MEF Document Numbers Explained
MEF #: When a new project is approved by the relevant MEF Committee, MEF Staff assign it a unique MEF number. Once assigned, numbers are never re-used, even if no MEF Standard or Draft Standard is ever published using that number.
MEF Standards are numbered MEF X.Y.Z
- X = a new Major Standard. When the trailing integers are not shown, it means that they are zero, e.g., MEF X is the same as MEF X.0.0.
E.g. MEF 55 - Y = a new Version of a major standard. As the standards evolve, they are assigned a decimal-based numeric suffix.
E.g. MEF 55.1
Such a standard is self-contained and replaces all standards with a lower value of Y.
E.g. MEF 55.1 replaces MEF 55. MEF 55.2 replaces MEF 55.1. - Z = an Amendment to an existing major standard. An amendment can correct errors or add new material to the major standard; it is not self-contained and so uses the same base number with a second decimal-based numeric suffix. A major standard can have multiple amendments.
E.g. MEF 55.0.1, MEF 55.0.2
A complete standard = the major standard + all amendments.
E.g. MEF 55.1, MEF 55.1.1, and MEF 55.1.2 all apply.
Working Drafts: Until the standard is approved, the working standard is referenced using a ‘W’ prefix. Published standards are available to the public; working standards are available to members only.
E.g. MEF W55
Draft Standards: To obtain additional community input, pre-published standards may be made available to the general public prior to letter ballot and ratification by the Board. They are numbered MEF X.Y.Z Draft (RU). MEF X.Y.Z is the MEF Standard of which the Draft Standard is an early version. U is the Release Number of the Draft Standard.
E.g. MEF 10.4 Draft (R2) is the 2nd Draft Standard of what will be MEF 10.4 when published as a MEF Standard.
Published Standards: Each standard goes through a rigorous process of defining requirements, editing, and multiple calls-for-comments before reaching the letter ballot. To move forward, each stage requires a successful vote from the Membership. Once a letter ballot is passed, it is formally approved by the Board of Directors and published here.
