The U.S. Census Bureau is researching modern and cost-efficient methods for the population to exercise its civic obligation to be counted in the 2020 Census. Whether through the Internet, telephone or traditional paper questionnaires, the Census Bureau is committed to making the mandatory once-a-decade headcount quick, easy and safe for all to participate. There were a number of tests planned and completed for 2015 each with different goals and objectives.

The first test of four tests planned in 2015 was the Address Validation Test which was in the field from September through December 2014.  This test enabled us to assess the performance of the methods and models that will help us develop the 2020 Census address list and define the address canvassing workloads needed for the operational design.

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.

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.

More about the Maricopa Site of the 2015 Census Test.

The final test in 2015 was the Census Bureau’s 2015 National Content Test which had a nation-wide sample and took place from August to November 2015.

Read more about the 2015 National Content Test.