SPLK-1002 Splunk Basics and Interface Navigation Practice Question
This SPLK-1002 practice question tests your understanding of splunk basics and interface navigation. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```
2018-03-12 14:23:45,123 INFO SearchJobManager - Starting search job: sid=1234567890.1
2018-03-12 14:23:45,456 INFO SearchJobExecutor - Search 'error_count' started
2018-03-12 14:23:50,789 INFO SearchJobExecutor - Search 'error_count' completed: 1000 events scanned, 10 results
2018-03-12 14:23:55,012 WARN SearchJobManager - Search job 'error_count' consumed 80% CPU on search head
2018-03-12 14:24:00,123 INFO SearchJobManager - Starting search job: sid=1234567890.2
2018-03-12 14:24:02,456 INFO SearchJobExecutor - Search 'login_failures' started
2018-03-12 14:24:10,789 INFO SearchJobExecutor - Search 'login_failures' completed: 50000 events scanned, 200 results
2018-03-12 14:24:15,012 INFO SearchJobManager - Search job 'login_failures' consumed 20% CPU
```
The exhibit shows log output from a Splunk search head. What is the most likely performance issue indicated?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The 'error_count' search is inefficient, consuming high CPU for few results.
Option C is correct because the 'error_count' search scanned only 1000 events and returned 10 events, yet consumed 80% CPU, indicating it is inefficient. Option A is wrong because 'login_failures' scanned many events but consumed only 20% CPU, which is proportional. Option B is wrong because there is no indication of duplicate SIDs. Option D is wrong because the search head is the same for both.
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 'error_count' search is inefficient, consuming high CPU for few results.
Why this is correct
80% CPU for 1000 events is excessive.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The 'login_failures' search is scanning too many events.
Why it's wrong here
Scanned 50000 events is normal; only 20% CPU.
✗
The search head is overloaded due to multiple simultaneous searches.
Why it's wrong here
Only two searches, not overloaded.
✗
There are duplicate search job IDs (SIDs) conflicting.
Why it's wrong here
SIDs are different.
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.
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-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 SPLK-1002 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.
Splunk Basics and Interface Navigation — This question tests Splunk Basics and Interface Navigation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The 'error_count' search is inefficient, consuming high CPU for few results. — Option C is correct because the 'error_count' search scanned only 1000 events and returned 10 events, yet consumed 80% CPU, indicating it is inefficient. Option A is wrong because 'login_failures' scanned many events but consumed only 20% CPU, which is proportional. Option B is wrong because there is no indication of duplicate SIDs. Option D is wrong because the search head is the same for both.
What should I do if I get this SPLK-1002 question wrong?
Identify which SPLK-1002 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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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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