Abstract Some assessments are provided on the use of thermoluminescence dosemeters (TLDs) for ? ray dosimetry evaluation in mixed (fast neutron-? ray) radiation fields. Dosimetry measurements and calculations were performed in three different experimental arrangements driven by 252Cf sources. Measurements were made with TLD-200, TLD-400 and TLD-700. Various corrections including the TLD neutron sensitivities and the general cavity theory f factors were applied to the measurements. Calculations were performed using diffusion code 2DB and discrete ordinate transport codes ANISN and DOT. Good agreement was found between TLD-200, TLD-400 and TLD-700 results. Generic deviations were found between calculated and measured results. Analyses showed that, due to the inaccuracies in standard computational schemes, calculations underestimate the measured results.