If you’ve been following the big changes in Australian physiotherapy assessment, you already know that the Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC) has introduced a completely new pathway - the Australian Physiotherapy Entry Pathway (APEP).
And let’s be honest… ever since the announcement, the physio community has been confused, stressed, and unsure about what exactly needs to be done.
The old Standard Assessment Pathway was already challenging, and now with new exams, new formats, and new requirements, it’s normal to feel lost.
But here’s the good news:
- With the right strategy,
- The right resources,
- And focused preparation…
You CAN crack the APEP pathway within 2–3 months. This blog will tell you exactly how.
What Is APEP Really?
APEP or Australian Physiotherapy Entry Pathway is the new assessment route designed for international physiotherapists who want to work in Australia. The APC created it to make the process:
- more streamlined
- more reflective of real clinical reasoning
- more accessible (mostly remote assessments)
- more aligned with Australian Physiotherapy Practice Thresholds
It includes eligibility checks, a written exam, an oral capability assessment, and a one-day clinical workshop in Melbourne.
So yes, it looks like a lot.
But once you understand the structure, it actually becomes very manageable.
APEP Structure
| Stage | Format | Location | What It Tests |
| Eligibility + Cultural Safety | Documents + online module | Online | Qualifications, cultural knowledge |
| Written Assessment | 2 papers (case-based MCQs) | Online / test centers | Knowledge + clinical reasoning |
| Capability Assessment | 2-hour oral exam (open-book) | Online | Clinical reasoning + communication |
| Clinical Workshop | 1-day hands-on | Melbourne | Practical reasoning + safe practice |
| Final Certificate | Issued after all stages | — | Needed for AHPRA Registration |
Can You Really Prepare in 2–3 Months? Yes. Here’s How.
A lot of physios think they need 6–12 months.
But the truth is, if you’re focused and follow a structured plan, you can absolutely be ready in 8–12 weeks.
Below is the exact preparation strategy.
Your 2–3 Month Study Plan
| Month | Focus | What To Do |
| Month 1 | Basics & Core Systems | • Study Musculoskeletal (MSK), Neurological, Cardiorespiratory • Learn red flags • Understand assessment patterns • Practice differential diagnosis • Do 1–2 case scenarios daily |
| Month 2 | Exam Preparation | Written Exam: • Timed practice papers • Improve reading speed • Revise major conditions Oral Exam: • Practice explaining cases • Organise open-book notes • Do mock oral exams |
| Month 3 | Final Practice | • Fix weak areas • Do 2–3 full mock exams • Revise red flags • Review Australian standards • Prepare for Melbourne workshop |
Where Academically’s APEP Crash Course Fits In
If you feel overwhelmed by the structure, content, or exam style, Academically’s APEP Crash Course is one of the most helpful preparation programs available right now.
Here’s why many physiotherapists are choosing it:
Focused on the NEW APEP format (not old pathway)
Everything is tailored to the current exams - written, capability, and workshop.
Covers clinical reasoning in exactly the style APC expects
This is critical because APEP is reasoning-first, not memorization-first.
Tons of practice cases + mock exams
Simulating exam-style cases saves weeks of preparation.
Guidance for Capability Assessment (Oral Exam)
Most physios struggle here, the crash course includes structured frameworks, sample responses, and guided practice.
Short, intensive, and designed for 2–3 month preparation
It’s literally built for candidates who want to clear the pathway quickly without wasting time.
Supportive mentors who understand the new APEP expectations
You get clarity, direction, and confidence, which is exactly what candidates need.
If you’re studying alone, you can still crack APEP, but a structured course saves time, reduces mistakes, and boosts exam performance significantly.
Top Tips to Crack APEP Faster
- Solve as many case scenarios as you can.
- Use active recall instead of passive reading.
- Build a clean, organised open-book folder.
- Practice talking through your reasoning every day.
- Stay systematic in every single case.
- Don’t ignore cardio, neuro or MSK — they matter.
- Always think SAFETY first.
- Use APC’s official resources.
- Do mock exams under real timing.
- Stay confident and calm; reasoning beats panicked guessing.
Final Thoughts
The new APEP pathway might look confusing right now, but once you understand the structure and break your preparation into manageable steps, it becomes absolutely doable.
Stay consistent.
Practice cases.
Build strong reasoning.
And if you want guided, structured preparation built specifically for the new APEP pathway, Academically’s Crash Course is the fastest, clearest way to get exam-ready.
You can crack APEP in 2–3 months, and now you know exactly how.
For any more information or questions, reach out to the experts at Academically.