How to Export/Import (Whistic Template) Questionnaire Answers

Table of Contents

• Summary
• Steps
• Additional Resources
• FAQ

Summary

While Whistic provides a dynamic platform for security questionnaires, you can also work offline using exported spreadsheets. This guide covers how to export, complete, and re-import Whistic templates.

Important: This article is for Whistic templates only. For Non-Whistic templates (like the original CSA CAIQ format), please refer to this article.

Note: When exporting and importing, ensure you upload to the same self-assessment to match the Date and Version correctly. Mismatched versions will result in an error message.

📋 Steps

Export the Template

1. Open the Questionnaire and select Export in the top right corner

2. The file will download to your device

Important: Minimize changes to the exported file. Do not delete columns, hidden rows, or change the question order.

3. Fill in your responses and save your work

Important:

• Answers must match the question criteria (Yes/No, Multiple Choice, etc.)
• Multiple-choice options appear as notes in the spreadsheet
• Use the separate Comments column—don't include comments in answer fields unless it's a Text question type

Import Your Responses

4. Select Import, then Import Whistic template

5. In the window that appears, click Import Spreadsheet and select your completed file

6. Whistic will transfer your answers to the online questionnaire

Once all required questions are answered, you'll see a prompt to finalize and share. If this doesn't appear, ensure all questions are completed.

🔍 Understanding Question Types

• Button questions (Yes/No, Multiple Choice): Not case-sensitive but must be spelled correctly
• Multiple Choice/Answer: Only correctly spelled answers will import
• File Upload: Cannot be answered via spreadsheet, but you can add comments

⚠️ Troubleshooting Import Errors

Troubleshooting Import Errors:

If you see "Some Responses Were Not Imported":

• Select Unanswered Questions to complete them directly in the web form, OR
• Select Show Errors to see which answers didn't meet criteria, correct your spreadsheet, and re-import

For assistance, chat with us using the icon in the bottom right or email [e-mail]

📚 Additional Resources

• Need assistance completing a questionnaire request? Go HERE.

❓ FAQ

Why are the IDs different in the spreadsheet compared to the website?

We only include the questionnaire author's original IDs in exports, not Whistic IDs. ID mapping happens automatically in the background. To view the mapping, select the question > Question Details > Control Info. Alternatively, use our other response import feature (guide).

Why does CAIQ/CAIQ Lite require notes for all questions?

This is due to the original questionnaire format. Each line requiring a comment will display a note indicating this requirement. An example of the note that will show is shown below:

Why am I getting "Errored out trying to parse sheet number 0"?

You likely changed the file format of the exported template. Please revert to the original format or copy your work into a newly exported file.