Census Bureau Rolls Out New Job App Form for 2026
Published Date: 7/24/2025
Notice
Summary
The Census Bureau is launching a new online form to collect info from nearly 12,000 people applying for temporary census jobs starting with the 2026 Census Test. This helps pick the best candidates quickly and fairly, while keeping the process smooth and easy. The government is asking for public feedback on this form for 30 more days, aiming to keep the paperwork light and efficient.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
New online applicant form and time burden
If you apply for temporary, intermittent Decennial Census jobs, you must fill a new online form for the 2026 Census Test. The Bureau expects about 11,970 applicants (7,358 becoming candidates); each applicant response averages 0.61 hours and candidate responses average 0.19 hours, for a total estimated burden of 8,731 hours.
Collection of personal and sensitive data
The application form collects personal identifiers and eligibility data such as Social Security numbers, date of birth, contact information, citizenship status, selective service status, veterans' preference and documentation, Federal employment/annuity status, access to transportation, hours of availability, and related job experience.
One application covers multiple positions
The collection allows one set of application data to be used to consider applicants for several temporary census positions, and if an applicant becomes a candidate for more than one position they generally only need to verify previously answered questions rather than re-answer everything.
Voluntary EEOC demographic and recruiting questions
The form includes a voluntary supplemental section with EEOC demographic questions (EEOC common use form 3046-0046), plus recruiting source and education questions to help improve future recruiting efforts; answering these supplemental questions is optional.
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