Testing

What is testing?

 

Testing is a controlled process designed to identify differences in treatment accorded to individuals who are similar in every significant respect except the variable being tested (i.e. race or number of children). Testing allows us to measure and document differences in the quality, content, and quantity of information and services given to various home seekers by housing providers. It is a legal process by which the nature and extent of illegal housing discrimination can be ascertained. This process is also referred to as "auditing" or "shopping" and testers are sometimes referred to as "auditors" or "secret shoppers."

 

Who are testers?

 

Testers are individuals who pose as prospective candidates without any real intent to receive a loan, seek employment, or rent or purchase a home, apartment, or other dwelling. Instead, they take on these roles for the purpose of gathering information, to determine whether a loan, employment, or housing provider is complying with the law and to identify unlawful discrimination.

 

Why would I want to be a tester?

 

Your work is vital to ours: without testers, we couldn’t learn which organizations employ discriminatory practices.

 

Aside from knowing that you have actively helped combat civil rights violations, we provide monetary compensation for your time. Depending on the type of test, this can range from $10-$20 for a phone test and from $40-$100 for a site visit. We reimburse for mileage and reasonable travel expenses.

 

How can I become a tester?

 

To become a tester, you will have to attend a training session and successfully complete a practice test (for which you will be compensated).

 

To apply for a position, fill out the tester information sheet (TIS) below, then send the completed TIS, a cover letter, and a resume to pbrachman@equalrightscenter.org or fax it to 202.234.3106. If you have difficulty downloading the document, please send an e-mail requesting the TIS.

 

Tester Information Sheet (TIS)