---
title: "Supported Question Response Types"
slug: "supported-question-response-types"
updated: 2025-11-12T17:44:33Z
published: 2025-11-12T17:44:33Z
canonical: "docs.serenityops.com/supported-question-response-types"
---

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

# Supported Question Response Types

In the Serenity Inspections & Audits application, inspection templates can include a wide range of question response types to capture consistent, structured data during inspections. This flexibility allows teams to tailor checklists to the specific needs of their operations — from simple yes/no compliance checks to detailed numerical or narrative inputs.

Below is an overview of the supported response types and their use cases.

## 1. Multiple Choice (Predefined Options)

Multiple choice responses allow users to select from a list of predefined answer options. This is the most common format for inspection checklists and supports simple, fast data entry.

Examples include:

- Yes / No / N/A
- Compliant / Non-Compliant / N/A
- Good / Fair / Poor / N/A
- Pass / Fail / N/A

Multiple choice questions are ideal for:

- Compliance checks
- Visual condition assessments
- Verification of standard procedures

💡 *Tip: These response sets can also be configured to trigger required notes, attachments, or issues (e.g., “Require a note if answer = No”).*

## 2. String Fields (Short and Long Text)

String fields allow inspectors to provide written input.

- Short Text (Single Line): Used for brief responses such as names, ID numbers, or short comments. *Example: “Inspector Name” or “Permit Number.”*
- Long Text (Multi-Line): Allows users to enter detailed narrative information or observations. *Example: “Describe the condition of the fire extinguishers.”*

## 3. Date and Time

The date/time response type lets inspectors record a precise timestamp.

Variants include:

- Date & Time: Captures both calendar date and time of day.
- Date Only: Used when only the date is relevant (e.g., inspection due date or calibration date).

These response types are helpful for:

- Logging when a condition was last verified
- Recording expiration or maintenance dates

## 4. Numeric Responses

Numeric response types are used for quantifiable data entry.

- Integer: Whole numbers only (e.g., number of extinguishers, count of PPE items).
- Decimal: Supports numeric values with decimal precision (e.g., “4.75 psi” or “2.5 hours”).

Use numeric fields when measuring or counting specific quantities, tolerances, or performance metrics.

## 5. Reference Fields (Lookup Values)

Reference fields allow a question response to link directly to an existing record in the system. Instead of free text entry, inspectors can select a value from another Serenity table — ensuring accuracy and consistency.

Common reference types include:

- Person: Select an employee or contractor from the system directory
- Asset: Reference a piece of equipment, vehicle, or machine
- Zone or Process: Connect the response to a specific operational area

Typical uses:

- Identifying who performed a task or was involved in an observation
- Linking a finding to a specific asset or location
- Associating responses with tracked entities for reporting and traceability

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## Best Practices

- Use multiple choice where possible to standardize reporting and support scoring.
- Reserve text responses for details or clarifications, not for primary data points.
- Keep question wording clear and positive (e.g., “Is PPE in use?” rather than “Is PPE missing?”).

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