The results of an experimental investigation on epoxy-joined CVD SiC and alumina tested in shear and apparent shear mode by four different configurations are presented. Ceramics have been joined by an epoxy adhesive (AV119), which is not to be considered as the final joining material for high temperature applications, but just as a model brittle joining material chosen to obtain several joined samples in a reasonable time. Advantages and disadvantages of each configuration are discussed and compared to results obtained with the same epoxy-joined carbon/carbon composites, tested by the same shear tests.