The need for optimized as well as standardized test systems of novel antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) was discussed by experts in the field at the International Meeting on Antimicrobial Peptides (IMAP) 2017 and the 2019 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on Antimicrobial Peptides, and a survey related to this topic was circulated to participants to collate opinions. The survey included questions ranging from the relevance of susceptibility testing for understanding the mode of action of AMPs, to the importance of optimization and a degree of standardization of test methods and their clinical relevance. Based on the survey results, suggestions for future improvements in the research field are made.