Clever is compatible with all Student Information Systems, and depending on the SIS we offer a Clever-Managed Auto Sync, an SIS-Managed Auto Sync, or an SFTP Sync. The following information helps to explain the three supported sync types: 

Clever-Managed Auto Sync

How does it work?

For Clever-Managed Auto Syncs, Clever has written an integration that exports data directly from the SIS and securely transfers it to Clever. For these syncs, Clever requires configured credentials to access your SIS. As with all Clever syncs, you will still have complete control over data sharing and management of your Clever account.

Check out this article for a complete list of Clever-Managed Auto Syncs!

Can I customize what roster data is synced?

The ability to customize data for Clever-Managed Auto Syncs is limited, but we may be able to remove unwanted fields or include additional fields in your sync to meet your district’s needs. Contact our Support Team to request help.

What are the next steps?

Before signing up for a Clever account, create a Clever read-only account in your SIS. Check out SIS-specific instructions here! 

SIS-Managed Auto Sync

How does it work?

For SIS-Managed Auto Syncs, Clever has partnered directly with the SIS provider to offer an automated sync option. Clever does not require credentials or access to the SIS directly. To take advantage of these SIS-managed syncs, select the “Automatic” option during signup, and Clever will provide instructions to initiate the sync from your SIS to Clever. In most cases, you will need to share Clever sync credentials with your SIS provider, and the SIS will generate and regularly upload data to Clever on your behalf. As with all Clever syncs, you will still have complete control over data sharing and management of your Clever account.

Check out this article for a complete list of SIS-Managed Auto Syncs!

Can I customize what roster data is synced? 

If you have questions about customizing, please contact your SIS directly.

What are the next steps?

After creating your Clever account, see your Dashboard’s Sync Settings page for instructions on how to activate your SIS-Managed Auto Sync. 

SFTP Sync

How does it work?

The SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) Sync option allows school districts to “push” data to Clever. Clever provides credentials for Secure File Transfer Protocol as well as a web-based upload option, and districts generate files to upload to their accounts. Clever recommends that you investigate automating the process for exporting and uploading data via SFTP; regular uploads to Clever mean current data in your apps.

Which SISs are available?

SFTP Sync is available for all SISs.

Can I customize what roster data is synced?

Because districts control exactly what data to include in their upload files, this option provides districts a greater level of customization but requires more robust setup and management.

What are the next steps?

To learn more about the data upload process for districts using SFTP Sync, see SFTP Sync Overview.

If you are interested in automating your SFTP uploads, Clever supports data ingestion via nightly SFTP transmission to a secure sftp server. While this method does not allow for real-time data uploads and requires additional configuration, it may be a useful option for schools whose IT Departments have already prepared SFTP scripts. The SFTP data transfer to Clever requires the submission of multiple files in a specific CSV format.