The work aims to fully understand the current research status of thermal test for transportation containers of radioactive materials, and put forward suggestions and opinions for the development of thermal test in China by comparing the experience of thermal test research and practice at home and abroad. The current status of thermal test technology abroad, as well as the practical experience and capacity building of thermal test in China were researched and analyzed, and the development direction of thermal test in China was sorted out. Main nuclear countries in the world developed the nuclear energy industry earlier and had carried out many related thermal test research. They have various types of thermal test devices, with high adaptability and maturity of methods and devices. In contrast, China has gradually mastered the thermal test methods for radioactive material transport containers, and has achieved certain results in thermal test simulation calculation capabilities and test platform construction. It is recommended to attach importance to the construction of thermal test simulation computing capabilities, carry out systematic thermal test research in an orderly manner, increase investment in tackling key challenges, optimize and improve existing thermal test methods and devices, and continue to promote the construction of thermal simulation computing and testing platforms for transportation containers.