The answer is the search using `stats` first, then `where cnt>10`. This approach is correct because filtering after stats on a computed field like `cnt` ensures you calculate the average response time per user across all their events first, then apply the condition to the aggregated results—this is both efficient and accurate, as it avoids the overhead of filtering raw events before grouping. On the Splunk Core Certified Power User SPLK-1003 exam, this question tests your understanding of the `stats` command’s ability to create computed fields and the proper order of operations: `where` after `stats` works on summary data, while `where` before `stats` would filter individual events, which is a common trap. A helpful memory tip is “aggregate then filter”—always compute your stats first, then use `where` on the resulting computed fields like count or average.
SPLK-1003 Advanced Searching and Statistics Practice Question
This SPLK-1003 practice question tests your understanding of advanced searching and statistics. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A user wants to calculate the average response time per user, but only for users who have more than 10 events. Which search approach is efficient?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
index=web | stats avg(response_time) as avg, count as cnt by user | where cnt>10
Option B is correct because it first uses `stats` to compute both the average response time and the event count per user, then filters with `where cnt>10` to keep only users who have more than 10 events. This ensures the average is calculated only after grouping, and the count condition is applied on the aggregated result, which is efficient and accurate.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
index=web | eventstats avg(response_time) as avg by user | where count>10
Why it's wrong here
eventstats does not compute count; 'count' is undefined.
✓
index=web | stats avg(response_time) as avg, count as cnt by user | where cnt>10
Why this is correct
Computes both statistics and filters correctly.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
index=web | where count>10 | stats avg(response_time) by user
Why it's wrong here
The field 'count' does not exist at the time of the where clause.
✗
index=web | stats avg(response_time) as avg by user | where count>10
Why it's wrong here
The field 'count' is not computed in this search.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse `eventstats` with `stats` and think they can filter on an aggregated field like `count` without first computing it in the same `stats` command, leading them to choose Option A or D.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, `stats` with `by` creates a new table where each row represents a unique user, and the `count` field is automatically generated as the number of events per user. The `where` command then filters these aggregated rows, which is far more efficient than using `eventstats` because it reduces the data volume early. In a real-world scenario with millions of events, using `eventstats` would balloon memory usage by adding fields to every raw event, while `stats` compresses the data before filtering.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the SPLK-1003 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Advanced Searching and Statistics — This question tests Advanced Searching and Statistics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: index=web | stats avg(response_time) as avg, count as cnt by user | where cnt>10 — Option B is correct because it first uses `stats` to compute both the average response time and the event count per user, then filters with `where cnt>10` to keep only users who have more than 10 events. This ensures the average is calculated only after grouping, and the count condition is applied on the aggregated result, which is efficient and accurate.
What should I do if I get this SPLK-1003 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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