Question 1

What is the SPLK-5001 exam?

Accepted Answer

The SPLK-5001 is the Splunk Certified Cybersecurity Defense Analyst exam, an intermediate-level certification from Splunk that validates skills in using Splunk Enterprise Security for SOC operations and security analysis. It covers SOC roles, security frameworks, attack types, Splunk ES features, incident investigation, threat intelligence, and SPL for security. Earning this certification demonstrates that you can effectively use Splunk to detect, investigate, and respond to cybersecurity threats in a professional SOC environment.

Question 2

How many questions are on the SPLK-5001?

Accepted Answer

The SPLK-5001 exam contains 66 multiple-choice questions. The exam must be completed within a 75-minute time limit. All questions are in multiple-choice format, and the exam is delivered through Pearson VUE either online with remote proctoring or at an authorised test centre.

Question 3

What is the passing score for the SPLK-5001?

Accepted Answer

Splunk does not publicly disclose the exact passing score for the SPLK-5001. However, candidates should generally aim for a solid understanding across all exam domains and target at least 70% in their practice exams to feel well-prepared. Splunk provides a scaled score, and the passing threshold is set by statistical analysis of question difficulty.

Question 4

What topics does the SPLK-5001 cover?

Accepted Answer

The SPLK-5001 exam covers seven main domains: SOC fundamentals and cybersecurity concepts, security frameworks and compliance (MITRE ATT&CK, NIST CSF, CIS Controls), attack types and threat vectors, Splunk Enterprise Security architecture and features, security investigations and incident response, threat intelligence in Splunk, and SPL for security analysis. Candidates need both theoretical cybersecurity knowledge and practical Splunk ES skills to pass.

Question 5

Are there any prerequisites for the SPLK-5001?

Accepted Answer

There are no mandatory prerequisites for the SPLK-5001 exam, but Splunk strongly recommends that candidates have the Splunk Core Certified User (SPLK-1001) certification or equivalent knowledge before attempting this exam. Practical experience working with Splunk Enterprise Security in a SOC or security operations environment is also highly beneficial, as many exam questions are scenario-based and reflect real analyst workflows.

Question 6

How long is the SPLK-5001 certification valid?

Accepted Answer

The Splunk Certified Cybersecurity Defense Analyst certification is valid for three years from the date it is earned. To maintain the certification, candidates must recertify before the expiration date by passing the most current version of the SPLK-5001 exam or a designated recertification exam. Splunk periodically updates its certification exams to reflect changes in the product and evolving security practices.

Question 7

What is Splunk Enterprise Security and why is it central to this exam?

Accepted Answer

Splunk Enterprise Security (ES) is Splunk's premium security information and event management (SIEM) solution built on the Splunk platform. It provides features including correlation searches, notable events, the Incident Review dashboard, Risk-Based Alerting, Asset and Identity correlation, and the Threat Intelligence Framework. The SPLK-5001 exam is specifically focused on using Splunk ES for cybersecurity defense, so understanding its features, workflows, and dashboards is essential for passing.