The answer is `index=main sourcetype=login | dedup user | stats count`. This command sequence is correct because `dedup user` removes duplicate events for the same user field, leaving only one event per unique user, and then `stats count` tallies those remaining events to produce the exact number of unique users who logged in over the past week. On the Splunk Core Certified User SPLK-1002 exam, this question tests your understanding of field-based deduplication versus aggregation—a common trap is confusing `dedup` with `stats dc(user)`, which also counts unique values but uses a different method; the exam expects you to recognize that `dedup` followed by `stats count` is a valid two-step approach for a unique count when the requirement explicitly asks for a field-based command. A helpful memory tip: think of "dedup first, then count" as the "deduplicate and tally" pattern—it ensures each user is counted only once, just like removing duplicates from a list before counting the entries.
SPLK-1002 Using Fields and Lookups Practice Question
This SPLK-1002 practice question tests your understanding of using fields and lookups. 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 security analyst wants to count the number of unique users who have logged in over the past week. Which field-based command should they use?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
index=main sourcetype=login | dedup user | stats count
Option B is correct because it first uses `dedup user` to remove duplicate user values, leaving only unique users, and then `stats count` to count the remaining events, which effectively counts the number of unique users who logged in over the past week. This approach ensures each user is counted only once, meeting the requirement for a unique count.
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=main sourcetype=login | stats sum(user)
Why it's wrong here
Sum is not valid for string fields; it's for numeric fields.
✓
index=main sourcetype=login | dedup user | stats count
Why this is correct
Dedup removes duplicate users, then stats count gives the number of unique users.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
index=main sourcetype=login | stats count by user
Why it's wrong here
Stats count by user gives event counts per user, not a single unique user count.
✗
index=main sourcetype=login | top user
Why it's wrong here
Top shows top values with counts, not a single count of unique users.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse `stats count by user` (which groups by user) with counting unique users, or they incorrectly use `sum` on non-numeric fields, leading them to choose options that do not produce a single unique count.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Top shows top values with counts, not a single count of unique users.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, `dedup` in Splunk removes duplicate events based on the specified field, keeping the first occurrence by default; when combined with `stats count`, it counts the deduplicated events. This is distinct from `stats dc(user)`, which directly calculates distinct count using a hyperloglog algorithm for efficiency, but `dedup` followed by `stats count` is a valid alternative for smaller datasets. In real-world scenarios, using `dedup` can be resource-intensive on large datasets, so `stats dc(user)` is often preferred for performance.
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-1002 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.
Using Fields and Lookups — This question tests Using Fields and Lookups — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: index=main sourcetype=login | dedup user | stats count — Option B is correct because it first uses `dedup user` to remove duplicate user values, leaving only unique users, and then `stats count` to count the remaining events, which effectively counts the number of unique users who logged in over the past week. This approach ensures each user is counted only once, meeting the requirement for a unique count.
What should I do if I get this SPLK-1002 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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