The expediency of applying the test methods adopted for sinter and pellets in determining the mechanical strength of blastfurnace briquettes is considered. On the basis of numerical modeling, a comparison of the behavior of sinter, pellets and briquettes under the conditions of application of shock and abrasive loads in a drum sample, static compression loads and when dropped from a height is carried out. It is shown that due to the fundamental difference in the physical and mechanical properties of agglomerated products, an adequate assessment of the mechanical strength by traditional methods requires corrections. By the method of numerical modeling, a significant difference in the values of the maximum stress experienced by the pellet and the briquette in the backfill was determined, which justifies the decrease in the rejection limits for compressive strength for briquettes. When testing briquettes in a drum sample, one should take into account the peculiarity of their falling onto a metal surface. The rejection limits for testing briquettes in a drum sample should be adjusted. The fundamental importance of the drop strength test method for assessing the strength of blastfurnace briquettes is substantiated, as the most appropriate to the peculiarities of their delivery to the blast furnace. For the first time, the need to test briquettes for strength when exposed to gas flow is indicated.