The complete guide to Python basics, coding practice, and PCEP™ exam success

What you'll learn

Write clean and well-structured Python code using variables, data types, and operators

Use if, elif, and else statements to build decision-making logic

Work with loops (for, while) and loop control statements (break, continue)

Define and call functions with parameters and return values

Understand and apply core concepts of Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) in Python

Handle files using file I/O functions and manage errors with exception handling

Use built-in Python data structures like lists, tuples, dictionaries, and sets

Work with popular Python libraries like NumPy, Pandas, and Matplotlib

Understand regular expressions and interact with REST APIs using the requests library

Prepare confidently for the PCEP™ – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer Exam

Build your own Python programs from scratch using real-world problem-solving techniques

Develop confidence working in Google Colab, Jupyter Notebook, and local Python environments

Create reusable code with functions, modules, and basic package structure

Visualize and analyze data interactively using Plotly and advanced Pandas techniques

Requirements

No prior programming experience is required — this course is beginner-friendly

A computer or laptop with internet access

Willingness to learn and practice Python through hands-on exercises

Basic familiarity with using a browser and typing code in an online editor (like Google Colab) is helpful, but not required

Curiosity and motivation to become PCEP-certified!

Description

Are you ready to learn Python and become a certified programmer — even if you've never written a line of code before?This course is designed to help absolute beginners learn Python programming step-by-step, and prepare confidently for the PCEP™ – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer exam. If you're looking to enter the world of programming, earn your first credential, or simply build a solid foundation in Python, this is the course for you.Whether you're a student, job-seeker, career switcher, or self-taught coder, this course will guide you through Python's core concepts with a clear, practical approach. No fluff. No overwhelming jargon. Just clear explanations, live coding demonstrations, and hands-on practice. Why this course?Python is one of the most popular and beginner-friendly programming languages in the world — and it's used in everything from web development and automation to data science, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. But before you dive into advanced applications, it's essential to build a strong foundation. This course helps you do exactly that — and get certified while you're at it.The PCEP™ certification is an official entry-level credential issued by the Python Institute. It validates your understanding of basic Python concepts and demonstrates to employers or universities that you've mastered the core skills needed to move forward. What's inside the course?This course covers everything required for the PCEP exam — and more: Python FundamentalsVariables, data types, and basic input/outputArithmetic and logical operatorsConditional statements (if, elif, else)Looping with for and while loopsNested conditionals and loop control (break, continue, pass) Functions and Program StructureDefining and calling functionsFunction arguments and return valuesVariable scope and nested function callsOrganizing code for readability and reusabilityObject-Oriented ProgrammingUnderstanding classes and objectsUsing constructors (__init__) and instance variablesApplying principles like inheritance, encapsulation, and polymorphism Data StructuresLists, tuples, dictionaries, and setsIndexing, slicing, and manipulating dataBuilt-in methods for sorting, searching, and transforming data File Handling & Exception ManagementReading from and writing to text, CSV, and JSON filesUsing with statements for safe file accessHandling errors using try, except, and finallyCreating and raising custom exceptions Real-World SkillsRegular expressions for pattern matching and input validationCalling REST APIs using the requests libraryWorking with NumPy and Pandas for basic data analysisBuilding interactive charts using Plotly Hands-On PracticeEach topic comes with coding labs, quizzes, and real-world mini-projects to help reinforce your learning. You won't just watch — you'll write code, fix errors, solve problems, and develop practical skills along the way.You'll also get PCEP-style questions to test your readiness for the exam and help you develop the confidence to ace it on your first try.

Overview

Section 1: Module 01: Introduction to Python and Programming

Lecture 1 What is Python and What Can It Do?

Lecture 2 Installing Python on Windows, macOS, and Linux

Lecture 3 Setting Up Your First Python Script

Lecture 4 Using the Python Shell vs Scripts

Lecture 5 Choosing an IDE – VS Code, PyCharm, or IDLE

Lecture 6 Understanding Programming Terminology (Variables, Functions, etc.)

Lecture 7 Mini Lab: Write and Run Your First "Hello World" Program

Section 2: Module 02: Data Types and Variables

Lecture 8 Introduction to Data Types in Python

Lecture 9 Variables and Naming

Lecture 10 Integers and Float Numbers – Basics and Arithmetic

Lecture 11 Strings – Creating and Printing Text

Lecture 12 String Concatenation and Escape Sequences

Lecture 13 Booleans – True, False, and Logical Basics

Lecture 14 Type Conversion and Casting (str, int, float, bool)

Section 3: Module 03: Operators and Expressions

Lecture 15 Operators and Expressions

Lecture 16 Mini Lab Operator and expressions

Lecture 17 Assignment operators

Lecture 18 Comparison Operators

Lecture 19 Logical Operators

Lecture 20 Bitwise Operators – Basics and Use Cases (light version)

Lecture 21 Operator Precedence and Grouping with Parentheses

Lecture 22 Mini Lab-Operator Precedence and Grouping with Parentheses

Lecture 23 Mini Project Temperature Converter

Section 4: Module 04: Conditional Statements

Lecture 24 Writing Simple if Statements

Lecture 25 Adding else Statement

Lecture 26 Using elif for Multiple Conditions_

Lecture 27 Mini Lab Build a Simple Grade Evaluator

Lecture 28 Nested if Statements and Best Practices

Lecture 29 Truthy and Falsy Values in Conditions_

Lecture 30 Mini Lab Age Checker with Nested if Conditions

Lecture 31 Challenge Movie Ticket Price Calculator

Section 5: Module 05: Loops and Loop Control

Lecture 32 The while Loop – Syntax and Examples

Lecture 33 Infinite Loops and Breaking Them

Lecture 34 Mini Lab: Create a Countdown Timer with while

Lecture 35 The for Loop – Iterating Over Sequences

Lecture 36 Using range() in LoopsUsing range() in Loops

Lecture 37 Loop Control Statements – break, continue, and pass

Lecture 38 Nested Loops and Loop Design Patterns

Lecture 39 Mini Lab: Print a Multiplication Table with Loops

Lecture 40 Mini Project: "Number Guessing Game" ( Random number + while loop + break )

Section 6: Module 06: Functions

Lecture 41 What Are Functions and Why Use Them?

Lecture 42 Defining a Function

Lecture 43 Mini Lab: Write a Function to Add Two Numbers

Lecture 44 Function Arguments and Parameters

Lecture 45 Returning Values with return

Lecture 46 Mini Lab: Create a Function That Calculates Area of a Circle

Lecture 47 Scope: Local vs Global Variables

Lecture 48 Introduction to Recursion

Lecture 49 Mini Lab: Write a Recursive Function to Calculate Factorial

Lecture 50 Challenge Task: Write a function that returns whether a number is even or odd

Section 7: Module 07: Data Collections – Lists, Tuples, Dictionaries, Sets

Lecture 51 Creating and Accessing Lists

Lecture 52 List Methods: append(), remove(), etc

Lecture 53 Slicing and Iterating Over Lists

Lecture 54 Mini Lab: Build a Simple Grocery List App

Lecture 55 Tuples – What Makes Them Immutable

Lecture 56 Dictionaries – Keys and Values

Lecture 57 Adding, Accessing, and Removing Dictionary Elements

Lecture 58 Mini Lab: Create a Contact Book Using Dictionaries

Lecture 59 Sets – What They Are and When to Use Them

Lecture 60 Mini Lab: Use Sets to Remove Duplicates from a List

Lecture 61 Mini Project: "To-Do List Manager"

Section 8: Module 08: Input, Output, and Basic Errors

Lecture 62 Using input() to Get User Input

Lecture 63 Printing Output – print() and Formatting

Lecture 64 Working with Escape Characters and Multiline Strings

Lecture 65 Common Errors and Intro to try-except (minimal)

Lecture 66 Mini Lab: Build a Simple Login Prompt Using Input and Output

Lecture 67 Challenge Prompt: "Create a simple quiz app"

Section 9: Module 09: Final Preparation and Practice

Absolute beginners who want to learn Python from scratch and build a strong programming foundation,Students or recent graduates preparing for the PCEP™ certification to enhance their resume or academic profile,Career switchers looking to enter the tech field and gain official validation of their Python skills,Self-taught coders who want a structured, exam-focused course to fill in gaps and build confidence,Anyone who wants to earn their first Python certification and demonstrate real coding ability through hands-on practice,Educators or tutors who want a ready-to-use curriculum to teach Python basics aligned with certification standards,Professionals in non-technical roles (marketing, finance, operations, etc.) who want to automate tasks or start learning coding,Test takers who want focused preparation and confidence before sitting for the PCEP™ certification exam,Learners who prefer project-based learning, with hands-on labs, quizzes, and real-world examples,Anyone preparing for further Python certifications (like PCAP or PCPP) and looking to build a strong foundation first