Testing is akin to “secret shopping”. Testing is an investigative tool designed to gather objective information about an entity’s business practices or compliance with civil rights laws. A test is a simulated interaction or transaction between a tester and an entity.

Testers are individuals who pose as persons seeking certain services, accommodations, or opportunities (e.g. housing, employment, accessibility, goods or services, etc.) for the purpose of collecting information. The information gathered is analyzed, and may be used to determine an entity’s compliance with applicable standards for equal treatment.

That will depend on the type of test. For a housing test, you may be asked to go and view an apartment at an apartment complex. For an employment test, you may be asked to submit a resume or participate in an interview with a particular employer. For other tests, you may be asked to observe and record physical features of a particular store, restaurant, apartment unit, or other public place. After all tests, you will complete a factual, detailed and objective account of what transpired on your test.

No matter what type of test you are performing, the ERC will properly train and prepare you for the assignment.

The time required to complete a test will vary, and can range from less than an hour to several hours. Accepting test assignments is completely voluntary. However, if you accept a test assignment, it is crucial that you have time available to complete the test from start to finish. Since the time required to complete each test varies, you should ask the test coordinator how long they reasonably expect the test to take.

The ERC makes no guarantee of you receiving assignments. Tester availability, willingness to travel, and timely completion of report forms and narrative accounts are all factors in the ERC’s ability to provide assignments.

Yes. Testers are paid a flat rate for each test they complete plus approved expenses. The rate to be paid varies depending on the nature/type of test.

ERC uses your personal characteristics to properly match you for each specific test. All information that you provide is kept confidential.