This part of EN 658 specifies the conditions for determination of the interlaminar shear strength of ceramic matrix composite materials with continuous fibre reinforcement at room temperature, by loading a notched test specimen in compression. This method applies to all ceramic matrix composites with a continuous fibre reinforcement unidirectional (1D) and bidirectional (2D) and tridirectional (xD, with 2 < x < 3) as defined in ENV 13233, loaded along one principal axis of reinforcement. Two other methods for the determination of shear strength are given in further parts of EN 658. NOTE 1 The interlaminar shear characteristics can vary significantly depending on test specimen preparation and dimensions, rate of application of the test force, surface condition, etc. NOTE 2 However, results obtained by this part of EN 658 cannot be compared with results obtained by the two other methods. NOTE 3 Care should be exercised in interpreting the results of the proposed testing methods to obtain absolute values of the interlaminar shear strength of ceramic matrix composites for design purposes.