Residual stress is an internal stress, which remains existing after eliminating the external force or uneven temperature field and other effects. This residual stress has a significant effect on the mechanical properties of the components, which can cause the warp, distortion, or even cracking in parts. Quantitative measurement of the residual stress is of great significance to change the fatigue life and prevent the brittle failure of the components. A variety of test methods of residual stress measurement. This paper introduces the principle and the research progress of destructive and nondestructive testing methods. The accuracy influencing factors and the improvement in measuring instruments are also investigated. The advanced instruments and their suppliers are surveyed on the market. Aiming at an improvement for the deformation of the blind hole and the borehole eccentricity, plastic area radius, internal microstructure, zero drift, measurement, the improved methods are put forward and the prospect of stress testing technology is also discussed.