I have encountered problems with testing plans in countries other than the U.S., and, because Concrete International has a large worldwide readership, I feel that they should be aired. Accordingly, I would like to refer to European Standard (which is also a British Standard) BS EN 12504-1:2000. Because this standard was first published in 2000, it is not yet well- known. It is likely, however, that the standard will be used either as- is or in a modified form not only in Europe but also elsewhere, mainly in Commonwealth countries. An important feature of BS EN 12504-1 is that it says explicitly what it does not cover. The Fore- word states: "The standard ... does not consider a sampling plan." Notes to the section headed "Scope" say: "The standard does not give guidance on the decision to drill the cores or on the locations for drilling" and "This standard does not provide procedures for inter- preting the core strength results." These deliberate omissions mean