[en] This paper proposes a methodology for optimizing check valve testing and maintenance activities. Generic Letter 89-04, open-quotes Guidance on Developing Acceptable Inservice Testing Programsclose quotes, and the 1989 Edition of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Code specify the current requirements for testing of check valves. Recent advances in technology and the trend toward performance-based approaches to testing and maintenance represent an opportunity to reduce check valve operation and maintenance costs. This paper describes an evaluation methodology that leads to the specification of an optimum set of inservice testing and maintenance activities for a plant check valve population. The process involves analyzing check valve performance based on preestablished performance attributes. Attributes include relative consequence of failure, historical reliability, maintenance frequency, physical degradation, and service fluid. Each check valve is numerically scored based on the valves' performance against the stated attributes. This score is used to justify a reprioritization of check valve work activities such that safety-significant (high-risk), poor performing valves receive a higher degree of maintenance and testing rigor, while good performing check valves receive less. Applying this methodology may allow justifications for alternative testing and maintenance to be developed and substantiated on the basis of valve performance characteristics versus across-the-board implementation of the ASME Code requirements