To evaluate the performance of plasma facing materials (PFM) and components for future thermonuclear fusion devices under the expected operation conditions, an in-depth material characterization and extensive high heat flux simulation tests are performed routinely in electron beam test facilities. These experiments cover both, thermal fatigue tests with power densities up to approx. 20 MWm(-2) and thermal shock loads with deposited energy densities of several MJm(-2). In addition, irradiation experiments have been performed in material test reactors to investigate the neutron induced material degradation.