The ISAK Accreditation Scheme

ISAK has trained over 3,000 anthropometrists. Certified members are from 49 countries. If you want to become an ISAK member see the members page. For information on the ISAK accreditation scheme - read on!

The ISAK accreditation scheme is based on the concept of a four-level hierarchy. A key element in it is the objective maintenance of quality assurance by requiring that all levels have to meet initial technical error of measurement (TEM) criteria in an end-of-course practical examination followed by the meeting of further TEM criteria on the measurement of 20 subjects to indicate satisfactory repeatability of measures.

The four levels each serve a different purpose.

Level 1

Level 1 is designed for the majority of ISAK-accredited anthropometrists who have little on-going requirement for more than the measurement of height, weight and skinfolds. A small number of girths and two bone breadths have also been included at this level to enable the monitoring of health and growth variables, and calculation of the somatotype all of which ISAK sees as valuable tools for the comparison of body size, shape and composition. Thus a person who successfully completes Level 1 can demonstrate adequate precision in 2 base measures, 5 girths, 8 skinfolds and 2 breadths and has a basic understanding of the theory of anthropometric applications.

Level 2

Level 2 is designed for those anthropometrists who wish to offer their subjects a more-comprehensive range of measurements. A Level 2 anthropometrist can demonstrate adequate precision in 3 base measures, 8 skinfolds, 9 segment lengths, 13 girths, 7 bone breadths and has a broad understanding of the theory of anthropometry and its interpretation.

Level 3

Level 3 is designed only for those anthropometrists who wish to engage in the training and accreditation of Levels 1 and 2 anthropometrists. Its purpose is to increase the availability of training courses so that ISAK training can be offered to greater numbers of candidates worldwide. A Level 3 candidate can demonstrate adequate precision in all 39 anthropometric dimensions and has sufficient theoretical and practical knowledge of anthropometry to be able to instruct and accredit Level 1 and 2 anthropometrists.

Level 4

Level 4 is the most senior level. It recognises many years of experience in taking ISAK-approved measurements, a high level of theoretical knowledge, involvement in the teaching/examining of ISAK workshops or courses, involvement in large anthropometric projects and a significant publication record in anthropometry. It is reserved for a relatively small group of anthropometrists and carries with it the responsibility to train and examine Level 3 anthropometrists, as well as the right to train and examine the other two levels.

Re-accreditation

Every four years (as indicated on your ISAK certificate) it is necessary to get re-accredited. Please contact the Secretary-General Mike Marfell-Jones to find out more about the requirements for this process

Accreditation expires as indicated on the ISAK certificate. For re-accreditation, ISAK requires the verification of technique and accuracy in the form of a three-subject practical exam in the presence of a Level 3 (Instructor) or Level 4 (Criterion) Anthropometrist. Inter-tester TEM targets (of 10.0% for each skinfold and 2.0% for each of the other measures), must be met.  ISAK also requires the successful completion of repeat measures of the Restricted Profile for Level 1, and the Full Profile for Level 2 and 3, on 20 subjects and the submission of these in the required format to the Level 3 or Level 4 Anthropometrist who conducted the re-accreditation practical examination. Re-accreditation is valid for 4 years from the date of completion of all re-accreditation requirements.