Splunk Core Certified User

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UPDATED: July 6, 2026

Intermediate

Virtual Labs

This Splunk Core Certified User training covers everything you need to pass Splunk's entry-level certification exam and start working confidently in Splunk Enterprise and Splunk Cloud. You'll learn how to run searches, use the Search Processing Language pipeline, work with fields and lookups, and build reports and dashboards. The course also covers scheduled reports and alerts, the operational basics an analyst needs in an SOC or any environment where Splunk is the SIEM. Virtual labs included, no prior Splunk experience required.

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What you'll learn with Splunk Core training

Write SPL searches using transforming commands like top, rare, and stats
Build dashboards and add reports to visualize operational data
Configure scheduled reports and set up alerts for automated monitoring
Apply field-based filtering and use the fields sidebar to refine results
Create and use lookup tables to enrich search results with external data
Navigate Splunk's search pipeline and specify indexes to scope queries

Splunk Core training FAQs

How hard is the Splunk Core Certified User exam?

The Splunk Core Certified User exam is designed for people with little to no prior experience. The 60 multiple-choice questions cover foundational topics like basic search syntax, fields, lookups, reports, and dashboards. Most people with a few weeks of study and some hands-on practice in Splunk find it manageable. If you're already working in an SOC or touching Splunk day-to-day, the curve is even shorter.

What jobs can you get with the Splunk Core Certified User certification?

This certification is a solid credential for roles like SOC Analyst, Security Analyst, IT Operations Analyst, and junior SIEM roles. Splunk is one of the most widely deployed SIEM platforms, so the cert signals that you can search, triage, and report in a real Splunk environment. It won't land you a SOC role on its own, but it's a great addition to your resume, especially if you're career-changing into security or IT ops.

How much does the Splunk Core Certified User exam cost?

The exam is $130 USD per attempt, delivered through Pearson VUE. There are no prerequisites, and the exam is 60 minutes long. If you don't pass on the first attempt, you'll need to pay again for a retake, so it's worth putting in the study time with high-quality training before you sit.

Do I need any Splunk experience before taking this course?

No. This is an entry-level course and exam, and it assumes you're starting from scratch. If you've been around Cisco's SCOR material or general security coursework, some of the SIEM concepts will feel familiar, but this course goes into Splunk specifically. You don't need to have touched Splunk before starting.

Is the Splunk Core Certified User cert worth it compared to other security certifications?

It depends on your goals. If you're heading into a role where Splunk is the SIEM (which is common in enterprise SOCs) this cert demonstrates practical platform knowledge that broader certs like CompTIA Security+ don't cover. It's also a prerequisite stepping stone toward higher Splunk certifications like the Splunk Core Certified Power User. If your organization uses Splunk, it's a practical and relatively low-cost credential to have.

Who is Splunk Core training for?

This Splunk course is for security analysts, SOC staff, and IT ops professionals who need to get up to speed on Splunk quickly. It's also a good fit for career changers entering security or data roles where Splunk is part of the stack.

What our learners say

Practice exams help you have an overview of your readiness. If you have failed a couple questions in one area, you can go back and work on them.
Harold M. | Network Administrator
CBT Nuggets is exactly what I needed.
Thomas S. | Systems Engineer & Consultant
I didn't ever think I'd have the position I have now.
Jenna B. | Service Operations Manager

Study guide

Download the free Splunk Core study guide to complete this course in about 9 hours.

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