This paper provides recommendations for performance-related tests to select recycled materials to be used in pavement foundations (base/sub-base layers). The test protocol presented in this paper will help transportation agencies, pavement design engineers and construction industry professionals to mechanistically evaluate and select sources of recycled hot-mix asphalt and portland cement concrete materials and identify factors that contribute most to the longevity of layers using recycled pavement materials. Extensive literature review was conducted on the aggregate specifications in the United States and other countries to identify the protocols used to evaluate the suitability of virgin and recycled aggregates in base and sub-base layers. The test procedures, typically designed for virgin aggregates, were modified to account for the recycled materials in the aggregate mix. The test procedures were further evaluated on the basis of mechanical performance, accuracy, practicality, complexity, precision, and test cost. The performance of the developed aggregate evaluation systems was determined through testing and analysis of 12 aggregates with different lithology and known field performance history. These samples were selected from seven states with different seasonal frost cycles. The performance tests were conducted and modifications were made to the tests procedures to better understand the mechanical behavior of aggregate systems with recycled materials. This study revealed that shear strength, toughness, abrasion, durability, and frost susceptibility influence the performance of the unbound aggregate layers. Statistical analysis of the data showed that shear strength of the aggregate systems has the most impact on the performance of the unbound systems consisted of recycled materials.