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![handle is hein.crs/govesyv0001 and id is 1 raw text is:
The 2026 Census Test
December 11, 2025
The U.S. Census Bureau begins planning for an upcoming Decennial Census of Population and Housing
more than a decade prior to the census year. Over the cycle of each decennial census, this process includes
the following phases: early planning; design selection; development and integration; and peak production
and close-out.
In the development and integration phase, the Census Bureau typically conducts field tests to assess
various operational features of the upcoming decennial census. For example, during the 2020 decennial
census cycle, the Census Bureau conducted several small-scale tests beginning in 2013 and the major
2019 Census Test which among other things addressed the effect of a proposed citizenship question on
self-response rates. For the 2030 decennial census cycle, the Census Bureau has ongoing small-scale
testing as well as a planned 2026 Census Test and 2028 dress rehearsal.
2026 Census Test Initial Plan
The Census Bureau began releasing initial plans for the 2026 Census Test in the spring of 2024. The test
sites as well as testing objectives were announced in July 2024. Since this time, some directives for the
2026 Census Test have changed after the change in presidential administrations.
Test Goal and Objectives
The goals of the 2026 Census Test are to test operational viability of new and revamped systems and
methods researched and developed for the census[;] to identify, document, and address potential
challenges; and to evaluate the efficacy of proposed changes to ensure the overall quality of the 2030
Census design.
The test aims to study six operational areas:
* self-response;
* in-field enumeration;
* group quarters enumeration;
* communications, partnerships, and engagement;
* cross operational support and infrastructure; and,
Congressional Research Service
https://crsreports.congress.gov
IN12623
CRS INSIGHT
Prepared for Members and
Committees of Congress](ViewImageLocal?handle=hein.crs/govesyv0001&div=1&collection=&method=preview&ext=.png&size=3)