The written examination
The written examination consists of five 100-question tests:
| Test | Scope |
|---|---|
| Nutrition | Nutrition as it relates to Applied Kinesiology, general nutrition for specific conditions, use of supplements. |
| Acupuncture | Laws of acupuncture according to AK, location of major points and meridians, AK applications of acupuncture. |
| Respiratory | AK cranial and sacral techniques, TMJ, CNS anatomy and related conditions. |
| Reflex procedures | Neuro-lymphatic, neuro-vascular, stress centres and similar — location and application. |
| General Applied Kinesiology | History, definitions, techniques, myology. |
Pass mark and retakes
The candidate must pass all five tests with a minimum score of 75% on each test. If one or two tests are failed, they may be retaken; the fee for each test retaken is US $150. If more than two written tests are failed, all five must be retaken (US $600).
The written and the practical examination can be taken immediately one after the other. Both parts can be passed or failed separately. If the candidate fails either part, that specific part may be retaken. The fee for retaking the practical examination is US $300.
The practical examination
The practical examination is designed to demonstrate the candidate's competence in handling a clinical situation with a patient. A patient is provided for you to demonstrate AK procedures. The test determines how well you can think on your feet, but it is never used to confuse or trick you.
Please read the Practical Examination Guidelines for Candidates for details of what to expect, including the paper defence.
Reference material
Most candidates want to know what to study. The Diplomate test evaluates the candidate's command of the material which has been defined by the ICAK as standard Applied Kinesiology, based on the teachings of Dr Goodheart and the others listed in the Standards of Reference. As there are always conflicting models to explain physiological and therapeutic processes, for the purpose of this test the candidate is advised to focus on the models and approaches listed in the suggested reading.
The questions were all taken from broadly available AK texts, including those by Goodheart, Goodheart's tape transcripts, Walther, Walter Schmitt and David Leaf. Please see the study materials page for current sources, and consult the Board of Standards' referenced list of approved AK procedures.
Excellent AK texts are also becoming available in non-English languages, notably German (H. Garten, W. Gerz and others). Much of the material in the examinations is covered in these texts, but nothing replaces studying Dr Goodheart's original work.
There is no limit to the number of Diplomates. Good Applied Kinesiologists come from good teachers, and we need all we can certify by this method.