Importing learning objectives

  • Updated on May 24, 2026
  • Published on May 23, 2026
  • 1 minute(s) read
  • Aiden Molavi
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Use this article to import learning objectives (LOs) into a repository from an Excel file. For most organisations this is the only practical way to load a large LO structure. For single LOs added in passing, see Adding and editing learning objectives.

Before you start

  • You need the Manage learning objectives permission under Admin > Roles > Site administration.
  • Define your LO structure in advance: folders (optional), subjects, optional categories, and the LOs themselves.
  • Familiarise yourself with the LO structure in Cirrus.

Build the Excel file

Cirrus provides a template: Importsheet Learning Objectives Cirrus.xlsx.

Example LO import sheet

Required information

  • Every column header in the example file.
  • Correct IDs (see rules below).
  • The right Parent ID for every row, so Cirrus rebuilds the tree.

ID rules

  • IDs must be unique within your file.
  • IDs must not already exist in any other LO repository on the tenant.
  • IDs must not contain spaces or dots (.).

Optional columns

  • Description: leave blank if not needed.
  • Labels: leave blank if not needed.

You can also add a Category layer between Subject and LO in the file, following the same pattern.

Fields set in the dialog, not in the file

  • None for LO imports. Every relevant value is in the file.

Run the import

  1. Sign in as a System Administrator (or with the equivalent role permission).
  2. Open Admin > Learning objectives.
  3. Open the repository to import into. Alternatively, select + Create repository for a fresh one.
  4. Select Import.

Import button on the LO repository

  1. Select Choose file and upload the .xlsx.

Choose file dialog for LO import

  1. Cirrus runs a dry-run and shows the tree it will create.

LO import dry-run result

  1. Browse the tree with the arrows [A].
  2. Tick the items to import (use select all on a level for a bulk tick) [B].
  3. Select + Import selected to finalise [C].

After the import

  • The new repository (or new branches in an existing repository) appear under Admin > Learning objectives.
  • Items in collections that point to the repository can now attach the new LOs.
  • For items being imported with LOs, the LO titles must match exactly. Watch for trailing spaces.

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