The answer is | tstats count from datamodel=Authentication where Authentication.action=failure by Authentication.src limit 10. This search is correct because it leverages the CIM data model query for authentication, using the tstats command to efficiently query accelerated data models and the where clause to filter for failure actions, then grouping by the src field—the CIM-standardized source IP—to produce the top 10 counts. On the Splunk Core Certified Power User SPLK-1003 exam, this question tests your understanding of tstats syntax with data models, a key skill for dashboard performance; the common trap is choosing a datamodel command without tstats, which lacks acceleration, or forgetting the by clause to aggregate by source IP. Remember the memory tip: “tstats with datamodel, where action=failure, by src—that’s the CIM query for failed logins.”
SPLK-1003 Macros, Saved Searches and CIM Practice Question
This SPLK-1003 practice question tests your understanding of macros, saved searches and cim. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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 Splunk administrator is asked to create a dashboard that shows the top 10 source IPs by count of failed logins over the past week. The data is already CIM-compliant and uses the Authentication data model. Which search is most appropriate?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
| tstats count from datamodel=Authentication where Authentication.action=failure by Authentication.src limit 10
Option A is correct because it uses the CIM data model and the 'tag=authentication' to filter relevant events, then extracts the 'src' field (which is the CIM field for source IP). Option B uses '| datamodel Authentication' but does not use '| tstats' which is more efficient for accelerated data models. Option C uses '| tstats summaryonly=true' which loses detail. Option D uses the Authentication data model correctly but does not sum by source IP.
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.
✓
| tstats count from datamodel=Authentication where Authentication.action=failure by Authentication.src limit 10
Why this is correct
Uses tstats on the accelerated data model with proper field and limit.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
| tstats summaryonly=true count from datamodel=Authentication where action=failure by src
Why it's wrong here
summaryonly=true does not return raw events; it returns summary counts but missing limit clause.
✗
| datamodel Authentication search | search action=failure | top src
Why it's wrong here
Using datamodel without acceleration is less efficient and not best practice for large datasets.
✗
| search sourcetype=* authentication action=failure | stats count by src | sort - count | head 10
Why it's wrong here
This search is valid but does not leverage the CIM data model acceleration; it is slower.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 SPLK-1003 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Macros, Saved Searches and CIM — This question tests Macros, Saved Searches and CIM — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: | tstats count from datamodel=Authentication where Authentication.action=failure by Authentication.src limit 10 — Option A is correct because it uses the CIM data model and the 'tag=authentication' to filter relevant events, then extracts the 'src' field (which is the CIM field for source IP). Option B uses '| datamodel Authentication' but does not use '| tstats' which is more efficient for accelerated data models. Option C uses '| tstats summaryonly=true' which loses detail. Option D uses the Authentication data model correctly but does not sum by source IP.
What should I do if I get this SPLK-1003 question wrong?
Identify which SPLK-1003 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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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