NIJ 0101.07 vs NIJ 0101.06: Key Differences Explained

What’s New in NIJ 0101.07 vs NIJ 0101.06?

The latest update to body armor certification standards, NIJ 0101.07, brings some significant changes for both manufacturers and end users. The biggest change? The NIJ has split the body armor testing methods and the ballistic protection levels into two separate documents.

• NIJ 0101.07 focuses on testing methods and performance requirements.

• NIJ 0123.00 defines the specific ballistic threat levels and the test ammunition used.

This update allows the NIJ to adjust threat levels more quickly as new ammunition becomes common in real-world threats—without rewriting the entire certification process. This flexibility helps law enforcement agencies and armor manufacturers respond faster to emerging risks while still ensuring consistent, reliable testing.

Why Did the NIJ Create a New Standard After NIJ 0101.06?

The last major update to NIJ body armor standards was in 2008, with the release of NIJ 0101.06. In the years since, criminal threats have evolved, new ammunition types have become more common, and better testing technology has emerged.

One major gap in the previous standard was the lack of official testing for 5.56x45mm and 7.62x39mm rifle rounds, both of which are now frequently encountered in domestic crime.

Additionally, the rise of female law enforcement officers highlighted the need for improved fit and gender-specific armor testing process to ensure women get the same level of protection as their male counterparts.

What Are the Biggest Changes in NIJ 0101.07?

Several key changes make NIJ 0101.07 the most comprehensive body armor standard yet:

• New Threat Levels Added: 5.56x45mm and 7.62x39mm are now official test rounds, covered under the new RF1 and RF2 ratings.

• Simplified Naming System: The old Roman numeral system (II, IIIA, III, IV) is gone. In its place:

• HG1 and HG2 for handgun threats

• RF1, RF2, and RF3 for rifle threats

• Female Armor Testing: Specific testing methods now account for the unique fit and ballistic vulnerabilities of body armor designed for women.

• More Realistic Testing: Soft armor faces new shot placements at vulnerable areas, and hard armor is now tested with shots directly targeting high-stress areas like the plate's crown.

• Water Submersion Testing: Soft armor must now pass testing after being fully submerged for 30 minutes, ensuring it holds up in rain, sweat, or high humidity.

• Two Separate Standards: Ballistic threats (0123.00) and testing methods (0101.07) are now separate, allowing the NIJ to update threats faster without rewriting the entire certification process.

What is the New RF2 Rating?

Based on the available data from the FBI regarding shootings in the US, the RF2 rating is set to become the gold standard for rifle-rated body armor.

If you’re buying new rifle-rated armor, RF2 is likely the best choice for real-world threats. Why?

• It covers M855 "green tip" 5.56x45mm rounds, a common threat in the U.S.

• It also protects against 7.62x39mm, a frequent caliber used in criminal activity.

• It offers meaningful rifle protection without the extreme weight of RF3, which is designed for the less common .30-06 M2 armor-piercing round.

We like to think of it as the Goldilocks plate - the perfect sweet spot between protection, weight, and practicality. For anyone serious about real-world rifle protection, RF2 should be at the top of their shortlist.

How Premier Body Armor Stayed Ahead of NIJ 0101.07

While Premier Body Armor was not directly involved in writing NIJ Standard 0101.07, Premier Body Armor has been actively engaged in the development and implementation of NIJ Standard 0101.07 by participating in numerous sessions and training workshops organized by the NIJ Compliance Testing Program (CTP).

By attending these sessions, Premier Body Armor ensures its products align with the latest requirements. This proactive involvement demonstrates our ongoing commitment to both law enforcement and civilian safety.

How NIJ 0101.07 Shapes Premier Body Armor’s Future Products

At Premier Body Armor, we’ve been developing next-generation plates for years, well before NIJ 0101.07 was finalized.

Our Fortis GT plate, for example, was built to stop M855 green tip long before RF2 was created. This forward-thinking approach ensures our customers always have future-ready gear.

We’ll continue pushing the envelope, designing plates to exceed both the current and future standards, ensuring you stay protected—no matter how threats evolve.

What Does NIJ 0101.07 Mean for Your Existing Armor?

For current owners of pre-0101.07 body armor, the impact is minimal. If you already own Premier Body Armor plates certified under NIJ 0101.06, no need to panic.

Our plates are designed to exceed existing performance standards. Many already meet or exceed RF1 and RF2 performance, even if they were originally tested under the older guidelines.

The NIJ 0101.06 standard will likely remain relevant for years. Some key points to remember:

• Steel Plates May Struggle: Steel armor plates could have a tough time passing RF1 because of the high velocity of M193 rounds.

• Handgun Armor Remains Consistent: HG1 and HG2 levels closely match the old Level II and IIIA, so there’s little change for pistol-rated gear.

• Certification Takes Time: With only five NIJ-certified labs handling thousands of body armor manufacturers, getting every product re-certified will take years.

Bottom line: If you own quality armor from a reputable manufacturer like Premier Body Armor, you’re already well-protected. NIJ 0101.07 is great for future buyers, but it doesn’t make existing plates obsolete.