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Concepts·Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer

Python try, except and Clause Ordering

Objective 4.4 is the basics of Python exception handling, and there are four keywords: `try`, `except`, `else`, `finally`. The syntax is small and the ordering rule is the whole subject - clauses are tested top to bottom and the first matching one wins, so a broad clause above a narrow one makes the narrow one dead code, exactly as an `elif` chain does.

Exceptions Guide 24 of 26 Intermediate

Written against the versions above. Python 3.14 allows `except A, B:` without parentheses (PEP 758). The exam does not - see {{guide:python-314-versus-the-syllabus}}. Every example here uses the parenthesised form, which is correct on every release.

One machine, and any shell with Python 3 will do - these exams test the language, not a distribution.
Server NameIP AddressOSRolesCPURAMHDD
RUNNER01192.168.0.27Ubuntu 26.04 LTSPython 3.14.4 - the only machine this path needs2 Core4 GB50 GB

Before you start

  1. The smallest try

  2. A clause that does not match does not help

  3. Ordering: specific before general

  4. The same clauses in the wrong order

  5. One clause for several types, plus else and finally

  6. The bare except

  7. What the try block does not finish

  8. What the exam does with this objective

Official sources

← All PCEP guides