SPLK-1001 Practice Question: Creating Reports, Dashboards and Visualizations
Exhibit
[saved_search_name] search = index=main sourcetype=access | stats count by status cron_schedule = * * * *
Refer to the exhibit. A user scheduled a report but it never runs. Which of the following is the most likely reason?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to assume the search logic (like missing `timechart` or `by` clause) is the problem, when the actual issue is a malformed cron schedule that Splunk silently fails to execute.
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 cron schedule is invalid because it lacks the weekday field.
The cron schedule in Splunk must include a weekday field (e.g., `?`, `*`, or specific days like `1-5`). If the cron expression omits this field, Splunk treats it as invalid and the scheduled report never runs. Option D correctly identifies this missing weekday field as the root cause.
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 report needs to be shared with the scheduler role.
Why it's wrong here
Scheduled reports run with the owner's permissions; sharing with a scheduler role is not required.
- ✗
The stats command requires a by clause with a time field.
Why it's wrong here
The 'stats' command does not require a time field; it can group by any field.
- ✗
The search string is missing the 'timechart' command.
Why it's wrong here
The search string 'index=main sourcetype=access | stats count by status' is valid; timechart is not required for this aggregation.
- ✓
The cron schedule is invalid because it lacks the weekday field.
Why this is correct
The cron schedule must have five fields; the provided expression only has four, making it invalid.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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