This article explores why structural element and subcomponent testing are conducted. It discusses the different types of failure modes in composites, and provides information on the testing methodology, fixturing, instrumentation, and data reporting. The article reviews various standard elements used to characterize composite materials for the various failure modes. Simple structural-element testing under in-plane unidirectional, multidirectional, and combined loading, as well as out-of-plane loading are discussed. Simple bolted and bonded joints, as well as data correlation are reviewed with analytical predictions. The article also provides a list of the ASTM testing standards applicable at the element level of testing...