The need for standardisation is put in context, and the possibly conflicting views of the researcher and the test-house discussed. It will be shown that there is no conflict since both types of activity require reliable measurements which can only be obtained through the implementation of a proper quality system supported by internationally agreed standard test procedures. The work of relevant national and international standards committees is reviewed, and pre-normative and co-normative research needs are summarized. Prenormative research is, in general, well supported in Europe through the Standards Measurement and Testing Programme, while on a wider international scale the VAMAS organisation offers potential for this activity in the field of test methods for thin coatings. This review defines the needs for future work in this area, and it is surprising that many well established methods of test do not have appropriate standards. Examples of recent and current standards work are given, together with their validation by carrying out international intercomparisons.