Quick Answer
The answer is stats count by host and values(ip) by user. Both are valid because the stats command in Splunk relies on aggregation functions to compute results over grouped data; count is a default function that tallies events per field value, while values() returns a multivalue list of all distinct entries for a specified field, making it a standard aggregation. On the Splunk SPLK-1003 exam, this tests your understanding of which functions stats accepts versus commands like eventstats or streamstats, and a common trap is confusing eval-style operations with stats aggregations—remember that stats always requires a function like count, sum, avg, or values, not raw field references. A useful memory tip: if you see a function name followed by parentheses, it’s likely valid for stats; if you see a field name alone, it probably belongs in a by clause instead.
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.
Which TWO of the following are valid uses of the stats command in Splunk? (Choose two.)
stats mode(score) by group
Why wrong: mode is not a valid stats function.
stats values(ip) by user
Valid: returns list of distinct IPs per user.
stats count by host
Valid: counts events per host.
stats median(response_time) by server
Why wrong: median is not a valid stats function; use perc50.
stats first(error_code) by session
Why wrong: first is not a stats function.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
stats values(ip) by user
The `stats` command in Splunk can compute aggregate statistics over fields. `values(ip) by user` is valid because `values()` returns a multivalue list of all distinct `ip` values for each `user`, which is a standard aggregation function. `count by host` is valid because `count` is a default aggregation that counts events per `host`.
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.
stats mode(score) by group
Why it's wrong here
mode is not a valid stats function.
stats values(ip) by user
Why this is correct
Valid: returns list of distinct IPs per user.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
stats count by host
Why this is correct
Valid: counts events per host.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
stats median(response_time) by server
Why it's wrong here
median is not a valid stats function; use perc50.
stats first(error_code) by session
Why it's wrong here
first is not a stats function.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may confuse valid `stats` functions with functions from other contexts (like `mode()` from statistics or `first()` from programming languages) or assume that `median()` is supported when Splunk uses percentile functions instead.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, `stats` operates on a map-reduce model: it groups events by the `by` clause, then applies the aggregation function to each group. The `values()` function collects all distinct field values into a multivalue field, which is useful for deduplication and list generation. The `count` function is the simplest aggregation, incrementing for each event in the group, and is often used with `by` to produce event counts per category.
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.
Advanced Searching and Statistics — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Advanced Searching and Statistics practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All SPLK-1003 questions
500 questions across all exam domains
Splunk Core Certified Power User SPLK-1003 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
SPLK-1003 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise SPLK-1003 questions linked to Advanced Searching and Statistics.
Practise SPLK-1003 questions linked to Macros, Saved Searches and CIM.
Practise SPLK-1003 questions linked to Advanced Visualization and Lookups.
Practise SPLK-1003 questions linked to Transactions and Event Correlation.
Practise SPLK-1003 questions linked to SPLK-1003 fundamentals.
Practise SPLK-1003 questions linked to SPLK-1003 scenario.
Practise SPLK-1003 questions linked to SPLK-1003 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Advanced Searching and Statistics — This question tests Advanced Searching and Statistics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: stats values(ip) by user — The `stats` command in Splunk can compute aggregate statistics over fields. `values(ip) by user` is valid because `values()` returns a multivalue list of all distinct `ip` values for each `user`, which is a standard aggregation function. `count by host` is valid because `count` is a default aggregation that counts events per `host`.
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
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 25, 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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.