The standard test method for Knoop and Vickers Hardness Testing of Materials is ASTM E384. Test loads are are typically in the range of 100 to 500 gram, however can be as low as 1 gram and as high as 1,000 grams. A geometrically similar indentation at all test forces is usually produced by the Vickers indenter. ISO 6507 specifies the Vickers hardness test method for the three different ranges of test force for metallic materials, including hard metals and other cemented carbides.

Using ASTM E10 Brinell testing is a method of hardness testing using a tungsten carbide ball as the indenter. The indenter is brought into contact with the planar surface of a test specimen and held with a test force for a specified dwell time. The magnitude of the force and the diameter of the ball can vary depending on the material being tested. Methods of direct and indirect verification of testing machines used for determining Brinell hardness in accordance with ISO 6506‑1 and when these two types of verification have to be performed are specified by ISO 6506.