ISAK Body Composition Assessment Courses

The level 1 course is designed for those required to collate anthropometric measurements and skinfolds. On completion of level 1, you will be able to demonstrate adequate precision in four base (anthropometric) measures, eight skinfolds, six girths and three bone breadths and demonstrate a basic understanding of the theory of anthropometric applications.

This course is for ISAK level 1 anthropometrists, whose certificate is about to expire. You will be updated on any additions and changes to the body composition assessment.

The Level 2 course is designed for level 1 anthropometrists who wish to offer their participants a more comprehensive range of measurements. On completion of level 2, you will be able to demonstrate adequate precision in four base measurements, eight skinfolds, thirteen girths, nine lengths and heights, nine breadths and depths and have a broad understanding of the theory of anthropometry and its interpretation.

All courses culminate in a practical examination where individuals are required to demonstrate the technical error of measurement (TEM) assessed on intra-tester reliability (how repeatable your own measurements are) and inter-tester reliability (how accurate you are compared with criterion measures). You will also be required to submit 20 profile assessments within a four-month period (level 1) or six-month period (level 2) to receive your accreditation. Accreditation is valid for four years and you also receive ISAK membership.

Anthropometric measurements are a quick and easy way to characterise the human body and estimate body composition. Adherence to the ISAK protocol is essential to ensure consistency within and between practitioners. Becoming ISAK accredited acts as quality assurance that practitioners and researchers meet expected accuracy and reliability criteria.

You will receive a copy of the ISAK manual, digital resources (including a data collection sheet and printout for your clients) and ISAK membership (access to the ISAK portal, to ISAKMetry and to the digital manual).

All courses include theory and practical components. During the face-to-face courses anatomical landmarking and practical components of the ISAK accreditation will be completed in small groups and you may be asked to work with different candidates throughout. Therefore, a willingness to dress appropriately and to be measured by other candidates is essential.

• Level 1
  The level 1 ISAK course is delivered over three consecutive days (typically 9:00 am – 5:00 pm each day) which includes the practical examination on the last day.
• Level 1 Re-accreditation
  The level 1 ISAK Re-accreditation course is delivered over one day (typically 9:00 am – 5:00 pm). You will join anthropometrists on another Level 1 ISAK course, where you will be provided with updates, the most up-to-date ISAK manual, and an opportunity to practice and undertake the exam.
• Level 2
  The level 2 ISAK course is delivered over four consecutive days (typically 9:00 am – 5:00 pm each day) which includes the practical examination on the last day.
• Post-course
  The 20 profile assessments are to be completed within four months (Level 1) and six months (Level 2) post-course and submitted to your instructor before you can receive your certificate.

These courses are for researchers, lecturers, students and athlete support personnel working in sport and exercise science, nutrition, physiology, biomechanics, physiotherapy and anyone else that is required to undertake anthropometric profiling. You must be over the age of 18 years old. You must be available for all the days in order to complete the course.

• ISAK Level 1 - Technician restricted profile anthropometrist:

• Leeds Beckett University student/staff: £345
• External: £415
• ISAK Level 1 Re-accreditation - Technician restricted profile anthropometrist: £150
• ISAK Level 2 - Technician full profile anthropometrist:
• Leeds Beckett University student/staff: £400
• External: £500