A miniature axisymmetric streamline tensile (MAST) specimen having improved axisymmetric surface profile design and surface stress concentration factor (SSCF) improvements, i.e., close to unity is described. The MAST specimen also has improved variable curvature transition fillets, miniaturized profile dimension and shoulder region features used in conjunction with the collet loading method. An axisymmetric, rather than flat, design is preferred since no stress gradients exist in the hoop direction, i.e., circumferential direction, of the specimen. The MAST specimen is designed to permit various loading options. The MAST specimen 10 may be used for testing any suitable material including, but not limited to, metals, plastics and ceramics.