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 |
|---|---|---|
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 |
|---|---|
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 |
|---|---|
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 |