An evaluation of the validity of different design approaches for determining the stability of sloping core embankments is presented. Comparison of the analytical results, using different approaches, with those obtained from an analysis which has been proven to give accurate results, is given. The analyses illustrate that for any given set of conditions, reliable assessments of the stability of sloping core embankments may be obtained by various analytical procedures, provided due care is exercised in the choice of compatible assumptions associated with the use of different computational methods and soil strength parameters.