The purpose of this ISRM Suggested Method is to describe a methodology for in situ acoustic emission monitoring of the rock mass fracturing processes occurring as a result of excavations for tunnels, large caverns in the fields of civil, rock slopes and mining engineering, etc. In this Suggested Method, the equipment that is required for an acoustic emission monitoring system is described; the procedures are outlined and illustrated, together with the methods for data acquisition and processing for improving the monitoring results. There is an explanation of the methods for presenting and interpreting the results, and recommendations are supported by several examples.