In preparation for next year's census, 300 households across the Island were chosen for a pre-test, called a "dress rehearsal" by Government.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Acting Premier Elvin James explained the test is to "fine-tune the various operations planned for the 2010 census under as close to census like conditions as possible".

Census day will take place May 20, 2010.

Mr. James said participation was required by law, but confidentiality of all the information is protected by the Statistics Act 2002.

Two new initiatives are being tested this year including an online system for scheduling interviews and a set of new questions to refine the existing questions.

Interviewers will conduct interviews on weeknights and weekends, beginning today until the end of June, at homes across the Island.

Mr. James said the houses were chosen at random after 600 postcards were sent out to make sure householders would be in Bermuda while the interviews take place.

He said: "The results of the census pre-test questionnaire will assist in determining whether the questions are worded the best way and placed in appropriate order.

"Additionally, the pre-test data will be used to test the computer data processing system that will be employed during the actual census next year."

The Minister also said the census is the largest operation conducted by the Department of Statistics.

"It involves collecting, compiling, evaluating, analysing and distributing social, environmental, technological and economic information about Bermuda's people and how they live," he added.

Topics for the census include migration, childcare, fertility, health, income and housing.

The census will be conducted over all households in Bermuda.