What is this survey all about? Is this study conducted by the federal government?
The National Training, Education, and Workforce Survey is the nation's only source of detailed information on the education and work credentials held by the nation's adults. The survey provides important information to policymakers, researchers, industries, educational institutions, and other analysts on how people make career decisions, prepare for work, and move through the labor market. The survey is co-sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the U.S. Department of Education (ED), and is administered by the U.S. Census Bureau on behalf of NSF and ED.
How is the information used?
The survey data provides important information about the education and career paths of the nation's adults. These data help inform decisions about how to best utilize limited resources in the areas of research, education, and job training. The results of the survey are used by:
- Government policymakers and labor economists to better understand the supply and demand of workers in science and technical fields.
- University administrators and academic researchers to make educational policy decisions.
- Employers in all sectors, such as education, industry, and the government, to look at trends in worker qualifications and earnings.
- Organizations that counsel students or workers who seek education or career information.
Why should I participate in this survey?
This survey is designed so that the responses of a few thousand individuals will accurately represent the American adult population. Once a person has been selected in the sample, we cannot substitute another person because it would harm the quality of the data we collect. If we do not obtain responses from the people selected, the study will not represent the American population and will not be useful for policy or research purposes. It is important that you participate so that the survey represents all Americans—especially people like you.
Should I participate if I am retired or not working?
The NTEWS includes people in every employment situation, including those who are not employed. Learning that you are not working and why is useful information to help understand how the American labor market functions and the "reserve pool" of potential workers.
Do I have to participate?
Your response is voluntary. You do not have to answer all of the questions.
Will my information be kept confidential? Some of these questions seem personal.
Yes, your responses to the survey are confidential. All information you provide will be reported in summary form only, so that people can't identify your individual answers. Per the Federal Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2015, your data are protected from cybersecurity risks through screening of the systems that transmit your data.
Under what authority are you collecting this data?
The NTEWS is collected under the authority of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended, the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010, and the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002. The U.S. Census Bureau is conducting this survey under the authority of Title 13, Section 8 of the United States Code. The NTEWS has been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB number 3145-0246, approval expires on 11/30/2024).
How long will this survey take?
Although individual times may vary, the average time to complete the survey online is about 15 minutes.
Where can I find the survey results?
Information about the data collected in the NTEWS can be found at the National Science Foundation (NSF) website: https://www.nsf.gov/statistics/data.cfm.
In addition, NSF publishes various reports on the science and engineering workforce (https://www.nsf.gov/statistics/reports.cfm).
Who is sponsoring the survey?
The National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Department of Education (ED) are co-sponsors. The NSF is an independent agency of the U.S. Government, established by the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, as amended. Their mission is to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; and to secure the national defense. The NSF is located in Alexandria, Virginia. Located in Washington D.C., ED was established in 1978. ED's mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.
I thought the Census Bureau only conducted a census every 10 years, when they counted people. What is the Census Bureau doing now?
That's correct, the Census Bureau conducts a census of people every 10 years. However, we also conduct monthly, quarterly, and yearly surveys that collect information on the labor force, retail and wholesale trade, household expenses, household income, and education. Right now, the Census Bureau is collecting data regarding your education and career paths for the National Science Foundation and U.S. Department of Education.
Why do you need my phone number, address, email?
We need this information because we may be contacting you by phone, mail, or email to complete a follow-up survey in a couple of years.
How did you get my address/phone number/email address?
We try to keep up with the changes of address, phone number, and email of the persons in our sample. We use several means of obtaining contact information, such as directory assistance and the U.S. Postal Service.