The main purpose of this paper is to investigate the nano-indentation test method and validation of its finite element simulation (FE). In the first stage, a series of nano-indentation tests were performed on the Al-Al2O3 nanocomposites by using Triboscope system and Berkovich indenter to obtain its hardness. To prepare the Al-Al2O3 nanocomposites, a pre-alloyed powder was milled in a planetary ball mill followed by cold compaction and sintering. Then in the second stage, the nano-indentation process on Al-Al2O3 nanocomposites was simulated by a 2D axisymmetric finite element (FE) model. Using the same projected area to depth function as the standard Berkovich indenter, a conical indenter with half angle 70.3 degrees was considered in simulations. The results showed that, a homogenous distribution of the nanosized Al2O3 particles in the Al matrix was achieved after 20 h milling. The young's modulus, yield strength, and hardness of the produced nanocomposite were increased than the pure aluminum. The results of load-displacement curve obtained from the finite element simulation of non-sharp indenter showed a good agreement with that obtained from the nano-indentation experiment. The scatter of the FE results than the experimental results in the pure aluminum is smaller than that observed for the nanocomposite. (C) 2016 The Society of Powder Technology Japan. Published by Elsevier B.V. and The Society of Powder Technology Japan. All rights reserved.