[en] ITER requires routine operation at 15 MA to achieve Q = 10 in H-mode. The main constraints for ITER operation are the proposed additional heating power, the capabilities of the poloidal field set and the maximum power loads to the first wall components. An example of the restricted operational space in ITER is the specification to stay within a range of l_i = 0.7 - 1.0. In dedicated experiments all aspects of the discharge scenario have been studied ranging from the current rise phase, the performance during the flat top phase, and a safe ramp down of the plasma. New data are obtained from several devices (C-Mod, ASDEX Upgrade, DIII-D, JT-60U and JET), with key/unique contributions from each of the different machines. This overview summarises and compares the results obtained and documents the requirements for successful operation of the H-mode reference scenario at q₉₅ ∼ 3 and the hybrid scenario at q₉₅ = 4 - 5.5. These dedicated experiments are supported by interpretation of the plasma discharges with several scenario modelling codes (ASTRA, CRONOS, JETTO, TSC, CORSICA and DINA). The new experimental data provide vital input in validating the transport models used in extrapolating the results to ITER. (author)