What Should You Bring to the Census Test?

Prior to taking the Census employment test, you will need to fill in a job application form and prove your identity. You will need to bring either your US passport or two separate forms of I.D. with you when you go to take the Census test. If you are wondering what documents are eligible for proving your identification you can find a list here.

In summary, you will need to bring documents that prove your identity and your employment authorization. Your US passport, Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt Card should be sufficient. If you do not have these documents you can bring two items such as your Driver’s license and Social Security card, for example.

If you are a Veteran and you would like to apply for Veteran’s preference, you will need to bring a copy of Form DD-214 with you, as well as the SF-15, if applicable.

It is possible to download the two forms you will be asked to fill in, and bring the filled out forms with you. The two forms to be filled in are the Census Employment Application Form, and the I-9 Employment Eligibility Form. Since most people will be filling out the paperwork at the test site though, and you can’t start the exam before everyone is finished with these forms, you really don’t need to complete these forms in advance. Just make sure you have the appropriate identification with you and you can take care of the rest when you get there.

If you need glasses for reading, be sure to bring those with you as well!

If you brought a bag with you, the test supervisor will ask you to leave your bag beside your chair, so as not to have anything other than the test, the answer sheet and what you need to do the test (pencils, pen, eraser), on the table. You will not be able to use a calculator when taking the test. Pencils and scratch paper will be provided for you.

It is a good idea, if you bring your cell phone to leave it in your bag or pocket, and to put it on silent or vibrate mode so that you will not be distracted during the test and so that you will avoid distracting other test-takers. Testing time is short– only thirty minutes — and you do not want anything with you that will be a distraction during that time. You will be surprised how quickly the time goes, and many folks have been caught short and were unable to finish the test in the alloted time.