ISO 12715:2014 introduces two metal reference blocks, the hemicylindrical-stepped (HS) block and the side-drilled-hole (SDH) block. ISO 12715:2014 establishes procedures for measuring the sound beam profiles generated by probes in contact with the test object. The probes include straight-beam, angle-beam (refracted compressional and refracted shear wave), focused beam, and dual-element probes. The side dimension of the probe has to be no greater than 25 mm.

The methodology of ISO 12715:2014 provides guidelines for probes to be used for different metals including forged or rolled steel, aluminium, or titanium alloy products. The frequency range of the probes used in ISO 12715:2014 extends from 1 MHz to 15 MHz, where 1 MHz to 5 MHz is best suited for steels and 5 MHz to 15 MHz is best for fine grain structured alloys such as aluminium products.