Quick Answer
The answer is the top 5 page report type. This is correct because the `top` command in Splunk automatically counts the frequency of field values and sorts them in descending order, making it the most efficient single command for generating a dashboard panel that shows the top 5 most visited web pages. By specifying `top 5 page`, you directly limit the results to the five pages with the highest count, combining counting and sorting into one streamlined search. On the Splunk Core Certified User SPLK-1002 exam, this question tests your ability to select the most direct report type for a dashboard panel, often with a trap where candidates might choose a separate `stats count` and `sort` command instead. A common memory tip is to remember that `top` is your shortcut for "top values by count," so when you need a quick top-N list for a dashboard, always reach for `top` first.
This SPLK-1002 practice question tests your understanding of creating reports, dashboards and visualizations. 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 user wants to create a dashboard panel that shows the top 5 most visited web pages. Which report type should be used as the underlying search?
stats count by page
Why wrong: stats count by page is not automatically sorted top; it requires additional sorting.
top 5 page
The top command directly returns the most common values.
rare 5 page
Why wrong: rare returns least common values, opposite of needed.
chart count by page
Why wrong: chart count is typically used with a time-based axis, not for a simple top list.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
top 5 page
The 'top' command in Splunk automatically returns the most common values of a field, and the syntax 'top 5 page' directly limits the result to the top 5 pages by count. This is the most straightforward and efficient way to generate a dashboard panel showing the top 5 most visited web pages, as it combines counting and sorting into a single command.
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 count by page
Why it's wrong here
stats count by page is not automatically sorted top; it requires additional sorting.
top 5 page
Why this is correct
The top command directly returns the most common values.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
rare 5 page
Why it's wrong here
rare returns least common values, opposite of needed.
chart count by page
Why it's wrong here
chart count is typically used with a time-based axis, not for a simple top list.
Common exam traps
Splunk often tests the distinction between commands that only aggregate ('stats count') versus those that aggregate and limit ('top'), leading candidates to choose 'stats count by page' because they forget that it does not automatically restrict the output to the top N values.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, the 'top' command in Splunk is a wrapper that performs a 'stats count' followed by a 'sort -count' and then a 'head' operation, all in a single pass. It also includes a 'percent' column by default, showing the relative frequency of each value. In a real-world scenario, if the user wants to display this panel on a dashboard with a time range picker, using 'top' ensures the results dynamically update and remain limited to the top 5 without manual post-processing.
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-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
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FAQ
Creating Reports, Dashboards and Visualizations — This question tests Creating Reports, Dashboards and Visualizations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: top 5 page — The 'top' command in Splunk automatically returns the most common values of a field, and the syntax 'top 5 page' directly limits the result to the top 5 pages by count. This is the most straightforward and efficient way to generate a dashboard panel showing the top 5 most visited web pages, as it combines counting and sorting into a single command.
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.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This SPLK-1002 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-1002 exam.
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