About the Census Test

Before each Census, it’s important to test how we'll run it. The Census Test helps ensure our processes work well and that the form captures the right information, in the right way. 

Census Test night was Tuesday 5 August 2025.

In July, selected households got instructions on how to take part in the Census Test.  

For the first time, we partnered with Services Australia on a new option to access and complete the Census through myGov. All myGov users had the option to subscribe to Census Test updates through myGov in July 2025. 

Taking part in the Census Test was voluntary. Data collected in the Census Test was for testing purposes only and will not be released.  

Thank you to everyone who took part in the Census Test.

The Census Test tested our data collection processes and operational systems to ensure they're ready to deliver a positive, safe and secure Census experience that's easy to complete. 

The Census Test included questions on a new topic and changes to questions on existing topics. These changes are the result of extensive public consultation and ABS review. The review was undertaken to ensure information collected in the Census remains relevant as Australia changes and provides high-quality data where it’s needed most. Read more about the outcomes of the 2026 Census topic review.  

Participation in the Census Test will continue to help us improve processes, so that the 2026 Census is easier to complete and produces high quality statistics.

The Census Test included 60,000 households from selected areas in:

• New South Wales
  • Coonamble and surrounds
  • Gilgandra and surrounds
• Northern Territory
  • Katherine surrounds
• Queensland
  • Gladstone
  • Rockhampton
  • Yeppoon
• Victoria
  • Melbourne
• Western Australia
  • Albany
  • Perth
  • The Wheatbelt region.

Census Test areas were chosen using past Census data to ensure we cover the diversity of Australia.  

This was to make sure that the Census Test represented the different responses we would see during the 2026 Census.   

Not all households in each area were asked to participate in the Census Test. 

In July 2025, selected households got a letter or paper form with instructions on how to take part in the Census Test. 

Some households were asked to complete the Census Test online and some got a paper form. This allowed us to test both our paper and online forms as a part of the Census Test. 

Census field staff also ran the Test in communities in and around Katherine in June and July 2025. Their work helped us test in-person support and operations in remote and regional areas.