Because the AC impedance technique, also known as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), is being utilized by more and more researchers in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell studies, the technique has developed into a primary tool in such research. In this paper the recent work on PEM fuel cells using the AC impedance technique is reviewed. Both in situ and ex situ impedance measurements are discussed, with primary focus on the in situ measurements. Within the domain of in situ studies, various methods for measuring the impedance of a PEM fuel cell are examined, and typical impedance spectra in several common scenarios are presented. Representative applications of the AC impedance technique in PEM fuel cell research are also discussed. Finally, the necessity of a time domain rapid AC impedance technique is briefly discussed. Crown Copyright (c) 2007 International Association for Hydrogen Energy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.