SHARP (the Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme) is a British government quality ratings scheme for motorcycle helmets, established in 2007.
SHARP tests shop-bought helmets, seven for each model, using 32 tests which aim to measure the protection they offer the brain in impacts at a variety of speeds and against both flat surfaces and kerbs. It rates the helmet models from one to five stars, and states that a five star helmet "offers good levels of protection right around the helmet."
Nigel Mills of the University of Birmingham criticised the SHARP scheme in a paper in 2009, examining its testing of rotational acceleration, despite SHARP using the test procedures specified in British Standard 6658 and also the UN ECE (United Nations) Regulation 22.
The UK's Transport Research Laboratory delivered a detailed response addressing the Nigel Mills paper in November 2009. Technical response to Nigel Mills paper
SHARP has been given two prestigious road safety awards; the Prince Michael International Road Safety Award (2013, Motorcycle category) in recognition of its outstanding contribution to improving road safety and the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) annual Road Safety Award recognising achievements in helping motorcyclists.
Some retailers of helmets use SHARP star ratings as a selection criterion.