My husband and I are unfortunately looking for work (almost a year now) and we are thinking of volunteering (while we continue to search).  I called my doctor's office and the fee for a TB test (2 step required for the place we are applying at) is $50 each time, at a cost of $200 for the both of us. 

It's a bit steep considering our financial situation right now.

Has anyone obtained the test?  We sent emails to the volunteer coordinators asking for further info, but I can only hope the test is required if/when we are accepted, and not before?  We wouldn't want to take the test unless we know we have been accepted.

and I don't recall ever having to pay for one.  I don't know what province you're in but if you're in Ontario, why not try calling Public Health to see if they can be of any help.  I know many workers need to have a TB test to be cleared to work (food handlers, for example) and I don't think they have to pay.

Info here and a toll free number to OHIP

http://www.toronto.ca/health/tb_prevention/faq.htm

Marsha ~ I'm in Ontario.  Thanks for your info.

Carole ~ thanks for the link, I called and they confirmed what my family doctor's secretary said, I would have to pay the cost.  I'll continue to look at other volunteer jobs as well, not all of them require a TB test, such as working in admin.

1.  What about going through a public health unit? (do you have them in Ontario? - in Alberta a public health unit is the place you go for baby & child vaccinations or shots you may have before you go somewhere tropical - travel shots, or where home care may be based - public health nurses who go to people's homes for assistance, or where speech therapy may be set up for kids who need it, or pre-natal classes etc).  This is where I'd look first for the TB test in Alberta as detecting diseases that can be contagious is a public health issue.

2.  If there's a particular volunteer agency that really wants your assistance - could they possibly cover the costs for your volunteer work - the TB test or fee if you have to pay for a police criminal background check?  I wouldn't expect the volunteer agency to pay other costs - ie bussing or lunches - but if the TB test or other background checks are requirements it may be worth their while to help out the volunteers some.  Ask - the worst they can say is 'no' - but if they'll cover those costs, its win-win for them and you!

The public health unit in Toronto does not do them for free.

Gosh,I can't imagine a volunteer agency would have the resources to pay for the tests.

http://www.toronto.ca/health/tb_prevention/faq.htm

if this volunteer position is demanding expensive qualifications, I would gander a guess that they also do a lot of fundraising.... if the organisation wants to attract volunteers, I would think they can't go on the 'cheap' and expect unpaid volunteers to not only give of their time and expertise - but also pay for expensive background (police) checks and medical tests.  I've never heard of anyone requiring a TB test for volunteer 'staff' - so I'm guessing this particular group is working with medical patients (ie a nursing home? or other facility?) - By expecting volunteers to give on several levels (time, qualifications, funds) I would think that will discourage & turn off some potential excellent help.  By helping to cover some of the costs of volunteers - that's really part of the cost of some charities -- otherwise volunteering would be limited to the wealthy - eliminating those with restricted finances.

Wow, that's a ton of money to qualify to do volunteer work! I'd be looking for another volunteer opportunity, there are tons of options out there.