This newly revised test method provides a procedure for measuring the temperature coefficient of resistance, TCR(T), of thin-film metallizations used in microelectronic circuits and devices. Procedures are also provided to use the TCR(T) to determine the temperature of a metallization line under Joule-heating conditions and to determine the ambient temperature where the metallization line is used as a temperature sensor. Originally, the method was intended only for aluminum-based metallizations and for other metallizations that satisfy the linear dependence and stability stipulations of the method. The method has been revised to make it explicitly applicable to copper-based metallizations, as well, and at temperatures beyond where the resistivity of copper is no longer linearly dependent on temperature (beyond approximately 200 ¿¿C). Using the TCR(T) measured for copper in the linear-dependent region, a factor is used to correct the calculated temperature at these higher temperatures.