diff --git a/test/test_encoding.py b/test/test_encoding.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..faf718ae6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/test_encoding.py
@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+from netlib import encoding
+
+def test_identity():
+    assert "string" == encoding.decode("identity", "string")
+    assert "string" == encoding.encode("identity", "string")
+    assert not encoding.encode("nonexistent", "string")
+    assert None == encoding.decode("nonexistent encoding", "string")
+
+
+def test_gzip():
+    assert "string" == encoding.decode(
+        "gzip",
+        encoding.encode(
+            "gzip",
+            "string"))
+    assert None == encoding.decode("gzip", "bogus")
+
+
+def test_deflate():
+    assert "string" == encoding.decode(
+        "deflate",
+        encoding.encode(
+            "deflate",
+            "string"))
+    assert "string" == encoding.decode(
+        "deflate",
+        encoding.encode(
+            "deflate",
+            "string")[
+            2:-
+            4])
+    assert None == encoding.decode("deflate", "bogus")