X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), including X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) and extended X-ray absorption fine-structure spectroscopy (EXAFS), provides physical and chemical information on almost any element regardless of matrix or conditions. Experimental factors that are critical to successful measurements, including general beamline configuration and energy resolution, in situ cell design, detector gases and common artifacts are discussed. This review is intended to assist during experimental setup and data collection.