The National Training, Education, and Workforce Survey (NTEWS) is a federal survey sponsored by the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES), within the National Science Foundation, and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), within the U.S. Department of Education. The U.S. Census Bureau conducts the NTEWS data collection for NCSES and NCES.

Starting with its first administration in 2022, the NTEWS will be conducted approximating every two years and will follow a random sample of adults over the course of eight years. The survey provides data on the number and characteristics of individuals who have various education and work credentials, such as high school diplomas, college degrees industry-recognized certifications, and state licenses. The survey will also follow individual’s paths into and out of the workforce. All adults, including those who do not work, are important to the survey, and will be included in future reports. NCSES will also use the survey to look at adults without a college degree who are working in scientific and technical jobs.

NCSES and NCES will use the NTEWS information to prepare congressional mandated reports, such as the NCSES biennial reports Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering and Science and Engineering Indicators as well as the NCES annual reports The Condition of Education and Digest of Education Statistics. These reports enable NCSES and NCES to fulfill their legislative requirements to provide information on the education of Americans and on the science and engineering workforce.

This survey serves other additional purposes:

• Government agencies can use NTEWS data to assess the human capital (skills and knowledge) available to business, industry, and academia, and to inform the nation’s education and employment policies.
• Education and training institutions can use the NTEWS data to establish or modify curricula and offerings.
• Employers in all sectors (education, industry, and the government) can use the results to understand trends in employment opportunities and to evaluate the effectiveness of equal opportunities efforts.

The key information collected on the NTEWS include the following:

• Employment
  • Status
  • Primary work activity
  • Salary
• Education
  • Enrollment status
  • Highest level
  • Vocational certificates
• Credentials (license or certification)
• Work experience programs
• Background

The NTEWS collects data using three methods: an online survey, a mailed questionnaire, and a telephone interview. Some participants start with one data collection method, and some start with another. If you cannot respond using the method selected for you—for example, if you are asked to respond through the mailed questionnaire but cannot do so—you might be asked to respond online or by phone.

Thanks to our participants for completing the survey. It makes a difference!