In this paper a review of the literature on crack closure/opening load and crack tip shielding effects determination methods is presented. Commonly used ‘subjective’ (visual) and ‘non‐subjective’ approaches have been included. Procedures associated with the determination of an effective crack driving force for both Elber type and that of partial (or incremental) crack closure models have been covered. Comparison among different methods of analyses based on compliance and fatigue crack growth rate measurements is discussed together with their implications and difficulties in fatigue crack growth correlations.