Abstract: A method for checking the operational readiness of a valve determines at least one measured value for a valve-specific parameter and compares it with a previously fixed value. The measured value is determined in a cold and unpressurized state of the valve and is compared with a value that is determined analytically from a function model of the valve, for the valve-specific parameter. An upper and a lower limiting value which are fixed for this analytically determined value are assigned to states of the valve that are still tolerable (design reserve). It is indicated that the valve is operationally ready when the measured value is between the upper and the lower limiting value.