When it comes to ballistic protection, understanding how armor is tested—and what those results actually mean—can be the difference between trusted performance and dangerous guesswork.

Two global standards dominate how armor is evaluated:

NIJ 0101.07 (United States)
VPAM, including VPAM PM and VPAM BRV/BA (Europe)

Each serves the same essential purpose—ensuring reliable protection against ballistic threats—but differs in approach, structure, and scope.

Whether you're assessing body armor for law enforcement, vehicle protection for military use, or simply seeking clarity on compliance, knowing the difference between these standards matters.

This guide breaks down how NIJ and VPAM testing works, what sets them apart, and how to determine which standard best aligns with your needs.

What Is NIJ 0101.07?

NIJ 0101.07 is the U.S. government’s standard for ballistic-resistant body armor. It’s widely adopted across law enforcement agencies and government procurement programs.

NIJ Protection Levels:

HG1 & HG2 – Handgun rounds (e.g., 9mm, .44 Magnum)
RF1, RF2, RF3 – Rifle threats (e.g., 7.62×39mm, 5.56mm M855, 7.62 NATO)
HG3 – Pilot testing for enhanced handgun protection

Key Testing Features:

Multi-shot testing protocols
Strict pre-conditioning (heat, moisture, mechanical stress)
Backface deformation (BFD) limit of 44mm

What Is VPAM?

VPAM stands for Vereinigung der Prüfstellen für angriffshemmende Materialien und Konstruktionen, a European body that defines ballistic test standards. VPAM splits testing into two key frameworks:

VPAM PM – Material-Level Testing

Focuses on specific calibers and velocities
Levels range from PM1 to PM14
Includes advanced threats like AP rounds and .50 cal

Examples:

PM3 = 9mm
PM6 = 7.62×39mm (AK-47)
PM9 = 7.62×51mm AP
PM13–14 = .50 BMG and 14.5mm API

Backface deformation limit: 25mm

VPAM BRV/BA – System-Level Testing

Used for vehicles, riot gear, and full armor assemblies
Levels 1–9 reflect increasing ballistic resistance
Simulates real-world angles, shot spacing, and energy loads

NIJ vs. VPAM: Detailed Comparison

Comparison: VPAM PM vs. NIJ Standard 0101.07

Side-by-Side Level Comparison

Which Standard Should You Use?

Use NIJ 0101.07 if:

You supply U.S. law enforcement or federal agencies
You need NIJ certification for contracts
Your threats are primarily U.S.-based calibers

Use VPAM PM or BRV if:

You serve NATO or international clients
You need AP or .50 cal protection
You test transparent armor or vehicle armor systems

Final Thoughts

Choosing between NIJ and VPAM isn’t just about compliance—it’s about mission context and real-world threats. Both standards are rigorous, but they measure different aspects of ballistic protection.

At IntelAlytic, we help teams make informed decisions by analyzing test data, mapping global certification frameworks, and maintaining the world's most comprehensive ballistic armor database: The Armor List.

Glossary of Key Ballistic Terms

Backface Deformation (BFD): The dent or bulge on the back of armor after a bullet hits it, measured to ensure it won’t cause serious injury. NIJ allows up to 44mm; VPAM allows 25mm.

Ballistic Threat: The type of projectile (e.g., bullet) armor is tested against, such as handgun rounds (9mm) or rifle rounds (7.62mm).

AP Rounds: Armor-piercing bullets with a hard core (e.g., steel or tungsten) designed to penetrate armor. VPAM tests these; NIJ does not.

Conditioning: Pre-test treatment of armor (e.g., heat, moisture, or mechanical stress) to simulate real-world wear and tear.

PM Levels (VPAM): VPAM’s material testing scale (PM1 to PM14), where each level corresponds to a specific bullet type and speed (e.g., PM3 = 9mm, PM14 = 14.5mm API).

HG/RF Levels (NIJ): NIJ’s protection levels for body armor, with HG (Handgun) for pistols and RF (Rifle) for rifles (e.g., HG1 = 9mm, RF3 = 7.62 NATO).