This document outlines the test methods and procedures for carrying out externally loaded tests to assess susceptibility to hot cracking. The following tests are described: — Hot tensile tests — Varestraint and Transvarestraint test — Flat tensile test. The above tests can provide information about the hot cracking sensitivity of parent materials, weld metals and weldments. Assessment is based upon the measurement of the "brittle temperature range" (BTR) where hot cracks occur. This document applies primarily to austenitic stainless steels, nickel, nickel base and nickel copper alloys, weldments and welding consumables. However, the principles can be extended to other materials such as aluminium alloys and high strength steels by agreement between contracting parties.