A method for testing a bearing component in order to ensure that the bearing surface and a load-bearing region located underneath the bearing surface are in a perfect condition. A material testing depth containing the point of maximum mechanical load during operation is determined. In a first partial testing step, the bearing component is subjected to an ultrasound test by which the material region underneath the bearing surface is tested for defects by ultrasound, at least up to the material testing depth. In a second partial testing step, a full optical test of the bearing surface is carried out During the second partial testing step, the actual surface state of the bearing surface is compared with a nominal surface state. The bearing component is then only classified as faultless if the results of the two partial testing steps do not reveal any defects.