If you’re an internationally qualified physiotherapist planning to work in Australia, understanding where and how you can take the APC exams is one of the first questions that comes up. The good news? Most stages of the Australian Physiotherapy Entry Pathway (APEP) can be completed from the comfort of your home, with only the final stage requiring you to travel to Australia.
Let’s break it down clearly so you know exactly what happens online and what happens in Australia.
Understanding the Australian Physiotherapy Entry Pathway (APEP)
The Australian Physiotherapy Entry Pathway (APEP) is the official pathway developed by the Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC) to help international physiotherapists enter the Australian workforce.
Through a combination of remote assessments and in-person clinical training, APEP ensures you are confident, competent, and practice-ready for Australian healthcare settings.
What does APEP offer?
- Provides a structured path to obtain your Final Certificate
- Includes an open-book remote Capability Assessment
- Connects you with other international physiotherapists during the Clinical Workshop
- Offers personalised feedback from experienced Australian physiotherapists
- Prepares you to work as a first-contact physiotherapist in Australia
- Validates your clinical competency to Australian employers
- Supports a smooth transition into the Australian physiotherapy profession
Eligibility Criteria to Apply for APEP
To apply for APEP, you must have:
- An overseas physiotherapy qualification (minimum diploma-level)
- Unrestricted registration in your country of training
OR - Legal permission to practice without restriction if no regulatory body exists in your country
Stages of the APEP Pathway
Each stage of APEP is carefully designed to prepare you step-by-step for practice in Australia.
The stages include:
- Eligibility Assessment
- Cultural Safety Training
- Written Assessment
- Capability Assessment
- Clinical Workshop
Let’s look at where each assessment takes place.
Written Assessment
The Written Assessment is conducted online, which means you can take it from your home country. There is no exam centre requirement, no travel, and no physical attendance needed. As long as you meet the technical requirements and follow APC guidelines, you can complete this assessment remotely.
This makes it flexible and convenient for international candidates.
Capability Assessment
The Capability Assessment is an online, remote oral exam that evaluates your clinical skills as part of the APEP pathway. It is designed to assess whether you can practice safely and effectively in Australian clinical environments.
You can take the Capability Assessment from your home, as it is fully conducted online.
How does the Capability Assessment work?
- Format: Online oral examination
- Structure:
- Three (3) short clinical cases
- One (1) long clinical case
- Assessor: One experienced Australian physiotherapist
- Duration:
- Total time: approximately 2 hours
- Exam time: around 1.5 hours
The exam focuses on your clinical reasoning, safety awareness, and communication skills, rather than rote memorisation.
Clinical Workshop
The Clinical Workshop is the final stage of APEP and must be attended in person in Australia.
It is a one-day, face-to-face workshop held at the Australian Physiotherapy Council’s office in Melbourne and is led by an experienced Australian physiotherapist.
This is the only stage that requires you to travel to Australia.
How does the Clinical Workshop work?
- Format: Full-day, group-based training and assessment
- Structure:
- Morning and afternoon sessions
- Hands-on clinical skills and simulated cases
- Facilitator: One experienced Australian physiotherapist
- Duration: One full day
- Location: Australian Physiotherapy Council, Level 4, 304 Burwood Road, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
Final Thoughts
The Australian Physiotherapy Entry Pathway process is designed to be flexible, fair, and internationally accessible. With most assessments conducted online and only one in-person requirement, APEP allows you to plan your journey efficiently and confidently.
Approach each stage with preparation, confidence, and an open mind and you’ll be well on your way to building a successful physiotherapy career in Australia.
