The Census Bureau conducted tests in 2015 that could significantly improve the upcoming 2020 Census. There were a number of tests planned, each with different goals and objectives.

The Address Validation Test was the first of four tests planned in 2015. It was conducted from September 2014 to February 2015. It assessed the performance of the methods and models used to develop the 2020 Census address list and determine workloads for the 2020 Census Address Canvassing operation.

The test had two components: the Master Address File (MAF) Model Validation Test (MMVT) and the Partial-Block Canvassing (PBC) Test.

More about the Address Validation Test.

The second test in 2015 was the 2015 Census Test, which was conducted in two locations (both sites had an April 1 Census Day). The 2015 Census Test allowed the Census Bureau to employ a variety of new methods and advanced technologies that are under consideration for the 2020 Census.

Savannah, Georgia Area Test Site

At the Savannah site, the Census Bureau continued to test the option to respond to the 2020 Census on the Internet. This test included an advertising campaign, an early engagement campaign through ‘Notify Me’ where respondents were able to indicate their digital contact preference (email or text), as well as test the ability of respondents to complete their census test without a pre-assigned Census identification number. This test was conducted from September to December 2014.

More about the Savannah Area Site of the 2105 Census Test.

Maricopa County, Arizona Test Site

At the Maricopa site we utilized planned automation and available real-time data to transform the efficiency and effectiveness of data collection operations. The test allowed the Census Bureau to begin the process of developing a field operations management system that leverages planned automation and available real-time data, as well as data households have already provided to the government, to transform the efficiency and effectiveness of data collection operations. This test was conducted from December 2014 to February 2015.

More about the Maricopa Site of the 2015 Census Test.