The necessity to test the early strength of shotcrete by standard penetration method and the principle of the test method are presented in the paper. The application of standard penetration method is summarized on basis of laboratory tests and field tests. The establishing process of the regression curve of standard penetration method is presented. Factors that have influence on standard penetration method are analyzed on basis of its application in the job site. The practical application of standard penetration method in the test of the early strength of shotcrete has achieved good results.