Doing the Census Test

Households selected for the Census Test got instructions on how to complete the Census Test.

Some households were asked to complete the Census Test online and some got a paper form, and there’s still time to complete.

We’re testing our paper and online forms as part of the Census Test. If you got a paper form, we would appreciate you completing this form even if you would normally go online. This will help us make improvements for the 2026 Census. 

However, if you get instructions to complete online but would prefer a paper form, you can request one. 

People that have subscribed through myGov got updates and a link to complete the Census Test for their household to their myGov Inbox.

If you weren’t home on Census Test night, Tuesday 5 August, you can still let us know.

It’s important to fill out your Census Test form and include everyone who stayed in your household on Census Test night, including visitors and babies.

The Census Test allows everyone in the selected areas to complete their form, no matter where they live or their living situation. Read about completing the Census Test where you are.

If you’re filling out the Census Test form for your household, you should include everyone who spent the night at your home on Census Test night, Tuesday 5 August 2025. This includes: 

• yourself
• your spouse/partner
• adult family members (including adult children, parents, siblings and extended family members)
• babies, children and teenagers
• unrelated housemates, flat mates or boarders
• visitors or friends who spent Census Test night in the dwelling, including those with no fixed address
• people who usually live at this dwelling who returned on Wednesday 6 August 2025 without being included on a form elsewhere (for example, shift workers who were at work on Census Test night).

If you weren’t home or your address was unoccupied on Census Test night, please let us know.

When you’re ready to complete the Census Test, you will need to know:

• who spent the night in your household on Tuesday 5 August 2025
• who usually lives in your household but was away on Census Test night.

For everyone in your household on Census Test night, you’ll need to know:

• name, sex recorded at birth, date of birth and age, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status
• current address and addresses for one year and five years ago
• current marital status
• country of birth, citizenship, ancestry, religion, languages used, countries of birth of parents and year of arrival in Australia (if applicable)
• if they need assistance with self-care, body movement or communication activities
• if they have a long-term health condition
• education and qualifications
• work (paid and unpaid) and total personal income
• if they have served in the Australian Defence Force.

You’ll also be asked the following questions for everyone in your household aged 16 years and older. You can choose to select ‘prefer not to answer’ for these questions: 

• gender
• sexual orientation.

There are questions about the dwelling itself, the number of registered motor vehicles at the dwelling and how much you spend on your rent or mortgage.

We also ask a few questions about any people who would normally be in your household but were away on Census Test night.

Find out more about how to answer questions in the Census Test, why we ask each question and how data on these topics can help inform important decisions and services. 

If you want to fill in your Census Test separately from your household, you can get a Census number to complete online or request a paper form by calling the Census Contact Centre on 1800 181 227.

Some households got a letter or paper form with a unique 16-digit Census number and a temporary 9-character password. Use these to log in and complete your Census Test online.

Some households got a letter with instructions to get a Census number online. Use these to get a Census number, log in and complete your Census Test. 

If you got a paper form, we would appreciate you completing this form even if you would normally go online. If you got both a letter to complete the Census Test online and a paper form, please complete it in your preferred way.

For help completing your online form, read more about help completing your Census Test. 

Some households got a paper form. Complete the form following the instructions provided, and once complete, mail it back in the Reply Paid envelope provided.

The paper form allows for up to six people in your household. If there were more than six people at your address on Census Test night, you can either complete the Census Test online or get an extra paper form.

People who subscribed to Census Test updates through myGov got a message sent to their myGov Inbox with a link to complete the Census Test. Use the link in this message to complete the Census Test online form. 

If you got a letter or paper form and you've subscribed through myGov, please complete it in your preferred way. 

There's support available if you need help to do your Census Test.

• There are a range of help and support options available to assist you to complete your form.
• For help in your language, call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) on 131 450.
• If you’re d/Deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech or communication difficulty, the National Relay Service (NRS) can help you to contact us. Visit the NRS website for further assistance.
• In some areas, there will be Census field staff who can show you how to fill in the form.
• Find where to get help near you.
• Contact us for help and support.