Quick Answer
The answer is XLSX. Classic CSV-based lookups in Splunk are designed exclusively for delimited text files like CSV and TSV, which use plain-text structures that Splunk can parse natively without additional processing. XLSX, being a binary Excel format, contains compressed data and formatting that Splunk’s classic lookup mechanism cannot interpret, so it requires conversion to CSV or use of a different lookup type such as a KV store or scripted lookup. On the SPLK-1002 exam, this question tests your understanding of lookup data source limitations, often appearing as a trap where candidates assume Excel files are supported because they contain tabular data. A common memory tip is to remember that “classic” means “plain text only”—if it’s not a simple delimiter-separated file, it won’t work. Think of it this way: CSV stands for “comma-separated values,” and XLSX has no commas in its binary code, so Splunk cannot read it directly.
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 user wants to create a lookup table to enrich events with customer information. Which file format is NOT supported for a classic CSV-based lookup?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "NOT"
Why it matters: Negative qualifier — you are looking for the one option that does NOT apply. Most options will be true; only one is false for this scenario.
TSV
Why wrong: TSV is supported.
XLSX
XLSX is not supported; must be converted to CSV.
CSV
Why wrong: CSV is supported.
JSON
Why wrong: JSON is supported for KV store lookups, but not for classic CSV-based lookups.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
XLSX
Classic CSV-based lookups in Splunk only support delimited text files such as CSV (comma-separated) and TSV (tab-separated). XLSX is a binary Excel format that is not supported for classic CSV-based lookups; it requires a different lookup type (e.g., a KV store lookup or a scripted lookup) or must be converted to CSV first.
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.
TSV
Why it's wrong here
TSV is supported.
XLSX
Why this is correct
XLSX is not supported; must be converted to CSV.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "NOT" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
CSV
Why it's wrong here
CSV is supported.
JSON
Why it's wrong here
JSON is supported for KV store lookups, but not for classic CSV-based lookups.
Common exam traps
Splunk often tests the distinction between file formats that are 'text-based delimited' (CSV, TSV) versus 'binary or structured' (XLSX, JSON) to see if candidates confuse the classic CSV-based lookup with other lookup types that support JSON or Excel via KV store or scripted lookups.
Detailed technical explanation
Classic CSV-based lookups rely on Splunk's internal CSV parser, which expects a flat, row-column structure with a single delimiter (comma or tab). Under the hood, Splunk reads the file line by line and splits fields based on the delimiter; binary formats like XLSX contain metadata, multiple sheets, and formatting that cannot be parsed this way. In real-world scenarios, users often export Excel files directly without converting to CSV, causing lookup failures that are only caught at search time.
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Using Fields and Lookups — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Using Fields and Lookups — This question tests Using Fields and Lookups — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: XLSX — Classic CSV-based lookups in Splunk only support delimited text files such as CSV (comma-separated) and TSV (tab-separated). XLSX is a binary Excel format that is not supported for classic CSV-based lookups; it requires a different lookup type (e.g., a KV store lookup or a scripted lookup) or must be converted to CSV first.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "NOT". Negative qualifier — you are looking for the one option that does NOT apply. Most options will be true; only one is false for this scenario.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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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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