The simplest test would be to try p2pool. They're very popular because of their simplicity: no need to register a username etc. Instead of username, you just plug in your coin receiving address. So:

CGMiner -o {p2pool URL & port} -u {your receiving address} -p {ignored. Type anything}

The instructions are on their site, and you can mine all sorts of different coins by changing to the appropriate port and using one of your receiving addresses for that coin.

Try it out!