Gives directives for sampling shaped refractory products and for obtaining, from a sample of the smallest possible size, the most precise assexxment possible, of the quality of a consignment. The methods described make it possible to carry out an acceptance test based on an assessment of the extent to which the specifications have been observed, but do not make it possible to determine whether the accepted consignment is suitable for a given application or to compare different qualities of parts for this same purpose.