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

# User Provisioning with CSV via SFTP Sync

> Automatically sync a CSV from your SFTP server daily to create, update, and archive GoGuardian user accounts.

GoGuardian supports SFTP sync using the Secure File Transfer Protocol to upload a CSV daily from your organization's SFTP server. The uploaded CSV lets GoGuardian create new user accounts, update permissions, and archive accounts for staff including teachers, counselors, and IT administrators. This saves time compared to manually uploading a CSV whenever accounts need updating.

This feature is available to Super Users at [manage.goguardian.com](https://manage.goguardian.com).

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/goguardian/uc_BCgW-LheYXukp/images/screenshots/org-management/user-provisioning-csv-sftp/step-01.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=uc_BCgW-LheYXukp&q=85&s=ab3098595ee9971f1536fb19faefac7c" alt="GoGuardian Org Management — Integrations page showing the SFTP sync configuration option" width="2880" height="1800" data-path="images/screenshots/org-management/user-provisioning-csv-sftp/step-01.png" />

## Prepare Your CSV

Use the same CSV format as the User Management manual upload. GoGuardian recommends testing the CSV with the User Management upload dialog before configuring SFTP sync. See Bulk Update Permissions by CSV for formatting requirements.

## Set Up Your SFTP Server

If your organization has an SFTP server, SFTP sync can be configured quickly after confirming the following requirements are met.

<Note>
  GoGuardian Support cannot assist with creating or managing SFTP servers. Microsoft Support or a managed service provider may be able to help with SFTP server setup.
</Note>

**Connectivity requirements**

* The SFTP server must be available during the late evening and early morning hours in North America (0700–1200 UTC). The sync runs overnight so that all changes are applied before the next school day begins.

**Security requirements**

* A directory dedicated to GoGuardian user provisioning
* A GoGuardian-specific account with a unique password. The password is encrypted once entered. GoGuardian employees cannot view it.
* Read permissions for the GoGuardian account scoped to GoGuardian directories only
* Access logging enabled to verify that only trusted accounts are gaining access

<Tip>
  Give GoGuardian access only to the GoGuardian-specific directory on your SFTP server, and use a unique username and password for authentication.
</Tip>

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Will SFTP sync affect existing CSV uploads?**
No. Manual CSV uploads through the User Management dialog continue to work as before.

**Is the one-time CSV upload button being removed?**
No. The manual upload option remains available.

**Does GoGuardian host an SFTP server?**
No. A GoGuardian-hosted SFTP server is not supported. Your organization must provide the SFTP server.

**Does it matter which SFTP server my organization uses?**
Yes. Your organization must use a server that specifically supports SFTP. Supported options include Tectia, Titan, Couchdrop, ProvideServer, and Bitvise. FileZilla FTP Server does not support SFTP and will not work.

**Can my organization use a shared SFTP account with GoGuardian?**
No. Use a unique username and password for the GoGuardian SFTP integration. Never share credentials between vendors.

**Is a specific file format required?**
Yes. The system expects a CSV that conforms to the same format used in the manual upload on the User Management page.

**Which file on the SFTP server will GoGuardian sync?**
GoGuardian syncs the most recently added CSV file in the configured directory.

**How frequently does the sync run?**
If the **Sync Daily** toggle is on, GoGuardian syncs in the early morning hours every day.

**Can I sync on demand?**
Yes. Click **Force Sync** to trigger a new sync within a few minutes.

**Can my organization use SFTP sync alongside Clever or ClassLink?**
Yes. SFTP sync and Clever or ClassLink integrations are mutually compatible.

**What happens when CSV data conflicts with Clever or ClassLink data?**
The CSV takes precedence. For example, if Clever provisions a teacher but the CSV archives them, the CSV data wins.