Be a part of ending discrimination by becoming a Civil Rights Tester for the Equal Rights Center (ERC).  The ERC is a national non-profit civil rights organization dedicated to promoting equal opportunity in housing, employment, public accommodations, and government services through education, research, testing, counseling, advocacy, and enforcement.

Testers work with the ERC to ensure that various entities are complying with local, state, and federal civil rights laws by gathering information to identify unlawful discrimination. Testers pose as “secret shoppers” seeking to rent an apartment, apply for employment, receive a loan, purchase a home, or procure a service. Testers are also important in assessing the accessibility of apartment buildings, businesses, and other entities to persons with disabilities.

Testers are paid volunteers who receive a stipend for their services, which range from approximately $20-$60 per test, depending on the type of test.  Testers conduct tests on a periodic, as-needed basis depending on the needs of the ERC’s investigations. 

To apply, please submit an application by completing both of the following 2 steps:

1)      Email your resume to tester@equalrightscenter.org; AND

2)      Submit an online pre-application form that can be found at the following link http://tiny.cc/testerpreapplication.

Applicants must complete both steps 1 and 2 to be considered. For more information, please visit www.equalrightscenter.org/tester.  For questions about testing, contact Sarah Pauly at 202-370-3225 or spauly@equalrightscenter.org.