Abstract: The mode II fracture is closely related to shear-based geological hazards known as fault slip, slope landslide, and rockbursts controlled by structural plane. A systematic review is carried out in the development of mode II fracture theory and experimental testing techniques for rock materials, including the concept and fracture criteria of mode II fracture; the methods for measuring static and dynamic mode II fracture toughness, fracture energy and other fracture parameters of rock materials; the influences of external conditions on mode II fracture parameters; the deformation behavior of shear fracture. The concept of mode II fracture and differences of different fracture criteria are analyzed. The development status, advantages, disadvantages, and fracture mechanisms of different testing methods are elaborated. The influence mechanisms of confining pressure, heat-treatment, freeze-thaw cycles and loading rate on fracture behavior, and the change laws of fracture parameters under different influencing factors are systematically summarized and analyzed. The deformation characteristics of rocks under mode II loading are discussed. Finally, some perspectives on the future research for testing techniques of mode II fracture parameters and mode II fracture behavior are proposed.