Evaluating spontaneous combustion tendency of sulfide ores before actually mining is one of the most effective measures for preventing metal mines from causing spontaneous combustion fires. The present test methods for assessing spontaneous combustion tendency of sulfide ores, including oxygen-adsorption velocity test, traditional crossing-point temperature test, adiabatic oxidation test, comprehensive test, wire-mesh basket crossing point temperature method, temperature programmed oxidation method, and TG-DSC test, are systematically discussed. The test mechanism, operation procedures, excellences and drawbacks for some test methods are set forth. Based on the characteristics of these methods, five types of them are classified, and the future development direction for the spontaneous combustion tendency test of sulfide ores is also looked into.