# How do I pick a test?

Once a model is added, the Tests table lists the tests you can check it against. Pick a predefined test under Public, an IDS file of your own under Yours, or one you build in the IDS editor, and tick Model health to check the file itself. A line above Run checker says what the check will do.

Updated 1 November 2026

## Pick a test, step by step

1. [Add your model](https://ifcchecker.com/help/add-models/). The **Tests** table opens under the list of files.
2. Read the table. Each test has a row with its name, who wrote it, its market and public body, and its version. The rows are in two sections: **Yours**, the IDS files you added and your IDS editor draft, and **Public**, the predefined tests.
3. To find a test, type in the search box above the table. It finds a test by its name or its market.
4. Choose a row to pick the test. The row is marked, and a **Run checker** line says what the check will do, for example the model, the test and how many rules it has.
5. For a test that comes in stages, choose your project's stage on the Stage line under the test's row ([which stage](https://ifcchecker.com/help/predefined-tests/#stages)).
6. Look at **Model health** above the table. It is ticked when you add a model, so the file itself is checked as well ([what it checks](https://ifcchecker.com/help/model-health/)). Untick it to leave out the other file checks. A file that cannot be read in full is reported either way. Leave it ticked with no test to check the file alone.
7. To pick another test, choose its row. To start again, choose **Clear IDS** under the table. Then choose **Run checker**.

## Three ways to a test

- **A predefined test.** A set of IDS rules that IFC Checker wrote after a public requirement document, such as COBie, or the IFC Checker sample checks, which show how a check works. [Which predefined test and phase to pick](https://ifcchecker.com/help/predefined-tests/).
- **Your own IDS file.** If your client gave you an IDS file, drop it with the model. It is listed under **Yours**. [How to check against your own IDS](https://ifcchecker.com/help/your-own-ids/).
- **A test you build.** Open the **IDS editor** and write the rules yourself, or start from a predefined test and change it. The draft you are working on is listed under **Yours** as **IDS editor** while you have one. [How to write an IDS](https://ifcchecker.com/help/write-an-ids/).

## Versions

Each public test shows its version. Choose the version button on its row to list the versions of the test, with the current one marked. While a test has only one, a grey line says no other version is published yet.

## When Run checker waits

**Run checker** waits until something is picked. The hint beside it says "**Pick an IDS, Model health, or both.**". A test that comes in stages is picked at its first stage: choose a later stage on the Stage line if your project is further on. When it is ready, the line takes the hint's place. It names the model, the test with its stage and number of rules, and **Model health** if it is ticked.

## Keep reading

Next: [Which predefined test and stage?](https://ifcchecker.com/help/predefined-tests/)

Related:

- [Which predefined test and stage?](https://ifcchecker.com/help/predefined-tests/)
- [How do I check against my own IDS file?](https://ifcchecker.com/help/your-own-ids/)
- [What does Model health check?](https://ifcchecker.com/help/model-health/)

[Workflows and help](https://ifcchecker.com/help/) / [Picking the test](https://ifcchecker.com/help/collections/tests/)