Different test setups have been reported in the literature for the determination of the embedment strengthin timber elements. These variances hinder a straightforward comparison between available test data. It is difficult todetermine if the source of variability lies in intrinsic timber properties or is related to the test protocol used. This paperaims to provide a better insight into the influence of embedment strength test methods, comparing experimental resultsfrom different test setups within the guidelines of EN 383 and ASTM D 5764-97a for Scots pine wood (Pinus sylvestris)and Spruce (Picea Abies). A robust statistical analysis was performed to identify statistically significant differencesbetween the groups evaluated. The analysis of the parallel to grain embedment strength showed that the results differedbetween standards, pointing out the potential bias inserted in the embedment properties given their evaluation method.Moreover, the thickness of the specimen tests also proved to influence the yield and ultimate embedment strength for thewood species tested.