Testing will be held at the East Mountain Library in Tijeras on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. In Torrance County, testing will be held at the Bethel Community Storehouse at 9 a.m. every Friday in January.

In Estancia, testing will be held at the Estancia Public Library at 10:30 a.m.

Testing will continue for three weeks in February also, according to Census Bureau staff.

Those testing are asked to bring two forms of identification, or a passport will work for both forms of ID. Those in the military are also encouraged to bring their military ID for credit on the test.

If the test is passed, a background test will be administered, then training.

The basic skills test is multiple-choice. Skills covered include reading, following written instructions, basic math and map reading. Applicants may retake the test to improve their score. In order to prepare for the test, a practice test is available online at http://2010.census.gov/2010censusjobs.

According to staff, the number of hours and time frame of work varies per employee and job.

All census takers must be able to read, write and speak English, but people who have bilingual skills are also needed.

East Mountains residents may contact the Albuquerque office for more information at 348-5340. The pay rate for census takers start at $12.75 an hour. Torrance County residents may contact the Santa Fe office at 505-216-9020. Pay for census takers starts at $12.25 an hour.