Research Guides: Engineering Standards: Find Major Standards Bodies

International & U. S. Standards Bodies

American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
AASHTO sets standards that are used in highway development. Topics covered include the design and construction of highways and bridges, the materials used, etc. AASHTO works as a liaison between state departments of transportation and the federal government.
American Nuclear Society (ANS)
develops standards for a variety of nuclear related topics, such as reactor safety, waste management, materials handling and transport, accident response, and software for the nuclear industry.
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
As the oldest engineering society in the United States, they develop and publish standards for the built environment.
ANSI (American National Standards Institute)
ANSI is the national coordinator of voluntary standards activities in the U.S. ANSI approves and publishes standards after they are developed by various engineering, industry and professional groups. ANSI is the U.S. representative to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). ANSI does not produce standards.
ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials)
ASTM develops and publishes national and international standards for materials, products, systems, and services.
Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
The Code of Federal Regulations is the codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the Executive Department and agencies of the Federal Government.
IBR Standards Portal: Standards Incorporated by Reference
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Incorporated by Reference (IBR) Portal provides a one-stop mechanism for access to standards that have been incorporated by reference in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). These standards incorporated by the U.S. government in rulemakings are offered at no cost in “read only” format and are presented for online reading. There are no print or download options.
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Standards Association (IEEE SA) is an operating unit within IEEE that develops global standards in a broad range of industries, including: power and energy, artificial intelligence systems, internet of things, consumer technology and consumer electronics, biomedical and health care, learning technology, information technology and robotics, telecommunication and home automation, automotive, transportation, home automation, nanotechnology, information assurance, emerging technologies, and many more.
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
IEEE develops standards through the IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA). IEEE-SA develops industry standards in a range of technologies, including aerospace electronics, health care IT, wired and wireless communications, computer technology, nanotechnology, nuclear power, and transportation. Institutional Access ONly
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
develops codes and standards to establish criteria for fire prevention in building processes and maintenance.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an international standard-setting body composed of representatives from various national standards organizations. Founded on 23 February 1947, the organization develops and publishes worldwide technical, industrial and commercial standards. It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and works in 166 countries.
Resources for Engineering Sstandards from GW
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
SAE International, formerly named the Society of Automotive Engineers, is a United States-based, globally active professional association and standards developing organization for engineering professionals in various industries. Principal emphasis is placed on global transport industries such as aerospace, automotive, and commercial vehicles. The organization adopted the name SAE International to reflect the broader emphasis on mobility.

Source:

M. Phillips and S. Huber, “Standards Resources for Engineering and Technology.,” ISTL, no. 87, Sep. 2017, doi: 10.29173/istl1711.

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
ASME is an international developer of standards for mechanical engineering developing standards for a wide variety of areas, including nuclear plants, pressure technology, performance testing, elevators, escalators, pipelines and piping, pumps, valves, fittings, gaskets, and hand tools.
ASTM International (formerly the American Society for Testing and Materials)
ASTM develops and publishes national and international standards for materials, products, systems, and services.
European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI)
ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) is an independent, not-for-profit, standardization organization in the field of information and communications. ETSI supports the development and testing of global technical standards for ICT-enabled systems, applications and services.
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC; in French: Commission électrotechnique internationale) is an international standards organization that prepares and publishes international standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies – collectively known as “electrotechnology”. IEC standards cover a vast range of technologies from power generation, transmission and distribution to home appliances and office equipment, semiconductors, fiber optics, batteries, solar energy, nanotechnology and marine energy as well as many others.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an international standard-setting body composed of representatives from various national standards organizations. Founded on 23 February 1947, the organization develops and publishes worldwide technical, industrial and commercial standards. It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland and works in 166 countries.
International Telecommunications Union (ITU)
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is an international organization that provides global telecommunication standards. ITU-T Recommendations (standards), form the foundations of the information and communications technologies of today.
ISO Online Browsing Platform (OBP): Engineering
Access the most up to date content in ISO standards, graphical symbols, codes or terms and definitions. Preview content before you buy, search within documents and easily navigate between standards.
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE International)
SAE develops standards for mobility engineering around the world. Standards are developed for aerospace, aerospace materials, ground vehicles, and the United States Council for Automotive Research (USCAR).
UL (formerly Underwriters Laboratories)
UL standards are used to assess products, test components, materials, systems and performance. As a global leader in applied safety science, UL Solutions transforms safety, security, and sustainability challenges into opportunities for customers in more than 100 countries.

ASSIST Quick Search
Search for defense and federal specifications and standards, and military handbooks.
Code of Federal Regulations
Browse the Code of Federal Regulations
Department of Energy Technical Standards Program
This is a narrow range of coverage --- specifically for the DOE Office of Nuclear Safety --- but illustrates how standards may be found on the webpages of federal agencies.
Federal Register
Published by the Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) , the Federal Register is the official daily publication for rules, proposed rules, and notices of Federal agencies and organizations, as well as executive orders and other presidential documents.
NISO: National Information Standards Organization
A non-profit association accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). Identifies, develops, maintains, and publishes technical standards.
NIST: National Institute of Standards and Technology
"NIST is a unique federal agency. Its mission is broad—to promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life."

ISO - the International Organization for Standardization
Develop and publish International Standards
Standards Store
"The source for engineering specifications, standards, manuals and technical publications." Handy for verifying titles, numbers, and editions.
Techstreet
"Techstreet keeps you connected to essential standards and codes from around the world."