OMB control number

Current Population Survey (CPS) 2026 Field Test

OMB 0607-1032 · DOC/CENSUS.

OMB 0607-1032

The CPS faces intensifying headwinds as the costs of data collection increase and it becomes more difficult to reach respondents who are reluctant to participate. Over the last several years, BLS and Census have taken numerous measures to ensure the survey stays within budget, but there is serious risk that further cuts to operations will impact the quality of the survey. Because of this, BLS and Census has launched an effort to modernize CPS by adding an Internet Self Response option with the goal of easing response rates declining by providing another method to respond that is more cost efficient. As CPS is an input to a key economic indicator, testing the changes is necessary. The goal of the 2026 Field Test is to build on the 2025 field test on the use of an internet self-response mode, and to measure its success as a possible method of contact and interviewing with the goal of review accuracy, reporting, and representativeness. The first field test was successful as proof of concept that adding a web mode could work within CPS. This test will be used to refine the data collection methods and workloads. This is the 2nd of two field tests with the first complete in September 2025.

The latest form for Current Population Survey (CPS) 2026 Field Test expires 2029-07-31 and is listed under ICR 202605-0607-004.

REPLACE INTO tbl_reginfo_omb_history (`ombControlNo`, `refNbr`, `PraType`, `requestType`, `dateReceived`, `conclusionDate`, `conclusionAction`, `openNOA`) VALUES (:ombControlNo, :refNbr, :PraType, :requestType, :dateReceived, :conclusionDate, :conclusionAction, :openNOA)

Array
(
    [ombControlNo] => 0607-1032
    [refNbr] => 202605-0607-004
    [PraType] => ICR
    [requestType] => Reinstatement with change of a previously approved collection
    [dateReceived] => 2026-06-09
    [conclusionDate] => 2026-07-10
    [conclusionAction] => Approved with change
    [openNOA] => Approved with change
)

Error!HY000-1366-Incorrect integer value: 'Approved with change' for column 'openNOA' at row 1