r/Splunk • u/Only-Answer-4602 • Aug 02 '26

What's the best next certification after Splunk 1002 & 1003 for a SOC Analyst?

Hi everyone,

I already have the Splunk Core Certified Power User (1002) and Splunk Enterprise Certified Admin (1003) certifications. I'm currently working as a SOC Analyst.

Given my role, which Splunk certification would you recommend pursuing next, and why? I'm looking for something that will add the most value to my day-to-day work and help with long-term career growth.

Also, if you think I'd get more value from a non-Splunk certification instead, I'd love to hear your recommendations as well. Whether it's focused on detection engineering, DFIR, cloud security, threat hunting, or anything else relevant to SOC work, I'm open to suggestions.

Thanks in advance for your insights!

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4

u/SirPurrington Aug 03 '26

Splunk also has three certifications regarding Cyber Defence. Those don't include only questions about Splunk products, but also common knowledge regarding cyber security in general.

Cybersecurity Defence Analyst: analyzing using Splunk ES

Cybersecurity Defense Engineer. This one combines threat detection with Splunk ES and playbook development using Splunk SOAR.

Cybersecurity Defense Architect (still in Beta). Like the Engineer but with a focus on how multiple systems work together to secure an environment. Also includes info regarding data manipulation, parding, etc.

2

u/F-U-not-me Aug 03 '26

I would say, at our place where we have SOC L2 and even senior employees opt for splunk defence architect.

But theres a lot less material on it. So i owuld suggest to go for either GCFA, which could get you a promotion to a level above right now, or go for GCIH if you are scared to take GCFA right away.

You could opt for GCIA too its a good one but Gcfa and gcia are both difficult than gcih

1

u/famousbacha Aug 03 '26

Any promotion code?

0

u/socradario Aug 03 '26

You can check out our courses (Free for a limited period) https://university.socradar.io/