Sets the examination
Five written tests and a practical examination, drawn from the published Standards of Reference and the teachings of Dr George Goodheart.
International Board of Examiners
The credentialing board for Diplomate status in Applied Kinesiology
Established under the Bylaws of the International College of Applied Kinesiology, the IBE sets and conducts every Diplomate examination within the ICAK, and confers the DIBAK credential on practitioners who meet its standard.
- Established
- Under ICAK Bylaws, Art. IV
- Examiners
- 15 Diplomates, 10 countries
- Examinations
- Written & practical, worldwide
The board's mandate
Independent examination, to one international standard
The IBE is solely responsible for all Diplomate examinations given within the ICAK. The material examined is determined by the ICAK Board of Standards; the examination itself is set, conducted and marked by the board.
Examines worldwide
Written and practical examinations are given by the board at ICAK international and chapter meetings around the world, and by special sitting on request.
Confers Diplomate status
On successful completion of all parts, the board confers Diplomate status and the candidate is recognised as a Diplomate of the ICAK — DIBAK. (ICAK Bylaws, Article IV, Section 2.E.1)
Becoming a Diplomate
Nine steps from eligibility to DIBAK
Every requirement, deadline and fee is published by the board. Follow the pathway in order; steps eight and nine apply only if a part of the examination has to be retaken.
- 01Check your eligibilityLicensure, 300 hours of AK instruction, three years in practice and a year of ICAK membership.
- 02Understand the written examinationFive 100-question tests: nutrition, acupuncture, respiratory, reflex procedures and general AK.
- 03Understand the practical examinationDemonstrate AK procedures on a patient before the examiners and defend one of your papers.
- 04Write your two papersOriginal papers reviewed by your chapter and submitted 90 days before the examination.
- 05Choose an examination dateSittings are held at ICAK international and chapter meetings around the world.
- 06Gather your study materialsEvery question is drawn from the published Standards of Reference.
- 07Apply to sit the examinationComplete application and fee received 60 days before the examination.
- 08Retake the written examination — if requiredIf one or two tests are failed they may be retaken individually.
- 09Retake the practical examination — if requiredThe practical may be retaken on its own; a different paper is defended.
The examination
Two parts. Both must be passed.
Written examination
Five 100-question tests — Nutrition, Acupuncture, Respiratory, Reflex Procedures and General Applied Kinesiology. A minimum score of 75% is required on each.
Practical examination
The candidate demonstrates AK procedures on a patient before the examiners, explains the reasoning behind them, and defends one of their own papers. The examination is video recorded.
- Application feeUS $1,200
- Written retake, per testUS $150
- Practical retakeUS $300
Upcoming sittings
Where the board will examine next
ICAK International
ICAK International Meeting
1–2 June 2027 · Munich, Germany
Written and practical examinations
ICAK-USA
ICAK-USA Homecoming
21 July 2027 · San Antonio, Texas, USA
Grand Hyatt, San Antonio River Walk
Written and practical examinations
Applications must be received by the Corresponding Secretary 60 days before the examination; papers 90 days before. Sittings elsewhere can be requested as a special sitting.
Leadership
A board of Diplomates from around the world
Led by its President, Dr Michael Hooker, the board brings together 15 Diplomates from 10 countries so that candidates are examined to one standard wherever they sit.
President
Dr Michael HookerDC, DIBAK
Hamilton, New Zealand
Treasurer · Corresponding Secretary
Dr Jay MarienthalDC, DIBAK
Deerfield Beach, Florida, USA
Past President · Recording Secretary
Dr Alan JenksDC, DIBAK
Maasdijk, Netherlands
Practical Examination Secretary
Dr Frédéric RancourtDC, DIBAK
Magog, Quebec, Canada
Written Examination Secretary
Dr Catherine TherrienDC, DIBAK
Saint-Eustache, Quebec, Canada
Documents & translations
Every board document, in English and German
Eligibility requirements, the description of the examination, manuscript guidelines, application forms, the paper review form, special sittings and appeals procedures — with authorised German translations.
Ready to apply?
Apply to sit the Diplomate examination
Complete applications, with the fee and your two chapter-reviewed papers, are received by the Corresponding Secretary. The board confirms your place at the sitting you choose.