A system for testing at least one air filter element is provided. The system includes a test rig, wherein the test rig includes an elongated duct, and at least one measurement device coupled to the duct. The at least one measurement device is configured to measure at least one characteristic representative of a condition within the duct. At least one air filter element is coupled within the test rig. At least one first salt spray test is performed on the at least one air filter element. The collected salt spray water and equivalent amount of dry salt remaining in the test rig are quantified. At least one second salt spray test is performed on the at least one air filter element, wherein the at least one air filter element is dust loaded prior to the at least one second salt spray test.