Your roster file is missing the heading row, or the header row does not match the template

This error occurs during the Preview and Confirm file stage of the import process. It occurs if your file is missing the header row or the header row does not exactly match the template. It can also occur if you have saved your file in an unexpected format.

Determine which template version you are using:

In June 2021, NWEA released a new version of the roster file template. The previous roster file template still works until summer 2022, so we have included troubleshooting steps for this template as well. To determine which version of the template you are using:

1. Open your roster file.
2. Check the heading for the first column, in cell P1:
   1. Clever ID: If Clever ID is in cell P1, then you are using the new template.
   2. Student Last Name: If Student Last Name is in cell P1, then you are using the previous template.

 
Troubleshooting the roster file:

1. Replace the header row:
   1. Download the roster file template.
      • New roster template: Roster File Template .
      • Previous roster template: Download the attached file at the bottom of this article.
   2. Copy the header row from the appropriate blank template.
   3. Paste the header row at the top of your file, replacing any existing header.
2. Save the file in the CSV (Comma delimited) format. Do not use any other CSV formats, such as CSV (MS-DOS) or CSV UTF-8 (Comma delimited). These are incorrect and can cause the heading row error.
3. Retry the import.
4. If you are also importing a programs file and continue to receive this error, complete the following steps:
   1. Download a copy of the programs file template: Programs File Template.
   2. Copy the header row from the Programs File worksheet.
   3. Paste the header row at the top of your programs file, replacing any existing header.
   4. Save the file in the CSV (Comma delimited) format. Do not use any other CSV formats, such as CSV (MS-DOS) or CSV UTF-8 (Comma delimited). These are incorrect and can cause the heading row error.
   5. Retry the import.

 
See also:

• We have encountered an error with your file
• How to use Excel filtering to resolve file format errors
• How to import rosters