Census Bureau Tests 2026 Survey: Feedback Sought on Job Data Collection
Published Date: 3/5/2026
Notice
Summary
The Census Bureau is asking for public feedback on a test version of the 2026 Current Population Survey, which helps gather important info about people’s jobs and living situations. This test will update how they collect data to make it easier and less time-consuming for everyone involved. Comments are open until May 4, 2026, and this process helps keep surveys smooth without costing extra money or time.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
CPS tests Internet self-response
You could be contacted as part of the Census Bureau's Current Population Survey (CPS) 2026 Field Test between July 2026 and October 2026. The first interview will be by computer-assisted person interview (CAPI), and most cases will have up to three months of follow-up using a mix of internet self-response and CAPI; cases stay in sample for up to four months. Some households interviewed in 2025 will be recontacted to preserve the survey's longitudinal design, and the test will include experiments on question wording, contact methods, and mode interaction with an ultimate goal to phase in changes in 2027 through 2028.
Respondent time burden and cost
If you are selected to respond, the Census estimates 50,000 respondents for the 2026 CPS Field Test, with each response taking about 10 minutes. The Census estimates total annual burden hours of 33,333 hours, reports the respondent obligation as voluntary, and estimates the total annual cost to the public as $0.
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