Imports, sFTP & API

Imports, sFTP & API

Overview

Learn Amp offers several ways to manage data at scale—whether you're migrating from another system, keeping user records in sync, building custom integrations, or exporting data for advanced analysis. This guide helps you choose the right approach and get started.

Method

Best For

Who Can Use It

Method

Best For

Who Can Use It

API

Real-time integrations, custom automations, third-party content providers

Owners (API key management)

sFTP

Large or scheduled data syncs, regular user imports, content migrations

Owners (sFTP configuration)

Manual Imports

One-off bulk uploads, activity history, task migrations

Owners, Admins

Data Lake & Warehouse

Advanced analytics, custom BI dashboards, large-scale data exports

Owners (bolt-on feature)


Functionality Breakdown

API (Application Programming Interface)

Our API enables two-way communication between Learn Amp and external systems. Use it to:

  • Sync users programmatically from HR systems

  • Push completion data from third-party content providers

  • Build custom integrations and automations

  • Manage content and track learning activity

Documentation: developers.learnamp.com

sFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol)

sFTP provides a secure channel for transferring large data files. Use it for:

  • Regular, automated user imports from HR systems

  • Bulk content migrations (SCORM, videos, documents)

  • Scheduled data syncs without manual intervention

  • Large-scale Learnlist and Channel creation

Manual Imports

CSV-based imports through the platform interface. Use them for:

  • One-off bulk uploads when setting up Learn Amp

  • Importing historical activity and completion data

  • Creating tasks with individualised due dates

  • Updating existing content metadata in bulk

Data Lake & Warehouse

For organisations that need to export and analyse Learn Amp data at scale, our Data Lake and Warehouse solution provides:

  • Direct access to your platform data via AWS Redshift

  • Parquet file exports for integration with your BI tools

  • Comprehensive data schema covering users, content, activity, skills, and more

  • Daily data refreshes for up-to-date reporting

💡 Tip: Data Lake & Warehouse is available as a bolt-on feature. Contact your Customer Success Manager or Technical Support to learn more.

See: Our Data Lake and Warehouse Explained


Pre-requisites

Before using any import or integration method, ensure you have:

  • Access to the data you want to import (CSV files, API credentials from source systems)

  • A clear understanding of how data should map to Learn Amp fields

  • Existing content created in Learn Amp (for Activity and Task imports)

Role Requirements

Action

Required Role

Action

Required Role

Manage API keys

Owner

Configure sFTP connection

Owner

Run manual imports

Owner, Admin

View import history

Owner, Admin

Access Data Lake/Warehouse

Owner (bolt-on required)

💡 Tip: Work with your IT team when setting up sFTP connections, as they'll need to configure SSH keys and potentially automate file transfers.


FAQs

Q: Which method should I use for regular user syncs?
sFTP is ideal for scheduled, automated user imports. If you need real-time updates or more granular control, consider the API.

Q: Can I set users as 'taking a break' in bulk via CSV?
No—this status is only manually editable in individual user settings.

Q: Is it possible to bulk deactivate users via CSV?
Yes! Use the bulk deactivation feature: Settings → Company Settings → People → Bulk deactivate.

Q: Does the bulk uploader accept XML or JSON files?
No—only CSV format is supported for all bulk imports.

Q: How do I add users to Teams in bulk?
Include the primary_team and secondary_team fields in your User Import CSV with the team name(s).

Q: How do I tag content in bulk?
Use the Items Update import. Export your current items, add tags to the tags column (comma-separated), then re-upload.

Q: Can I import completion data for content that doesn't exist in Learn Amp?
Yes—the Activity Import allows you to create archived records for historical learning that isn't recreated in Learn Amp.

Q: What date format should I use in CSV files?
Use YYYY-MM-DD hh:mm:ss format with times in UTC timezone (+0).

Q: Can imports be scheduled automatically?
User imports via sFTP can be automated with scheduled file uploads. Other imports (Items, Learnlists, Channels, Activity, Tasks) are run manually through the platform.

Q: How do I export data from Learn Amp for custom reporting?
For basic exports, use the Reports & Logs features in Learn Amp. For advanced analytics and large-scale data exports, consider our Data Lake & Warehouse solution.


Troubleshooting

Issue

Solution

Issue

Solution

CSV upload fails

Check file encoding is UTF-8, ensure headers match the template exactly, remove any special characters from data

Users not appearing after import

Verify email addresses are valid and unique, check the import log for row-level errors

sFTP connection fails

Confirm your SSH public key is correctly pasted in Learn Amp, verify the private key in your sFTP client

Content not mapping correctly

Ensure Source ID and Source Type match exactly between your content and activity imports

Import shows "rows with errors"

Download the error report, check the rightmost column for specific error messages per row

Activity not showing in reports

Allow processing time (varies by volume), refresh the Content log after imports complete


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