- A
The saved search's acceleration is outdated.
Why wrong: Outdated acceleration returns pre-computed data, not empty results.
- B
The user who created the saved search has been deleted.
Why wrong: Saved searches run under the owner's context; if deleted, the search may fail with an error, not show empty results.
- C
The saved search uses a macro that has a typo in its definition.
Why wrong: A typo would cause a search syntax error visible in the history logs.
- D
The index being searched is not available at the scheduled time.
Correct: Temporary index unavailability at the scheduled time results in no data.
- E
The saved search uses a different time range than the manual search.
Correct: Scheduled searches often use a relative time range (e.g., last hour) while manual may use all time.
Quick Answer
The answer is that the saved search uses a different time range than the manual search, and index availability at the scheduled time can cause empty results. When a scheduled search runs automatically, it typically applies a fixed time window—such as “Last 60 minutes”—while a manual run often defaults to “All time,” which explains why the same SPL returns data in one context but not the other. Additionally, if an index is temporarily unavailable or has no new data during the scheduled execution window, the search will produce no results, even though the same query works when run later. On the SPLK-1003 exam, this question tests your understanding of how scheduled saved searches differ from ad-hoc searches, particularly regarding time range defaults and data availability—a common trap is assuming the SPL itself is broken. Remember the mnemonic “Time and Timing”: check the time range first, then verify the index had data at that exact moment.
SPLK-1003 Macros, Saved Searches and CIM Practice Question
This SPLK-1003 practice question tests your understanding of macros, saved searches and cim. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 saved search that runs every hour is showing 'No results' in its history, but the same search when run manually returns results. Which two of the following are likely causes? (Choose TWO.)
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 index being searched is not available at the scheduled time.
Options A and D are correct. Time range differences: scheduled searches use a 'last hour' window, while manual may use 'All time'. Index availability at schedule time can cause empty results. A macro typo would cause an error, not empty results. Outdated acceleration would show old data, not empty. Creator deletion might cause a permissions error.
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.
- ✗
The saved search's acceleration is outdated.
Why it's wrong here
Outdated acceleration returns pre-computed data, not empty results.
- ✗
The user who created the saved search has been deleted.
Why it's wrong here
Saved searches run under the owner's context; if deleted, the search may fail with an error, not show empty results.
- ✗
The saved search uses a macro that has a typo in its definition.
Why it's wrong here
A typo would cause a search syntax error visible in the history logs.
- ✓
The index being searched is not available at the scheduled time.
Why this is correct
Correct: Temporary index unavailability at the scheduled time results in no data.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
The saved search uses a different time range than the manual search.
Why this is correct
Correct: Scheduled searches often use a relative time range (e.g., last hour) while manual may use all time.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Saved searches run under the owner's context; if deleted, the search may fail with an error, not show empty results.
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.
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Macros, Saved Searches and CIM — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SPLK-1003 question test?
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: The index being searched is not available at the scheduled time. — Options A and D are correct. Time range differences: scheduled searches use a 'last hour' window, while manual may use 'All time'. Index availability at schedule time can cause empty results. A macro typo would cause an error, not empty results. Outdated acceleration would show old data, not empty. Creator deletion might cause a permissions error.
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.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This SPLK-1003 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-1003 exam.
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