What’s the Difference Between NIJ Listed and NIJ Compliant?

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) does not "certify" body armor. Instead, it operates the Compliance Testing Program (CTP) to determine whether body armor meets its performance standards. Armor that successfully passes this testing is listed on the NIJ Compliant Products List (CPL).

Here’s how the process works:

1. Manufacturers submit armor to the NIJ Compliance Testing Program.
2. The armor is tested at an NIJ-approved independent laboratory.
3. If the submitted armour meets all requirements, the NIJ adds it to the Compliant Products List (CPL).
4. Manufacturers are subject to annual follow-up testing and inspections to ensure ongoing compliance.
5. Armor that is officially NIJ compliant will have the NIJ logo on the label. If there is no official NIJ logo, the armor is not NIJ compliant and is not included on the CPL.

NIJ Listed vs. NIJ Compliant

• NIJ Listed:
  • The armor has successfully passed NIJ's official testing protocols.
  • It is included in the NIJ Compliant Products List (CPL).
  • The manufacturer is subject to annual random testing.
  • The armor will have the official NIJ logo on its label.
• NIJ Compliant (Industry Term, Not Official NIJ Designation):
  • The armor may have been tested to NIJ standards, but not through the official NIJ process.
  • It is not listed on the CPL.
  • Some manufacturers use this term even if their products have never been formally tested by the NIJ.
  • There is no official oversight or follow-up testing by the NIJ.
  • If there is no NIJ logo on the label, the armor is not officially NIJ compliant.

Why It Matters

• NIJ Listed armor has been independently tested and verified through the official NIJ process.
• Armor labeled “NIJ Compliant” (but not listed on the CPL) has no guarantee of meeting NIJ standards.
• To ensure a product has been officially tested, always check the NIJ Compliant Products List (CPL) and look for the NIJ logo on the label.

You can verify whether armor is NIJ-listed by checking the official CPL on the NIJ’s website