The paper gives an overview about the development of the measuring techniques used in the experimental investigations of the load bearing and deformation behavior of reinforced concrete elements in shear. After the historical development the today available measuring techniques for shear investigations are presented. It is shown for which measuring targets the different methods can be used and recommendations for the detection of smallest structural changes during the tests are made. The different measurement techniques are classified and evaluated, and therewith a guidance for the planning of the measuring techniques in future shear tests is given.