters, but must adhere to the lexical definition in the Python language reference: they start with a letter (including Unicode letters) or underscore, followed by zero or more letters, digits, or underscores. Hyphens are interpreted as the subtraction operator, so 'my-var' would be parsed as 'my' minus 'var', causing a NameError if either is undefined. Reserved keywords like 'for' are part of the language syntax and are stored in the keyword module; attempting to assign to them raises a SyntaxError.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the PCEP exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
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FAQ
Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals — This question tests Computer Programming and Python Fundamentals — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: var123 — Option B (var123) is correct because Python variable names must start with a letter or underscore, and can contain letters, digits, or underscores. 'var123' starts with a letter and contains only valid characters, making it a legal identifier.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which TWO of the following are valid Python variable names? (Choose two.)
easyWhy B: Option B (my_var) is correct because Python variable names can contain letters, digits, and underscores, but must not start with a digit. 'my_var' follows all naming rules: it starts with a letter, uses an underscore, and contains no invalid characters.
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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