PCPP2 Advanced OOP And Performance Practice Question
When writing a metaclass, what is the 'cls' parameter in the __new__ method referring to?
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
✓
The metaclass itself
In a metaclass's __new__ method, 'cls' refers to the metaclass itself, not the class being created.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The instance of the class
Why it's wrong here
Metaclasses deal with class creation, not instance creation.
- ✗
The class being created
Why it's wrong here
The class being created is the return value of __new__.
- ✗
The parent class
Why it's wrong here
The parent class is passed as part of the bases argument.
- ✓
The metaclass itself
Why this is correct
The first argument to __new__ in a metaclass is the metaclass type.
About these practice questions
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Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official Python Institute exam blueprint
This PCPP2 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 PCPP2 exam.