Standards have existed since the beginning of recorded history. The process of standardization has set the stage for immense gains in collaboration, productivity, and innovation. Standards allow us to find collective harmony within a society that grows increasingly complex. Familiarity with a standards’ organization and knowledge of its contents is important in order to be proficient in its use. This chapter provides a history of standards, overview of the types of standards, development, maintenance, accreditation, and compliance of standards.