HRESULT 0x80280153 (TPM_20_E_NEEDS_TEST): meaning and diagnosis

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A TPM function required by the command must complete self-testing before it can be used.

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TPM_20_E_PARENT	TPM_20_E_NO_RESULT

TPM_20_E_NEEDS_TEST

The capability exists but still requires testing

TPM_20_E_NEEDS_TEST maps to TPM_RC_NEEDS_TEST. TPM 2.0 may defer testing of algorithms or functional blocks until they are first needed. This response indicates that the requested operation depends on a function whose self-test has not yet completed or has been scheduled for testing.

It is not equivalent to a permanent self-test failure. The normal sequence is to request incremental or full self-test, wait while the TPM reports a testing state, and retrieve the final test result. If the result becomes TPM_RC_FAILURE, the problem has escalated from pending validation to failure mode.

Recommended handling

Run the supported self-test command and use TPM2_GetTestResult to obtain completion status and vendor data.
Allow for asynchronous completion instead of immediately repeating the original cryptographic command.
Record which algorithm triggered the requirement; a different algorithm may already be tested.
Escalate repeated or persistent failures to the firmware vendor rather than clearing TPM ownership.

References

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