The global round of censuses in low- and middle-income countries is characterized by the adoption of new technologies in mapping and data collection to improve data quality. As the transition from paper to electronic data collection demands many new skills, methods, and technologies, a pilot census is critical for testing these new systems to ensure a successful census.

The U.S. Census Bureau's Tool for Assessing Pilot Electronic Censuses (TAPEC) is a comprehensive assessment tool designed for national statistical offices (NSOs) to evaluate and document an electronic pilot census of population and housing. The primary objective of the TAPEC is to systematically assess pilot electronic censuses and assist NSOs in identifying critical issues to address before the execution of the full census.

The TAPEC:

• Standardizes important census operations in a structured and user-friendly format (e.g. sampling, training, and CAPI application).
• Incorporates feedback from all operational personnel involved in a pilot electronic census, in addition to field observers.
• Evaluates feedback across 11 modules.
• Compiles issues in a single report.

The TAPEC toolkit includes:

• Instructions
• Field observation form
• Field debriefing forms
• Assessment workbook
  • 11 modules that cover various aspects of the pilot census
  • Operational Pilot Data spreadsheet
  • Report on Issues