Inspired by the notch root axial splits observed in testing unidirectional composites, a new staggered geometry is proposed for the Iosipescu shear test specimen. It will be shown that the new specimen does not suffer from the tensile stress concentrations which seem to be the true cause for axial splits. Also, for the orthotropy ratio examined, the shear stress distribution across the midsection with the new geometry is more uniform than that in the original configuration. As a result, the staggered beam specimen can provide more accurate measurement of shear properties of unidirectional composites.