We proposed an application of inverse approach to experimental indentation data in order to determine combined hardening models parameters. It was shown that the use of a model combining isotropic and kinematic hardening allows a better description of cyctic indentation than isotropic hardening models. It was also shown that inverse analysis applied to experimental cyclic indentation curves can give a quite good approximation of the monotonic stress-strain curve and the beginning of cyclic tensile test. However, it appeared that the combined hardening model, used in this paper, is not sufficient to take into account all phenomenons coming in the steels behaviour under cyclic indentation. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.