---
title: "Importing Custom Data Files"
slug: "importing-custom-data-files"
updated: 2026-07-31T14:17:10Z
published: 2026-07-31T14:17:10Z
canonical: "support.eduphoria.net/importing-custom-data-files"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://support.eduphoria.net/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Importing Custom Data Files

Before starting an import for a custom data file, read [Custom Data Files](/v1/docs/custom-data-files-overview).

The main components of custom data file importing are:

1. [Creating and Managing Custom Import Test Types](/v1/docs/creating-and-managing-custom-import-test-types)
2. [Custom Data File Management](/v1/docs/custom-data-file-management)
3. [Importing Custom Data Files](/v1/docs/importing-custom-data-files) (You are here!)
4. [Viewing Custom Data Files](/v1/docs/viewing-custom-data-files)

> [!NOTE]
> **Note:** Before you begin, complete the following steps to make sure your file meets the specifications:
> 
> - Review [Custom Data File Management](/v1/docs/custom-data-file-management) to ensure headers match exactly and all cells are formatted correctly.
> - Add any necessary extensions. See [Creating and Managing Custom Import Test Types](/v1/docs/creating-and-managing-custom-import-test-types) for instructions.
> - Remove any columns that do not contain data or are not relevant to the dataset.
> - Format your file as a **CSV**.

**Step 1:** Select **Upload Test Files** from the **Analysis Settings** gear.

![upload test files.png](https://cdn.us.document360.io/d6ce927e-20b2-40ab-af8d-ea0afbbc28f7/Images/Documentation/16681062986647.png)

**Step 2:** Select **Custom Import** to open the **Custom Test Import** window.

![custom import.png](https://cdn.us.document360.io/d6ce927e-20b2-40ab-af8d-ea0afbbc28f7/Images/Documentation/16681089901591.png)

**Step 3:** Choose the **test type** of the test file you are importing.

![custom test import window.png](https://cdn.us.document360.io/d6ce927e-20b2-40ab-af8d-ea0afbbc28f7/Images/Documentation/16681062989975.png)

**Step 4:** Choose the **Grade Level**. If every student record is for the same tested grade level, select the corresponding grade. If the file includes multiple tested grade levels, select **In File**.

**Step 5:** Choose the **Subject**. If every student record is for the same tested subject, select the corresponding subject. If the file includes multiple tested subjects, select **In File**.

**Step 6:** Choose the **School Year**.

**Step 7:** Enter the title of the test exactly as it should appear in Aware for data viewing. If the file includes multiple grade levels and/or subjects, these do not need to be included in the test name.

Best practice is to give the test a very specific name, such as “2022 Grade 3 BOY Nelson and Murdock Reading.”

**Step 8:** Click **Choose File** and select the **CSV** file you want to import. Click **Upload**.

If the CSV is valid for importing, the screen switches to the **Pending Files** tab. If the CSV is invalid, text appears explaining what might be wrong. After making changes to a file, ensure to use the same name you attempted before.

Custom imports appear in the **History** tab along with every other imported file and can be treated the same (Delete Imported Data, Re-Import File, etc.).

![history upload tab.png](https://cdn.us.document360.io/d6ce927e-20b2-40ab-af8d-ea0afbbc28f7/Images/Documentation/16681062991767.png)

Any additional files imported using the same name for a Test Type adds new student records for students not included in the previous file and replace existing student records for students that were included in the previous file.

Comma-Separated Values, a file format used for importing and exporting data, particularly in educational assessments. Spreadsheet programs such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets are commonly used to read and edit CSV files.