Splunk certification exams play a crucial role in validating professionals’ expertise in utilizing Splunk software for data analytics and cybersecurity. As the field of data analytics and cybersecurity evolves rapidly, it is essential for Splunk certification exams to undergo regular updates to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with the latest industry practices and technologies.
In this blog, we will explore the significance of staying updated with Splunk certification exam content and discuss the recent updates that have been made. We will delve into the value of Splunk certifications, the need for exam updates, and the benefits they bring to certified professionals. Additionally, we will provide tips on how to stay informed about exam changes and effectively prepare for Splunk certification exams. By recognizing the importance of staying updated and embracing continuous learning, professionals can enhance their skills, advance their careers, and stay at the forefront of the ever-changing world of data analytics and cybersecurity.
Splunk Certification – December 2024 Exam Updates
Splunk certification exams undergo regular updates to ensure they remain relevant and reflect the evolving landscape of data analytics and cybersecurity. These updates incorporate changes in Splunk software, emerging technologies, and industry best practices.
– New Exam: Splunk Certified Cybersecurity Defense Engineer
The Splunk Certified Cybersecurity Defense Engineer exam assesses your expertise as a SOC Engineer, utilizing Splunk Enterprise Security and Splunk SOAR to enhance workflows, fine-tune detections, and develop automations aligned with industry best practices. It is ideal for those seeking to advance into the Defense Engineering career path. This exam sets an intermediate-level benchmark for users of Splunk Enterprise, Enterprise Security, and Splunk SOAR aiming to become certified cybersecurity professionals. Earning this certification demonstrates your ability to optimize detection and automation in a SOC environment.
Here is the list of Splunk active and updated certification exams:
| Certification Name | Course Outline |
| Splunk Core Certified User | 1.0 Splunk Basics 5% 2.0 Basic Searching 22% 3.0 Using Fields in Searches 20% 4.0 Search Language Fundamentals 15% 5.0 Using Basic Transforming Commands 15% 6.0 Creating Reports and Dashboards 12% 7.0 Creating and Using Lookups 6% 8.0 Creating Scheduled Reports and Alerts 5% |
| Splunk Core Certified Power User | 1.0 Using Transforming Commands for Visualizations 5% 2.0 Filtering and Formatting Results 10% 3.0 Correlating Events 15% 4.0 Creating and Managing Fields 10% 5.0 Creating Field Aliases and Calculated Fields 10% 6.0 Creating Tags and Event Types 10% 7.0 Creating and Using Macros 10% 8.0 Creating and Using Workflow Actions 10% 9.0 Creating Data Models 10% 10.0 Using the Common Information Model (CIM) Add-On 10% |
| Splunk Core Certified Advanced Power User | 1.0 Exploring Statistical Commands 4% 2.0 Exploring eval Command Functions 4% 3.0 Exploring Lookups 4% 4.0 Exploring Alerts 4% 5.0 Advanced Field Creation and Management 4% 6.0 Working with Self-Describing Data and Files 3% 7.0 Advanced Search Macros 3% 8.0 Using Acceleration Options: Reports and Summary Indexing 4% 9.0 Using Acceleration Options: Data Models and tsidx Files 4% 10.0 Using Search Efficiently 4% 11.0 More Search Tuning 3% 12.0 Manipulating and FIltering Data 6% 13.0 Working with Multivalued Fields 7% 14.0 Using Advanced Transactions 5% 15.0 Working with Time 2% 16.0 Using Subsearches 6% 17.0 Creating a Prototype 4% 18.0 Using Forms 5% 19.0 Improving Performance 6% 20.0 Customizing Dashboards 6% 21.0 Adding Drilldowns 7% 22.0 Adding Advanced Behaviors and Visualizations 5% |
| Splunk Cloud Certified Admin | 1.0 Splunk Cloud Overview 5% 2.0 Index Management 5% 3.0 User Authentication and Authorization 5% 4.0 Splunk Configuration Files 5% 5.0 Getting Data in Cloud 15% 6.0 Forwarder Management 5% 7.0 Monitor Inputs 15% 8.0 Network and Other Inputs 10% 9.0 Fine-tuning Inputs 5% 10.0 Parsing Phase and Data Preview 10% 11.0 Manipulating Raw Data 10% 12.0 Installing and Managing Apps 5% 13.0 Working with Splunk Cloud Support 5% |
| Splunk Enterprise Certified Administrator | 1.0 Splunk Admin Basics 5% 2.0 License Management 5% 3.0 Splunk Configuration Files 5% 4.0 Splunk Indexes 10% 5.0 Splunk User Management 5% 6.0 Splunk Authentication Management 5% 7.0 Getting Data In 5% 8.0 Distributed Search 10% 9.0 Getting Data In – Staging 5% 10.0 Configuring Forwarders 5% 11.0 Forwarder Management 10% 12.0 Monitor Inputs 5% 13.0 Network and Scripted Inputs 5% 15.0 Fine Tuning Inputs 5% 16.0 Parsing Phase and Data 5% 17.0 Manipulating Raw Data 5% |
| Splunk Enterprise Certified Architect | 1.0 Introduction 2% 2.0 Project Requirements 5% 3.0 Infrastructure Planning: Index Design 5% 4.0 Infrastructure Planning: Resource Planning 7% 5.0 Clustering Overview 5% 6.0 Forwarder and Deployment Best Practices 6% 7.0 Performance Monitoring and Tuning 5% 8.0 Splunk Troubleshooting Methods and Tools 5% 9.0 Clarifying the Problem 5% 10.0 Licensing and Crash Problems 5% 11.0 Configuration Problems 5% 12.0 Search Problems 5% 13.0 Deployment Problems 5% 14.0 Large-scale Splunk Deployment Overview 5% 15.0 Single-site Indexer Cluster 5% 16.0 Multisite Indexer Cluster 5% 17.0 Indexer Cluster Management and Administration 7% 18.0 Search Head Cluster 5% 19.0 Search Head Cluster Management and Administration 5% 20.0 KV Store Collection and Lookup Management 3% |
| Splunk Core Certified Consultant | 1.0 Deploying Splunk 5% 2.0 Monitoring Console 8% 3.0 Access and Roles 8% 4.0 Data Collection 15% 5.0 Indexing 14% 6.0 Search 14% 7.0 Configuration Management 8% 8.0 Indexer Clustering 18% 9.0 Search Head Clustering 10% |
| Splunk Enterprise Security Certified Admin | 1.0 ES Introduction 5% 2.0 Monitoring and Investigation 10% 3.0 Security Intelligence 5% 4.0 Forensics, Glass Tables, and Navigation Control 10% 5.0 ES Deployment 10% 6.0 Installation and Configuration 15% 7.0 Validating ES Data 10% 8.0 Custom Add-ons 5% 9.0 Tuning Correlation Searches 10% 10.0 Creating Correlation Searches 10% 11.0 Lookups and Identity Management 5% 12.0 Threat Intelligence Framework 5% |
| Splunk IT Service Intelligence Certified Administrator | 1.0 Introducing ITSI 5% 2.0 Glass Tables 5% 3.0 Managing Notable Events 10% 4.0 Investigating Issues with Deep Dives 10% 5.0 Installing and Configuring ITSI 10% 6.0 Designing Services 5% 7.0 Data Audit and Base Searches 5% 8.0 Implementing Services 5% 9.0 Thresholds and Time Policies 5% 10.0 Entities and Modules 5% 11.0 Templates and Dependencies 5% 12.0 Anomaly Detection 5% 13.0 Correlation and Multi KPI Searches 5% 14.0 Aggregation Policies 5% 15.0 Access Control 5% 16.0 Troubleshooting ITSI 10% |
| Splunk SOAR Certified Automation Developer | 1.0 Deployment, Installation, and Initial Configuration 5% 2.0 User Management 5% 3.0 Apps, Assets, and Playbooks 5% 4.0 Analyst Queue 5% 5.0 The Investigation Page 10% 6.0 Case Management and Workbooks 5% 7.0 Customizations 5% 8.0 System Maintenance 5% 9.0 Introduction to Playbooks 5% 10.0 Visual Playbook Editor 5% 11.0 Logic, Filters, and User Interaction 5% 12.0 Formatted Output and Data Access 5% 13.0 Modular Playbook Development 5% 14.0 Custom Lists and Data Routing 5% 15.0 Configuring External Splunk Search 5% 16.0 Integrating SOAR into Splunk 10% 17.0 Custom Coding 5% 18.0 Using REST 5% |
| Splunk O11y Cloud Certified Metrics User | 1.0 Get Metrics In with OpenTelemetry 10% 2.0 Metrics Concepts 15% 3.0 Monitor Using Built-in Content 10% 4.0 Introduction to Visualizing Metrics 15% 5.0 Introduction to Alerting on Metrics with Detectors 10% 6.0 Create Efficient Dashboards and Alerts 10% 7.0 Finding Insights Using Analytics 15% 8.0 Detectors for Common Use Cases 15% |
| Splunk Certified Cybersecurity Defense Analyst | 1.0 The Cyber Landscape, Frameworks, and Standards 10% 2.0 Threat and Attack Types, Motivations, and Tactics 20% 3.0 Defenses, Data Sources, and SIEM Best Practices 20% 4.0 Investigation, Event Handling, Correlation, and Risk 20% 5.0 SPL and Efficient Searching 20% 6.0 Threat Hunting and Remediation 10% |
| Splunk Certified Cybersecurity Defense Engineer | Data Engineering 10% Detection Engineering 40% Building Effective Security Processes and Programs 20% Automation and Efficiency 20% Auditing and Reporting on Security Programs 10% |
Why Certification Exams Need Updates
Certification exams play a vital role in validating professionals’ knowledge and skills in a specific domain. However, as industries and technologies evolve, certification exams need to undergo regular updates to remain relevant and effective. Here are several reasons why certification exams need updates:
- Evolving Industry Practices: Industries are constantly evolving, adopting new practices, methodologies, and technologies. Certification exams need to reflect these changes to ensure that certified professionals possess the most up-to-date knowledge and skills required in their respective fields. Updates align the certification with the current industry landscape, enabling professionals to stay competitive and effective in their roles.
- Technological Advancements: Technologies evolve at a rapid pace, introducing new tools, platforms, and frameworks. Certification exams need to incorporate these advancements to validate professionals’ proficiency in using the latest technologies effectively. Updates ensure that certified professionals are equipped with the knowledge and skills to leverage the most relevant and cutting-edge tools and techniques in their work.
- Feedback from Industry Professionals: Certification bodies receive feedback from professionals who hold certifications and work in the field. This feedback helps identify areas where the exam content may be outdated or lacking. Updates address these gaps and improve the overall quality and relevance of the certification exams based on real-world experiences and industry insights.
- Compliance and Regulatory Changes: Many industries operate within specific compliance frameworks and regulations. Certification exams must adapt to changes in these frameworks to ensure professionals understand the latest compliance requirements and best practices. Updates reflect any modifications in regulations, ensuring that certified professionals possess the necessary knowledge to navigate complex compliance landscapes.
- Global Standardization: Certification bodies often strive for global standardization, ensuring consistency and comparability across regions and industries. Updates in certification exams help align the content with global best practices and standards, enabling professionals to demonstrate their competence on a global scale.
- Career Development and Professional Growth: Certification exams serve as a benchmark for professionals to showcase their expertise and advance their careers. Regular updates in certification exams provide opportunities for professionals to enhance their knowledge, acquire new skills, and demonstrate their commitment to continuous learning and professional growth. Updates keep certifications valuable and relevant, supporting professionals in their career progression.
Tips for Splunk Certification exam Preparation
Preparing for certification exams requires a strategic approach and focused effort. To increase your chances of success, consider the following tips:
- Understand the Exam Blueprint and Objectives: Familiarize yourself with the exam blueprint or content outline provided by the certification body. Understand the domains, topics, and weightage assigned to each area. This will help you allocate your study time effectively and focus on areas that carry more importance in the exam.
- Utilize Official Study Materials: Use the official study materials provided by the certification body. These materials are designed specifically to align with the exam content and objectives. They provide structured learning resources, practice questions, and references that will enhance your understanding and knowledge of the relevant subject matter.
- Create a Study Plan: Develop a study plan that suits your schedule and study preferences. Allocate dedicated study time and create a timeline to cover all the exam topics systematically. A study plan will help you stay organized, track your progress, and ensure you have enough time to revise before the exam.
- Practice with Sample Exams: Take advantage of sample exams or practice questions available for certification. These resources simulate the exam environment and help you become familiar with the types of questions and formats. Regular practice will improve your speed, accuracy, and confidence in tackling exam questions.
- Hands-on Experience and Practical Application: Seek opportunities to gain hands-on experience with the skills and concepts covered in the exam. Apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios or practice with relevant tools and technologies. Practical experience will reinforce your understanding and make it easier to recall information during the exam.
- Join Study Groups or Forums: Engage with other professionals preparing for the same certification exam. Join study groups, online forums, or social media communities where you can discuss exam-related topics, exchange study resources, and clarify doubts. Collaborating with peers can provide valuable insights, motivation, and support throughout your preparation journey.
- Review and Reinforce: Regularly review and reinforce the concepts you have learned. Revise your notes, practice questions, and study materials to reinforce your understanding and retain information. Focus on areas where you feel less confident and seek additional resources or clarification to strengthen your knowledge.
- Read the Questions Carefully: During the exam, carefully read each question and ensure you understand what is being asked. Pay attention to keywords and qualifiers that may change the meaning of the question. Take your time and avoid rushing through the exam to minimize errors caused by misinterpretation.
Final Words
Staying updated with certification exam changes is crucial for professionals seeking to enhance their skills, advance their careers, and remain competitive in rapidly evolving industries. In this blog, we explored the significance of staying informed about exam updates, specifically focusing on Splunk certification exams.
We discussed the recent updates in Splunk certification exams, including the introduction of new certification tracks, integration of advanced data analytics techniques, focus on cloud-based deployments and DevOps practices, and inclusion of security and compliance-related topics. These updates reflect the evolving industry landscape and ensure that certified professionals possess the latest knowledge and skills required to excel in their roles.
