ICAK Certification Pathways

From Foundation Training to Diplomate Status

Applied Kinesiology (AK) is a clinical system used by healthcare professionals to enhance patient assessment, clinical reasoning and treatment planning. ICAK has developed a structured educational pathway that enables practitioners to progressively develop their knowledge, practical skills and clinical competence through supervised education, examination and ongoing professional development — from Foundation level through to Diplomate status, each stage a recognised milestone within an internationally governed educational system.

Who Can Study Applied Kinesiology?

ICAK education is designed for regulated healthcare professionals and students enrolled in recognised healthcare degree programmes. Applied Kinesiology is taught as a postgraduate clinical discipline and is intended to complement, not replace, the diagnostic and therapeutic skills of qualified healthcare practitioners. Practitioners are expected to apply AK within the scope of their professional qualifications and regulatory framework.

Entry requirement: a 3,000-hour full-time undergraduate education (3+ years) in a medically oriented degree — osteopathy, chiropractic, physiotherapy, medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine

Level: postgraduate clinical discipline, building on existing professional qualifications

Delivery: training given by licensed Diplomates of Applied Kinesiology, trained to an approved international standard

The Pathways

Foundation Course

Building the Fundamentals

A comprehensive introduction to Applied Kinesiology and the first stage of the ICAK educational pathway, developing practical competence and confidence while establishing a solid foundation for further study.

Accurate and reproducible manual muscle testing skills
Understanding of the principles of Applied Kinesiology
Structural assessment procedures
Basic neurological evaluation
Introduction to biochemical and nutritional considerations
Clinical integration of AK methods

Successful completion provides the educational basis for progression within ICAK training.

Level 1 – Proficiency Certified

Demonstrating Core Clinical Skills

A practical assessment undertaken following completion of the Foundation Course, confirming the essential practical skills required for further progression.

Intermediate Training

Expanding Clinical Skills

Following Foundation training, practitioners complete approved Intermediate level education covering:

Completion of Intermediate training is required before eligibility for PAK certification.

Level 2 – Professional Applied Kinesiology (PAK)

Clinical Competence Certified

Professional Applied Kinesiology (PAK) is ICAK’s internationally recognised professional certification, awarded following completion of approved education and examination requirements. Eligibility requires successful completion of the Foundation Course together with all approved Intermediate level education, assessed through written and practical examination.

Clinical reasoning
Theoretical understanding
Integration of AK procedures
Patient assessment skills
Diagnostic decision-making
Appropriate treatment planning

PAK certification reflects a high level of professional competence in Applied Kinesiology, meeting internationally recognised educational and examination standards.

Level 3 – Diplomate (DIBAK)

Advanced Clinical and Academic Achievement

The highest level of certification awarded by ICAK. Administered through the International Board of Examiners (IBE) for practitioners seeking advanced clinical and academic mastery.

Eligibility

Minimum 300 hours of approved AK education
Training with at least two Certified Teaching Diplomates
Completion of advanced educational requirements
Appropriate professional registration
Sustained clinical experience
Research/clinical papers accepted for publication

Examination

Achievement of DIBAK status reflects a substantial commitment to excellence in Applied Kinesiology education, research and patient care.

Teaching Diplomate

Supporting the Future of AK Education

Following successful completion of Diplomate certification, practitioners may undertake a period of supervised teaching and further professional development — delivering ICAK-approved educational programmes and helping maintain the standards, integrity and future development of Applied Kinesiology internationally.

Teaching Diplomates are responsible for educating future generations of AK practitioners and maintaining educational standards within ICAK.

Through the International Educational Council (IEC), Teaching Diplomates contribute to curriculum development, educational governance and professional standards worldwide.

International Standards and Educational Governance

ICAK certification pathways are governed through internationally recognised educational and examination structures developed over decades of clinical practice, research and professional oversight. Professional Applied Kinesiology (PAK) and Diplomate (DIBAK) status can only be achieved through approved ICAK educational pathways and recognised examination procedures. This ensures that certified practitioners meet consistent international standards of education, competence and professional conduct.

Your AK Journey

Whether you are taking your first Foundation Course or progressing towards Diplomate status, ICAK provides a clear and structured pathway for healthcare professionals committed to advancing their clinical skills through Applied Kinesiology. We look forward to supporting you throughout your AK journey.

From your first Foundation module to Diplomate certification and beyond, ICAK provides a lifelong pathway of clinical education, professional development and international collaboration.