Plane strain compression test (PSCT), in general, is well known for its flexibility to attain very high strain values compared with other methods of determining flow properties of metallic materials (exception being the torsion test). In recent times, this test also gained status as a method for acquisition of flow properties of metallic materials at different temperature regimes. But, at the same time, this test is not so commonly used to characterize the conditions at the interface between tools and forming material, for example to measure friction in metal forming processes. In this paper author tries to review the past and present status of PSCT, and it's capability to characterize the interface i.e. usefulness as a frictionmeasuring test. A brief historical review of different friction measuring methods of these days is included. Some recommendations for further development of PSCT as a friction-measuring test are also given in the context of FEA-applications in metal forming.