Understanding NIJ Standards: IIIA vs III vs IV

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) publishes the most widely referenced ballistic standards in the world. This article explains the practical differences between the main levels.

What Does "0101.06" Mean?

NIJ 0101.06 is the current standard for ballistic resistance of body armor. Each level defines specific test rounds, velocities and backface deformation limits.

Why Standard Selection Matters

Products tested to the same standard may still perform differently due to material quality, design and manufacturing process. Always request the test certificate and verify it is from an accredited laboratory.