Quick Answer
The answer is Network Traffic, Endpoint, and Authentication, as these are three of the core data models that make up the Splunk Common Information Model (CIM). The CIM is a standardized framework that normalizes data from diverse sources into consistent data models, tags, and field extractions, allowing for seamless searching and correlation across security and IT domains. For the Splunk Core Certified Power User SPLK-1003 exam, this question tests your ability to identify which data models belong to the CIM versus standalone add-ons; a common trap is confusing the CIM’s built-in models like Network Traffic and Endpoint with application-specific models that are not part of the CIM. Remember that the CIM focuses on broad, normalized domains—think network, endpoint, and authentication activity—rather than niche tools. A helpful memory tip is to recall the acronym NEA: Network, Endpoint, and Authentication are the three pillars you’ll see tested most often.
This SPLK-1003 practice question tests your understanding of macros, saved searches and cim. 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.
Which THREE of the following are components of the Splunk Common Information Model (CIM)? (choose three)
Application State
Why wrong: There is no Application State data model in CIM.
Endpoint
The Endpoint data model is part of CIM.
Authentication
The Authentication data model is part of CIM.
Change Analysis
Why wrong: Change Analysis is part of ITSI, not CIM.
Network Traffic
The Network Traffic data model is part of CIM.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Endpoint
Option B (Endpoint) is correct because the Splunk Common Information Model (CIM) includes the Endpoint data model, which normalizes data from endpoint security solutions such as antivirus, EDR, and host-based intrusion detection. This data model covers processes, file system changes, registry modifications, and other host-level activities, making it a core component of the CIM.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Application State
Why it's wrong here
There is no Application State data model in CIM.
Endpoint
Why this is correct
The Endpoint data model is part of CIM.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Authentication
Why this is correct
The Authentication data model is part of CIM.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Change Analysis
Why it's wrong here
Change Analysis is part of ITSI, not CIM.
Network Traffic
Why this is correct
The Network Traffic data model is part of CIM.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may confuse 'Change Analysis' with the CIM's 'Change' data model, or assume 'Application State' is a valid CIM component because it sounds like a logical category, but the CIM only includes specific named data models like 'Authentication', 'Endpoint', and 'Network Traffic'.
Detailed technical explanation
The Splunk CIM defines a set of data models that provide a standardized schema for common data sources, enabling consistent searching and correlation across different technologies. The Endpoint data model, for example, includes objects like 'Processes', 'Filesystem', and 'Registry', each with specific fields such as 'process_name', 'file_path', and 'registry_key_name'. In a real-world scenario, a security analyst might use the Endpoint model to correlate process creation events from Sysmon with network connections from the Network Traffic model to detect lateral movement.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Macros, Saved Searches and CIM — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Macros, Saved Searches and CIM — This question tests Macros, Saved Searches and CIM — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Endpoint — Option B (Endpoint) is correct because the Splunk Common Information Model (CIM) includes the Endpoint data model, which normalizes data from endpoint security solutions such as antivirus, EDR, and host-based intrusion detection. This data model covers processes, file system changes, registry modifications, and other host-level activities, making it a core component of the CIM.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which THREE are components of the Common Information Model (CIM) in Splunk?
easyWhy A: Correct answers: B, C, D. Data models (B), field extractions (C), and tags (D) are core CIM components. Option A (lookups) are not part of CIM, though they may be used. Option E (dashboards) are not part of CIM.
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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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