You are here for Python Programming. The course prepares you for the Python Institute’s PCEP exam (Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer) across Modules 1 to 14. Labs run in the IP Lab Portal. Homework goes to MyIP Portal, not here.
Your instructors
Dave FlanaganPython instructor
Dave teaches the Weekday · IAD1-B, Evening · IAD1-B, and Weekend · IAD1-B cohorts.
Avinash KoduriPython instructor
Avinash teaches the Weekend · IAD1-A cohort.
What you’ll walk away with
Python from zeroHow Python runs your code, then literals, variables, operators, input, and output.
Decisions and loopsBranch with
if, elif, and else, repeat with while and for, and trace each step by hand.Data collectionsLists, tuples, sets, dictionaries, and strings. The biggest section of the exam.
Functions, errors, and filesWrite functions, handle exceptions with
try and except, work with files, and import math and random.36 hands-on labsEvery module lists its labs in the sidebar, from your first
print() to a tic-tac-toe game. Each one runs in the IP Lab Portal.Ready for PCEP-30-0335 questions in 50 minutes, 70% to pass. The course follows the blueprint revised November 2, 2026. Older guides say PCEP-30-02.
Labs
Every lab runs in the PCEP course in the IP Lab Portal. Each module has a page per lab in the sidebar, under its Core material and Outline, with a button that opens that lab. Open the PCEP course in the IP Lab PortalWho is it for?
Career changers
Students
IT support
System admins
Business analysts
QA testers
DevelopersNew to programming
Some coding already
Ground rules
No question is too dumbIf you are wondering it, three other people in the room are too. Ask.
Interrupt me wheneverThis is a workshop, not a webinar. Stop me the moment something does not click.
Do the labsReading code is not the same as writing it. Use the IP Lab Portal. Submit homework in MyIP Portal.
How to move through the material
01Open the moduleEach module has its own section in the sidebar: Core material (the slides), an Outline of what the exam expects, and its labs. Start with the PCEP exam overview.
02Do the labEach lab page says what you will practice. Click the button to open it in the IP Lab Portal, and predict the output before you run your code.
03Sit PCEPFinish Modules 1 to 14, review your weakest section, then book PCEP-30-03.
Outside-of-class resources
Use these after class to go deeper. The syllabus shows exactly what the exam covers, and the rest help you practice and keep learning.Official exam information
From the Python Institute. Use the syllabus to check your coverage before you sit the exam.- PCEP-30-03 exam syllabus
Every objective the exam tests, with section weights. - PCEP certification page
Exam format, price, and how to book through TestNow. - Python Essentials 1
The Python Institute’s free self-study course aligned to PCEP.
Python documentation
The official reference. Short, exact, and always up to date.- The Python Tutorial
A guided tour of the language, from numbers and strings to modules and errors. - Built-in functions
print(),input(),len(),range(),int(), and the rest. - Built-in exceptions
WhatValueError,TypeError,IndexError,KeyError, and the others mean. - math and random
The two modules the exam covers in section 5. - PEP 8 style guide
How to name variables and lay out code so others can read it.
Free books and practice
Keep coding between classes. Small daily practice beats one long session.- Automate the Boring Stuff with Python
Free online book by Al Sweigart. Practical programs for everyday tasks. - Think Python
Free online book by Allen B. Downey. Clear explanations for beginners. - Python Tutor
Paste code and watch it run one line at a time. Great for tracing practice. - Exercism Python track
Free exercises with automatic tests and optional mentor feedback.
Quick reference
Handy pages to keep open while you code.- Operator precedence
Which operator Python evaluates first. A favorite source of exam questions. - String methods
upper(),split(),join(),find(),replace(), and the rest. - Download Python
Install Python 3 on your own computer to practice at home.