Census Test

2007 Census Test

The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) undertook the first major field test for the next census on 13 May 2007. It formed part of the planning and testing programme leading up to the next census of Population and Housing for Northern Ireland in 2011.

The key aims of the test are to undertake:

An operational test of the proposed enumeration methodologies (enumerator delivery versus post-out plus local post-back);

An assessment of the suitability of the Northern Ireland Pointer Address database as the primary data source for the development of an authoritative address register to underpin 2011 Census operations;

An operational test of key innovative systems such as an operational intelligence system, and the interface between it and traditional systems; and

An examination of the impact of new questions (e.g. income, visitors, second residences) and revised questionnaire layout.

The 2007 Census Test was voluntary. Information returned on the forms will be treated as confidential and only used for statistical purposes and evaluation of the test. No information that could identify individuals or households will be disclosed to anyone outside the Census organisation.

A Census Test in parts of England and Wales was simultaneously undertaken by the Office for National Statistics. A Census Test in parts of Scotland was carried out by the General Register Office for Scotland in May 2006.

The following factsheets will provide some additional background information on the Northern Ireland 2007 Census Test, to view/download please click on the PDF icons:-

	Factsheet 1: The 2007 Census Test
	Factsheet 2: History of the Census
	Factsheet 3: All about the Census
	Factsheet 4: Questions, Questions, Questions: What the 2007 Census Test Will Ask and Why it Will Ask it

Further information on the Design of the Northern Ireland 2007 Census Test and Sample Size can be found Here.