New collection (Request for a new OMB Control Number)
No
Regular
Approved with change
04/15/2025
02/21/2025
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
04/30/2026
12 Months From Approved
100,000
0
0
33,333
0
0
0
0
0
I. Abstract
The Census Bureau plans to request clearance from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for the collection of information related to a field test of the Current Population Survey (CPS) in calendar year 2025.
The CPS has been the source of official government statistics on employment and unemployment since 1942. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Census Bureau jointly sponsor the basic monthly survey. The Census Bureau also prepares and conducts all the field work. The CPS collects labor force information for the civilian noninstitutional population including employment status, number of hours worked, job search activities, earnings, duration of unemployment, and the industry and occupation classification of the job held the previous week. Data for the CPS are currently collected by Census field interviewers via in-person interviews or by telephone.
The 2025 Field Testâs goal is to test the use of an internet self-response method to measure its success as a possible method of contact and interviewing with the goal of review accuracy, reporting, and representativeness. In addition, should it prove as a viable response method, the goal is to experiment with timing and contacts in order to refine procedures that best fit the needs of CPS. This is the first of two major field tests with the second in 2026, and an ultimate goal to phase in changes to the survey in 2027.
II. Method of Collection
The 2025 field test is planned for April 2025 until November 2025. The goal is to replicate the expected mode interaction of adding a self-response mode as close as possible to a production environment. The first interview will be conducted via computer-assisted person interview (CAPI) mode, and most cases will be followed up for three months with a mix of Internet Self Response and CAPI follow-up based on the previous monthâs interview results and data reported. All cases will be in sample for four months. In addition, some cases will be put on hold for two months and then interviewed again in order to replicate the break in a normal CPS in a shorter interval. In addition, we will conduct experiments such as question wording, contact methods, and timing of mode switching in order to measure the best method to encourage response by internet mode and the best wording for accurate self response reporting.
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.
2025-02854.pdf
Attachment C - Letters and Electronic Contacts.docx
Current Population Survey (CPS) 2025 Field Test