Although the strategy of rock characterization is a function of the engineering objectives, the tactical approach to individual tests can be standardized. The advantages in doing this are that: (a) the standardization guidance is helpful to anyone conducting the test; (b) the results obtained by different organizations on rocks at different sites can be compared in the knowledge that 'like is being compared with like'; and (c) there is a source of recommended procedures for use in contracts, if required. Also, there is an increasing move towards paying contractors according to the quality of the rock, and it is only through the use of some form of stan- dardized procedures that one can hope to determine the quality objectively. These are the practical advantages. There is no intention in the minds of those producing these standards that they should in any way inhibit the further development of rock mechanics and rock engineering. In fact, most research projects and many engineering projects will take the testing procedures beyond these standards. The International Society for Rock Mechanics Commission on Testing Methods has been producing Suggested Methods for rock testing and characterization since 1978, and these are widely used. There are also national bodies which produce standards for their own countries. In particular, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), via Committee D18.12, has produced an extensive series of methods for rock testing. There are many other countries which have their own wide range of standards. To illustrate the ISIW and ASTM test methods that are available for testing rock, we have compiled Table 11.1(in which the publications are listed chronologically).