The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) writes widely known safety standards, then an independent testing laboratory called the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) ensures that manufacturers design helmets that are up to par. The ASTM/SEI testing standard requires impact and retention tests, as well as a visor test to make sure that the visor breaks away or flexes without injuring the face.

European standards are put together by a committee comprised of representatives from countries in the EU. In addition to impact, retention, and visor tests, these safety standards demand that helmets withstand penetration and crushing. The inclusion of the latter two tests is thought to produce safer helmets than those only certified to ASTM standards by SEI.

The Snell Foundation uses what is considered the most demanding testing procedure for riding helmets. Their tests include all aspects of the other certifications but with more stringent standards. Snell drops the helmets from a greater height during the impact test onto a variety of differently-shaped anvils, has the highest crush resistance rating, and ensures the helmet offers sufficient head coverage without sacrificing the rider's field of vision.

MIPS, or Multi-Directional Impact Protection System, is an additional layer embedded in some helmets to reduce strain on the brain upon a fall. When the helmet makes contact with a surface, the low-friction MIPS layer allows the head to move 10 to 15 mm in all directions to dissipate impact on the brain.

ERT, or Energy Reduction Technology, consists of soft polymer pads incorporated into the helmet design that mitigates rotational and linear impact. With the motto "Softer is Safer", ERT works immediately and is most effective with lower-impact falls.