SPLK-1002 Advanced Searching and Statistics Practice Question
A search is used to calculate the 95th percentile of response times for each application, and then to find applications where the 95th percentile exceeds 5000 ms. The current search is:
`index=perf sourcetype=app_response | stats perc95(response_time) by app | where perc95(response_time) > 5000`
This search fails with an error. What is the most likely reason?
⚠ Common exam trap
Splunk often tests the nuance that field names generated by `stats` with functions like `perc95()` must be quoted in subsequent commands like `where` or `eval` to avoid being misinterpreted as function calls.
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 field name in the where clause must match exactly, including parentheses. Use `where 'perc95(response_time)' > 5000`
The `where` clause in SPL treats field names containing special characters (like parentheses) as literal strings. Without quoting, `perc95(response_time)` is parsed as a function call rather than a field name, causing a syntax error. Wrapping the field name in single quotes (`'perc95(response_time)'`) tells Splunk to treat it as a literal field reference.
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 stats command cannot use perc95 with a by clause.
Why it's wrong here
It can, but the field name includes the function.
- ✗
The stats command requires a rename of the output field.
Why it's wrong here
Not required, though recommended.
- ✓
The field name in the where clause must match exactly, including parentheses. Use `where 'perc95(response_time)' > 5000`
Why this is correct
In Splunk, the resulting field is named with the function and parentheses, so it must be quoted or escaped.
- ✗
The perc95 function is not a valid stats function.
Why it's wrong here
perc95 is valid.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This SPLK-1002 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Splunk 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 SPLK-1002 exam.