How a Guinness World Records™ is achieved

Right from the very outset the Guinness World Records have been synonymous with superlatives. As an institution it is recognised worldwide and famous for its verification and authentication of world records. Guinness World Records holds the most comprehensive archive of world records of any kind.

Every one of the records recognised by Guinness World Records must be professionally evaluated. A team of record managers are responsible for guaranteeing the factual correctness of the records. In all of their work, the record managers are obliged to adhere to the following strict principles: neutrality, objectivity, conscientiousness and precision. An accomplishment or fact is only recognised as a record when it is clear, verified, confirmable and beyond any doubt.

The record must always be carried out in the presence of several independent eyewitnesses. In addition to the presence of eyewitnesses, film and photographs are also to be submitted to the Guinness World Records head office in London. Successful records will at best earn a place in the Guinness Book of World Records with these pictures. Verifications from the press such as newspaper clippings are also a readily accepted form of proof.

With a total of 105 million copies sold worldwide, the Guinness Book of World Records is the most sold, most copyright-protected book in the world — making it a world record holder itself.