“The APEP pathway makes it easier than ever for overseas-trained physiotherapists to qualify, and with high demand in Australia, now is the perfect time to start your journey.” - Dr. Akram Ahmad, Founder & CEO, Academically Global
If you’re an overseas-trained physiotherapist planning to work in Australia, here’s some great news. The Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC) has removed the old clinical exam. Under the new Australian Physiotherapy Entry Pathway (APEP), the final stage is now the APEP Clinical Workshop. This updated approach is more modern, supportive, and does not involve a traditional clinical test.
In this blog, you’ll learn what the Clinical Workshop is, how it works, what it assesses, its cost, requirements, and where it sits within the full APEP pathway.
What Is the APEP Clinical Workshop?
The APEP Clinical Workshop is a one-day, in-person training and assessment session delivered at the Australian Physiotherapy Council’s Melbourne office. It is led by an experienced Australian physiotherapist who guides candidates through hands-on activities, simulated cases, and essential clinical skills.
This workshop is designed to:
- support your transition into the Australian physiotherapy workforce
- strengthen your clinical reasoning, patient management, and communication skills
- provide a collaborative learning experience with fellow international physiotherapists
Upon successful completion, you will be one step away from receiving your Final Certificate.
How Does the Clinical Workshop Work?
The workshop is structured to give you practical, real-world exposure to Australian physiotherapy practice.
Workshop Format
| Category | Details |
| Type | Full-day, group-based training and assessment |
| Delivery | Face-to-face only |
| Sessions | Morning: Clinical and hands-on skills Afternoon: Simulated patient cases, interactive tasks, practical application |
| Facilitator | One experienced Australian physiotherapist who guides and assesses the group |
| Duration | One full day |
| Location | Australian Physiotherapy Council Office, Level 4, 304 Burwood Road, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia |
If you are thinking of taking the APEP this year, then enroll in Academically’s APEP Preparation Course. You will be trained for every step and made sure that you clear the exam successfully.
What Will the APEP Clinical Workshop Assess?
The workshop focuses on assessing the core competencies required for safe and effective physiotherapy practice in Australia.
You will be assessed on:
| Assessment Area | What It Includes |
| Communication | Building rapport, explaining procedures, and interacting professionally |
| Safety and Handling | Patient handling, risk awareness, and managing the clinical environment |
| Clinical Skills | Assessment, diagnostics, treatment planning, therapeutic techniques |
| Professionalism | Ethics, cultural safety, respect, teamwork, adherence to Australian practice standards |
How Much Does the Clinical Workshop Cost?
- Workshop Fee: $1,421
This fee is paid when booking through your Candidate Portal.
Can the Clinical Workshop Be Completed Online?
No. The Clinical Workshop must be completed in person.
This ensures you can practise essential physical skills such as:
- patient handling
- manual assessment
- diagnostics
- communication in real-world interactions
When Can You Apply for the Clinical Workshop?
You can book your workshop after successfully completing your Capability Assessment.
Booking is done via your APEP Candidate Portal, where available workshop dates are listed.
Where Does the Clinical Workshop Fit in the APEP Pathway?
The workshop is one of the final steps in the Australian Physiotherapy Entry Pathway.
APEP Stages:
- Eligibility Assessment
- Cultural Safety Training
- Written Assessment
- Capability Assessment
- A 1.5-hour online oral exam
- Clinical Workshop
- A one-day, in-person workshop in Melbourne
After completing all stages, you receive your Final Certificate, which is required for registration with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia.
How to Prepare for the APEP Clinical Workshop
Come with an open mind
Engage fully and be ready to participate.
Review the Physiotherapy Practice Thresholds
Understand expectations related to safety, ethics, and patient-centred care.
Refresh core physiotherapy skills
Especially in musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, and neurology.
Practise clinical communication
Australian clinical communication tends to be direct, respectful, and collaborative.
Final Thoughts
The APEP Clinical Workshop is a vital final step toward becoming a physiotherapist in Australia. Designed to support your clinical competence and professional growth, it provides the hands-on experience and assessment needed to enter the Australian workforce safely and confidently.
Approach the workshop with enthusiasm, readiness to learn, and a commitment to professional growth…you are almost at the finish line of your APEP journey.
“This is your moment. APEP is simplifying the pathway, Australia is actively seeking physiotherapists, and the opportunities have never been more promising. If you’ve been waiting for the right time…this is it.” - Dr. Akram Ahmad, Founder & CEO, Academically
For more information and guidance, reach out to our experts at Academically. They will help you out with everything you need.
