Below is a comprehensive and scientifically structured SPLK-3003 study plan tailored for you, combining:

• The Pomodoro Technique (focused 25-minute learning sessions with breaks)

• The Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve (planned reviews to improve memory retention)

• The 9 core SPLK-3003 knowledge areas (as you've already studied them)

This plan spans 4 weeks and is ideal for a learner aiming to understand thoroughly, retain long-term, and pass the exam confidently.

Goal: Pass the SPLK-3003: Splunk Core Certified Consultant exam with a strong understanding of all core domains and confident hands-on ability to troubleshoot and consult in real-world Splunk environments.

Time Commitment:

• 3–4 Pomodoro sessions per day (each session = 25 minutes of focused learning)

• 5 days per week (Mon–Fri), with optional light review on weekends

Week 1 Study Plan: Splunk Deployment and Monitoring Console

Weekly Objective

By the end of Week 1, you will be able to:

• Understand Splunk's standalone and distributed deployment models

• Identify all core Splunk components and their responsibilities

• Install Splunk across multiple platforms (Linux, Windows, Docker)

• Apply configuration best practices for long-term maintainability

• Navigate and interpret dashboards in the Monitoring Console

• Establish a foundational knowledge base to support later topics

Daily Learning Schedule

Each day includes:

• 3 to 4 focused Pomodoro sessions (25 minutes of learning followed by a 5-minute break)

• Daily flashcard creation or review to reinforce memory

• Weekly review on Day 6 based on the Ebbinghaus forgetting curve

Day 1: Splunk Deployment Models

Objective: Understand the architectural differences between standalone and distributed Splunk deployments.

Tasks:

1. Read the Splunk documentation on deployment models.

2. Create a written comparison between standalone and distributed deployments, including:

   • Number of instances involved

   • Common use cases

   • Scalability and limitations

3. Draw diagrams of both models and label each component.

4. Write a summary paragraph answering the question: "Why is distributed deployment the recommended approach in production environments?"

Reinforcement:

• Create flashcards defining each model and when it is used.

Day 2: Splunk Components and Roles

Objective: Learn the function of each major Splunk component and how they interact in a deployment.

Tasks:

1. Study the roles of the following components:

   • Universal Forwarder

   • Heavy Forwarder

   • Search Head

   • Indexer

   • Deployment Server

   • Deployer

   • License Master

   • Cluster Manager (Master Node)

2. Create a table with the following columns:

   • Component name

   • Primary function

   • Related configuration files

   • Use case scenario

3. Optional lab: Install a Universal Forwarder on a virtual machine or local system.

4. Create at least one flashcard per component summarizing its function.

Day 3: Installation Methods

Objective: Gain hands-on experience with installing Splunk across different operating systems and environments.

Tasks:

1. Review installation steps for the following platforms:

   • Linux using .tgz or .rpm

   • Windows using .exe

   • Docker or Kubernetes for containerized deployment

   • Splunk Cloud (overview only)

2. Practice a hands-on install on a Linux system. Note:

   • Default install paths

   • Service start commands

   • Web interface access

3. Write down key install options and where to find logs post-installation.

4. Create a written pros and cons list for each installation method.

Reinforcement:

• Flashcards: Installation file types, OS-specific steps, and startup commands.

Day 4: Configuration Best Practices

Objective: Learn how to structure and manage Splunk configurations effectively.

Tasks:

1. Navigate the $SPLUNK_HOME/etc directory.

2. Compare the following folders:

   • system/local

   • system/default

   • apps//local

   • apps//default

   • users//

3. Create a diagram showing the configuration file precedence hierarchy.

4. Write a sample inputs.conf configuration and place it in the correct local directory.

5. List five best practices for managing configuration files, including:

   • Never editing default files

   • Using version control

   • Testing in non-production environments

Practice Scenario:

• "If two inputs.conf files define the same monitor input, which one takes precedence and why?"

Day 5: Monitoring Console (MC)

Objective: Learn how to use the Monitoring Console to track system health, search performance, and indexing metrics.

Tasks:

1. Open the Splunk Monitoring Console from the web UI.

2. Explore and take notes on these key dashboards:

   • Resource Usage

   • Indexer Performance

   • Search Performance

   • Data Ingestion

   • License Usage

3. For each dashboard, answer the following:

   • What metrics does it show?

   • What problems can it help detect?

4. Write a two-paragraph explanation of the difference between Standalone Mode and Distributed Mode in the Monitoring Console.

5. Create a reference document summarizing what each dashboard is used for and what logs or indexes it depends on.

Day 6: Weekly Review and Reinforcement

Objective: Review and reinforce everything learned from Days 1 through 5 using active recall.

Tasks:

1. Review all flashcards created during the week (30 to 40 expected).

2. Take a self-made 15-question quiz covering:

   • Deployment models

   • Component roles

   • Installation methods

   • Configuration hierarchy

   • Monitoring Console functions

3. Write a one-page review covering:

   • Three things you learned this week

   • Two areas you are still unsure about

   • One Splunk feature you want to explore more deeply in Week 2

Optional Lab Task:

• Launch a simple distributed deployment using one Search Head and two Indexers on virtual machines or Docker containers.

End-of-Week Summary

By the end of Week 1, you should be able to:

• Describe the differences between standalone and distributed deployments

• Identify all Splunk components and explain their roles

• Install Splunk across different platforms

• Use the Monitoring Console to check indexing and search health

• Apply configuration best practices to manage .conf files

Week 2 Study Plan: Access Management, Data Collection, and Indexing

Weekly Objective

By the end of Week 2, you will be able to:

• Configure user authentication and define role-based access control

• Ingest data from multiple sources using appropriate input methods

• Understand and manage data parsing, forwarding, and indexing behavior

• Define and maintain index retention, structure, and storage policies

• Reinforce and apply knowledge from Week 1 through integrated practice

Daily Study Framework

Each day includes:

• Three 25-minute Pomodoro learning blocks (reading, hands-on, application)

• One optional 25-minute block for review or lab extension

• Daily flashcard creation (5 to 10 cards per day)

• Weekly review on Day 11 based on spaced repetition principles

Day 8: Authentication and Role-Based Access Control

Objective: Understand how Splunk manages user authentication and controls access through roles and capabilities.

Tasks:

1. Study Splunk’s supported authentication types:

   • Native Splunk authentication

   • LDAP and Active Directory integration

   • SAML-based Single Sign-On (SSO)

2. Write a comparative table including:

   • Authentication method

   • Source system

   • Strengths and weaknesses

   • When to use

3. Explore Splunk roles:

   • List key capabilities like admin_all_objects, edit_search_schedule, and list_storage_passwords

   • Practice creating a new role with limited access using the Splunk web interface

4. Simulate role assignment for three user groups: analyst, admin, and viewer

5. Use authorize.conf documentation to explore behind-the-scenes configuration control

Flashcard Topics:

• Capability definitions

• Authentication methods

• Index access limits

Day 9: Data Input Types

Objective: Learn how to configure different data inputs using inputs.conf and GUI-based setup.

Tasks:

1. Study major input types:

   • File and directory monitoring

   • TCP and UDP inputs (e.g., for syslog)

   • HTTP Event Collector (HEC)

   • Scripted inputs and modular inputs

   • Windows-specific inputs (Event Logs, WMI, Registry)

2. Hands-on practice:

   • Configure a monitor stanza in inputs.conf

   • Use Splunk Web to set up a TCP input and simulate event delivery

   • If possible, test HEC using Postman or curl

3. Create a chart mapping each input type to:

   • Configuration file

   • Use case

   • Required stanza structure

Flashcard Topics:

• Input stanza structure

• Input method use cases

• HEC features and ports

Day 10: Forwarders and Parsing Pipeline

Objective: Understand how data flows from source to index and the roles of different forwarders.

Tasks:

1. Review the difference between:

   • Universal Forwarder (UF)

   • Heavy Forwarder (HF)

2. Simulate UF and HF deployment:

   • Install a UF on a local or virtual system

   • Observe data forwarding behavior via splunkd.log

3. Study the parsing pipeline:

   • Input Phase

   • Parsing Phase

   • Indexing Phase

   • Search Phase

4. Label each pipeline phase with:

   • Related config files (props.conf, transforms.conf)

   • Major operations (event breaking, timestamp extraction)

5. Create a pipeline diagram with file interaction points

Flashcard Topics:

• Parsing phase responsibilities

• Forwarder type differences

• Data flow stages

Day 11: Indexing and Bucket Lifecycle

Objective: Learn how Splunk organizes, stores, and ages indexed data using bucket lifecycle and indexes.conf.

Tasks:

1. Study the four lifecycle stages of a bucket:

   • Hot

   • Warm

   • Cold

   • Frozen

2. Explore index settings in indexes.conf:

   • homePath, coldPath

   • frozenTimePeriodInSecs

   • maxDataSize, maxTotalDataSizeMB

3. Create a new index via configuration and assign it to a test input

4. Write retention policy scenarios, such as:

   • “Keep logs for 30 days, archive after 90”

   • “Store high-volume metrics data on slower disk”

5. Explore internal indexes like _internal, _audit, _introspection

Flashcard Topics:

• Bucket stage definitions

• Index parameter names and their effects

• Hot-to-frozen transition rules

Day 12: Weekly Review and Consolidation

Objective: Review all material from Days 7 through 10 using active recall and application exercises.

Tasks:

1. Review all flashcards created this week (approximately 30 to 40)

2. Take a self-made quiz covering:

   • Authentication and access control

   • Data input methods and configurations

   • Forwarder types and the parsing pipeline

   • Bucket lifecycle and index settings

3. Write a one-page reflection that includes:

   • Three key takeaways from the week

   • Two areas to revisit before the exam

   • One new lab you plan to run next week (e.g., parsing with transforms.conf)

Optional Lab Extension:

• Design a small input-to-index pipeline:

  • Use a UF to send syslog data to an Indexer

  • Apply a props.conf and transforms.conf rule to re-route or mask data

  • Verify indexing behavior in _internal logs

End-of-Week Summary

By the end of Week 2, you should be able to:

• Configure role-based access controls using Splunk’s RBAC model

• Set up and test various data input types through configuration and UI

• Understand and diagram the full data parsing pipeline

• Define custom index behavior and retention settings through indexes.conf

• Apply best practices for scalable and secure data onboarding

Week 3 Study Plan: Search and Configuration Management

Weekly Objective

By the end of Week 3, you will be able to:

• Write optimized, efficient SPL queries and choose appropriate search modes

• Understand advanced SPL concepts such as acceleration and summary indexing

• Manage and troubleshoot Splunk’s layered configuration system

• Use Deployment Server to push configuration bundles to Universal Forwarders

• Apply configuration management best practices in real or simulated environments

Daily Structure

Each day consists of:

• Three focused Pomodoro sessions (25 minutes of learning + 5-minute breaks)

• Daily flashcard creation and recall (5–10 cards per topic)

• Weekly cumulative review on Day 21 to reinforce retention

Day 15: SPL Syntax and Search Modes

Objective: Build a strong understanding of SPL syntax and the differences between search modes.

Tasks:

1. Study how SPL follows a UNIX-style pipeline. Understand how commands like stats, timechart, table, and eval chain together.

2. Write and run at least 5 practice searches using a sample dataset:

   • Count events by host

   • Filter by status code and time range

   • Use eval to create a calculated field

   • Use table and top to list top values

3. Run one search in fast, smart, and verbose mode and compare the differences:

   • Number of fields extracted

   • Performance and memory impact

   • Best use cases for each mode

4. Document examples of when to use each mode in dashboards, investigations, and scheduled searches.

Day 16: Search Optimization and Acceleration

Objective: Learn how to write faster, more efficient searches, and apply acceleration where necessary.

Tasks:

1. Apply optimization techniques:

   • Always specify index and time range first

   • Use indexed fields before unindexed ones

   • Avoid * wildcards at the beginning of search terms

2. Rewrite at least three sample searches to improve performance.

3. Learn about acceleration techniques:

   • Summary Indexing

   • Report Acceleration

   • Data Model Acceleration

4. Create a comparison table:

   • Acceleration type

   • Use case

   • How to configure

5. Schedule a report and enable acceleration; verify the cache path in dispatch directory.

Day 17: Configuration Hierarchy and Precedence

Objective: Master how Splunk determines which configuration settings are used, and in what order.

Tasks:

1. Review Splunk’s directory structure under $SPLUNK_HOME/etc/

   • system/default

   • system/local

   • apps//default

   • apps//local

   • users///

2. Draw a precedence chart showing the full order of evaluation (user > app > system, local over default).

3. Write two conflicting stanzas in different layers and use btool to determine which one takes effect:

   • Run: splunk btool inputs list --debug

4. Document three real-world problems that can be solved using btool.

Day 18: Common Configuration Files (Part 1)

Objective: Understand the purpose, syntax, and use of critical Splunk configuration files.

Tasks:

1. Study and create practice stanzas for the following files:

   • inputs.conf: Monitor a directory and listen on a TCP port

   • props.conf: Timestamp recognition and line breaking

   • transforms.conf: Field masking and conditional routing

2. Build a small configuration set where:

   • A log is ingested from a file

   • A sourcetype is assigned

   • A field is extracted using regex

Day 19: Common Configuration Files (Part 2) + App Structure

Objective: Continue with key config files and learn how to package and manage them within apps.

Tasks:

1. Study:

   • outputs.conf: Define forwarding destinations

   • indexes.conf: Define index structure, retention, and storage

   • limits.conf: Set search concurrency and resource usage limits

2. Create a modular app structure:

   • Inside etc/apps/TA_sample/, define local/inputs.conf and local/props.conf

   • Simulate installing this app on a UF

3. Write an app.conf file with basic metadata

4. Review how knowledge objects (saved searches, macros) are stored in app directories

Day 20: Deployment Server

Objective: Learn to use Deployment Server to centrally manage configuration deployment to Forwarders.

Tasks:

1. Study the architecture and roles:

   • Deployment Server (DS)

   • Deployment Clients

   • Server Classes

2. Write a serverclass.conf that targets Linux and Windows clients with different apps.

3. Configure a deploymentclient.conf file to register a forwarder with the DS.

4. Simulate the deployment process:

   • Place an app inside deployment-apps/

   • Reload deployment server

   • Review client logs for successful deployment

Day 21: Weekly Review and Practice Application

Objective: Consolidate everything from Week 3 and test your understanding with recall-based activities.

Tasks:

1. Review all flashcards from Days 15 to 20 (approximately 40 to 50 total).

2. Complete a 25-question quiz:

   • 10 questions on SPL syntax and optimization

   • 5 questions on search modes and acceleration

   • 10 questions on configuration file usage and deployment logic

3. Reflect on the week:

   • List 3 new concepts you mastered

   • List 2 real-world scenarios where this week’s content applies

   • Write 1 area that needs more review and plan to revisit in Week 4

Optional Lab Task:

• Create and deploy a full app with inputs.conf, props.conf, and outputs.conf via Deployment Server to a Universal Forwarder. Use Monitoring Console to verify data ingestion.

End-of-Week Summary

By the end of Week 3, you should be able to:

• Write and troubleshoot complex SPL searches

• Optimize search performance using best practices

• Implement acceleration methods for scheduled reports and dashboards

• Manage all major Splunk configuration files

• Build and deploy modular apps using Deployment Server

Week 4 Study Plan: Clustering and Exam Preparation

Weekly Objective

By the end of Week 4, you will be able to:

• Configure and manage Indexer Clusters with replication and search factors

• Set up and troubleshoot Search Head Clusters with shared scheduling and deployer apps

• Review all SPLK-3003 content in an integrated way

• Identify and close remaining knowledge gaps

• Simulate the real exam experience with mock tests and timed practice

Daily Structure

Each day includes:

• Two to three focused Pomodoro sessions for study and lab work

• One review session (flashcards or quiz)

• Scenario-based reinforcement tasks

• Final mock exams with analysis and targeted review

Day 22: Indexer Clustering – Concepts and Architecture

Objective: Understand how indexer clustering works, why it's used, and what components are involved.

Tasks:

1. Study the purpose of Indexer Clustering:

   • High availability

   • Data redundancy

   • Search reliability

2. Learn the roles:

   • Cluster Manager (Master Node)

   • Peer Nodes (Indexers)

   • Search Head (as cluster-aware searcher)

3. Study and define:

   • Replication Factor (RF): Number of raw data copies

   • Search Factor (SF): Number of searchable bucket copies

4. Draw an architecture diagram showing a 3-peer cluster with RF=3, SF=2

Day 23: Indexer Clustering – Configuration and Monitoring

Objective: Configure basic cluster settings and monitor cluster health via CLI and UI.

Tasks:

1. Write a sample server.conf for:

   • Cluster Manager

   • Peer Node

2. Use indexes.conf to control retention and bucket paths

3. On a peer node, simulate incoming data and observe bucket replication across nodes

4. Use CLI commands:

   • splunk show cluster-status

   • splunk show cluster-bundle-status

5. Identify and define:

   • Primaries vs Non-primaries

   • Fixup tasks

   • Pending primaries

Day 24: Search Head Clustering (SHC) – Concepts and Setup

Objective: Understand the role of SHC in Splunk architecture and set up its key components.

Tasks:

1. Study SHC purpose:

   • Shared scheduling

   • High availability

   • KV store replication

2. Learn SHC roles:

   • Cluster Members

   • Captain

   • Deployer

3. Write a configuration snippet for server.conf to enable SHC on each Search Head:

   • [shclustering]

   • pass4SymmKey, replication_port

4. Simulate the SHC bootstrap process:

   • Run splunk bootstrap shcluster-captain

   • Add additional members using CLI

Day 25: Deployer and SHC Troubleshooting

Objective: Learn to manage configuration consistency across SHC members using the Deployer and resolve cluster issues.

Tasks:

1. Prepare an app for deployment inside etc/shcluster/apps/

2. Push the bundle using:

   • splunk apply shcluster-bundle -target https://<sh>:8089 -auth admin:pass

3. Review which elements the Deployer controls and which it does not:

   • App-level configs (yes)

   • User-specific knowledge objects (no)

4. Use CLI for troubleshooting:

   • splunk list shcluster-members

   • splunk show shcluster-status

5. Research common SHC problems:

   • Split-brain conditions

   • Captain election issues

   • KV Store failures

Day 26: Full-Topic Review (All 9 Domains)

Objective: Integrate all knowledge across the SPLK-3003 scope and reinforce weak areas.

Tasks:

1. Review your concept map or notes for all 9 topics:

   • Deploying Splunk

   • Monitoring Console

   • Access and Roles

   • Data Collection

   • Indexing

   • Search

   • Configuration Management

   • Indexer Clustering

   • Search Head Clustering

2. Run flashcards for all topics (90 to 100 total)

3. Create a “checkpoint table” and rate yourself:

   • Green = Confident

   • Yellow = Needs light review

   • Red = Needs deep rework

4. Pick two red/yellow topics and do an extra lab or reread

Day 27: Practice Exam 1 (Full-Length Simulation)

Objective: Simulate a real test environment and evaluate readiness.

Tasks:

1. Take a full 65-question mock test (timed: 90 minutes)

2. After completion:

   • Review incorrect answers

   • Categorize them by domain

   • For each incorrect question:

     • Write why it was wrong

     • Reference the correct topic in your notes

3. Do focused review of topics where you scored below 70%

Day 28: Practice Exam 2 + Memory Consolidation

Objective: Final exam simulation and consolidation of knowledge for long-term retention.

Tasks:

1. Take a second full 65-question mock test

2. Follow the same post-test review procedure as Day 27

3. Final flashcard sprint:

   • One-minute review per topic (max 10 per category)

   • Target speed and confidence

4. Write out or verbally explain:

   • One scenario for each domain

   • One key command or config file for each topic

5. Rest, relax, and reflect:

   • Identify what you’ve achieved

   • Note what your exam day routine will be

End-of-Week and Final Exam Readiness Summary

By the end of Week 4, you should be able to:

• Design and maintain clustered Splunk environments with high availability

• Confidently deploy and troubleshoot SHC and Indexer Clusters

• Apply configuration best practices to support complex environments

• Pass the SPLK-3003 certification exam with a full understanding of all topics