Current Population Survey (CPS) Basic Demographics
Extension without change of a currently approved collection
No
Regular
Approved with change
10/03/2024
06/14/2024
TERMS OF CLEARANCE
As one of the oldest and most recognized surveys, and as a primary source of labor force statistics (producing a Principal Federal Economic Indicator) for the U.S. population, data from the Current Population Survey (CPS) is used to inform policymakers, data users, community organizations, and the public on the social and economic well-being for the U.S. population. As a monthly survey, the CPS provides information about, for example, employment, unemployment, and earnings, and is sponsored jointly by the Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The 2024 updates to OMBâs Statistical Policy Directive 15âs Federal race and ethnicity data standards (SPD 15) were informed by numerous inputs, including extensive research by the Census Bureau. Among other important updates, the 2024 SPD 15 requires Middle Eastern or North African as a new minimum category that will provide critical data for demographic statistics, civil rights enforcement, and state and local planning. Likewise, the combined race and/or ethnicity format allows respondents to better understand and see themselves in the question and alleviates challenges of the old format that led to considerable data quality issues.
The updated SPD 15 is effective as of March 2024 and requires all existing Federal information collections to comply as soon as possible. The CPS timeline to comply with the 2024 SPD 15 is critical for the Census Bureau and BLS and also to other Federal agency partners, state and local governments, and private industries along with data users, researchers, and community organizations. Accordingly, it is important that the CPS comply with the updated SPD 15 as quickly as possible.
This Information Collection Request (ICR) indicates that the CPS is not able to comply with the updated race/ethnicity data standards at this time and, instead, says that the CPS will comply by March 2029. To assist with compliance planning, this ICR proposes a CPS panel design for CY25 production data collection to compare race/ethnicity reporting patterns between the former and updated standards.
OMB grants approval for this ICR for 1 year under the following conditions.
The U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics will:
1. By or before March 3, 2025: Provide a written research plan to OMB describing the proposed CPS panel design to compare race/ethnicity reporting patterns between the former and updated data standards in the CPS production environment. The panels should be in the field no later than the end of Fiscal Year 2025, September 30, 2025.
2. By or before April 3, 2025: Brief OMB on a draft CPS action plan describing how data collection and publication will comply with the 2024 SPD 15 as soon as possible and before March 28, 2029. The briefing should also describe:
2a. How both agencies have been/will continue to develop models for population controls and coordinate with the SPD 15 implementation process for the American Community Survey, and
2b. A communications strategy describing how both agencies have been/will continue to meaningfully engage with stakeholders about how the CPS is working toward compliance with the updated data standards.
3. By or before September 3, 2025: Brief OMB on the final CPS action plan describing how data collection and publication will comply with the 2024 SPD 15 as soon as possible.
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
10/31/2025
36 Months From Approved
10/31/2024
708,000
0
708,000
66,080
0
66,080
0
0
0
The CPS demographic data include age, marital status, sex, Armed Forces status, education, race, Hispanic origin, and country of birth. The data are used for subject specific (labor-force and supplement) analytic research, for internal analytic research, for evaluating other surveys, and for selecting other survey samples.
Att B-1 - CPS Front Items (2018).docx, Att B-3 - CPS Back Items (2018).docx, Att B-2 - CPS Demographic Items (2018).docx, Att B-4 - CPS Weather Event Items (as needed).docx
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Form Att B-4 - CPS Weat Att B-4 - CPS Weather Event Items (as needed).docx
Form Att B-1 - CPS Fron Current Population Survey Basic (2024)
Att E-2 CPS-692 (4-10) The Monthly Flow of CPS Data.pdf
Current Population Survey Basic (2024)