Exam 98-381: Introduction to Programming Using Python

By the grace of Allah (SWT), I just cleared the Microsoft 98-381 exam with 92% marks. For helping others, I am documenting the sources from which I did my preparation.

About Test

The test comprises 40 questions to be completed in 45 minutes. Some of the questions are too lengthy and there can be short sub-questions in a question. So, you need to be very fast while attempting this test.

Syllabus

Perform Operations using Data Types and Operators (20-25%)

• Evaluate an expression to identify the data type Python will assign to each variable

· Identify str, int, float, and bool data types

• Perform data and data type operations

· Convert from one data type to another type; construct data structures; perform indexing and slicing operations

• Determine the sequence of execution based on operator precedence

· Assignment; Comparison; Logical; Arithmetic; Identity (is); Containment (in)

• Select the appropriate operator to achieve the intended result

· Assignment; Comparison; Logical; Arithmetic; Identity (is); Containment (in)

Control Flow with Decisions and Loops (25-30%)

• Construct and analyze code segments that use branching statements

· if; elif; else; nested and compound conditional expressions

• Construct and analyze code segments that perform iteration

· while; for; break; continue; pass; nested loops and loops that include compound conditional expressions

Perform Input and Output Operations (20-25%)

• Construct and analyze code segments that perform file input and output operations

· Open; close; read; write; append; check existence; delete; with statement

• Construct and analyze code segments that perform console input and output operations

· Read input from console; print formatted text; use of command line arguments

Document and Structure Code (15-20%)

• Document code segments using comments and documentation strings

· Use indentation, white space, comments, and documentation strings; generate documentation by using pydoc

• Construct and analyze code segments that include function definitions

· Call signatures; default values; return; def; pass

Perform Troubleshooting and Error Handling (5-10%)

• Analyze, detect, and fix code segments that have errors

· Syntax errors; logic errors; runtime errors

• Analyze and construct code segments that handle exceptions

· Try; except; else; finally; raise

Perform Operations Using Modules and Tools (1-5%)

• Perform basic operations using built-in modules

· Math; datetime; io; sys; os; os.path; random

• Solve complex computing problems by using built-in modules

· Math; datetime; random

Preparation Material

1. Microsoft Lectures [download]

2. Keywords in Python

5. Python Crash Course: Chapter 2-8, 10 [download]

6. Random Numbers [link]

7. Pydoc and docstring [link1] and [link2]

8. Math module [link]

9. Sys module [link1] and [link2]

Practice Tests

Following are few sources, that you can consult for practicing for the exam.

1. SanFoundary [link]

2. GeeksForGeeks [link]

3. YouTube [link]