If you’re an internationally trained physiotherapist planning to work in Australia, you’ve probably heard about the Australian Physiotherapy Entry Pathway (APEP). Since 1 October 2025, APEP has replaced the older Standard Assessment Pathway. A common question many physiotherapists ask: “Do I need prior work experience to go through APEP?”
In this blog, we’ll break down how APEP works and clarify where (if at all) work experience plays a role.
What Is APEP (Australian Physiotherapy Entry Pathway)?
- The Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC) introduced APEP starting 1 October 2025.
- It’s designed to be more accessible, with much of the assessment being remote, reducing travel and costs.
- Key stages in APEP:
- Eligibility Assessment + Cultural Safety Training
- Written Assessment (remote or in-person)
- Capability Assessment - a 1.5‑hour, remote, open‑book, oral exam.
- Clinical Workshop - a face-to-face, one-day workshop in Melbourne, in small groups.
- Final Certificate - on successful completion of all these stages, you get the APC Final Certificate.
If you are thinking about taking the APEP, you can enrol in Academically’s APEP Preparation Course. You will get all the resources and guidance you need to clear the exam on your first attempt.
Is Prior Work Experience Required Before Starting APEP?
- No, you do not need prior work experience to begin the APEP process. The Eligibility Assessment is purely document-based, focusing on your physiotherapy qualification and whether you can legally practice in your home country.
- APC’s criteria for APEP entry: you need at least a diploma-level overseas physiotherapy qualification and either unrestricted registration in your home country or the ability to legally practice there.
- The pathway is designed to assess you to an entry-level/new-graduate standard, according to APC.
Where Does Work Experience Matter (If at All)?
While it’s not mandatory before APEP, work experience can still be valuable in a few ways:
- Preparing for the Capability Assessment: Real-world clinical experience (shadowing or working) helps build clinical reasoning and decision-making skills, both of which are tested in the remote oral exam.
- Ease of Transition: Experience helps you adapt faster once you’re in supervised practice (if you apply for limited registration).
- Confidence & Communication: Working or volunteering helps improve patient interaction and professional communication, skills that prove helpful during the clinical workshop.
Overview of the APEP Pathway
| Stage | Description | Format | Work Experience Required? |
| Eligibility Assessment | Submit qualifications and demonstrate legal ability to practice in the home country | Online document submission + Cultural Safety Training | Not required |
| Written Assessment | Core physiotherapy knowledge test | Remote or in-person | Not required |
| Capability Assessment | Oral exam testing clinical reasoning and communication | 1.5-hour remote open-book | Helpful but optional |
| Clinical Workshop | Face-to-face one-day practical workshop in Melbourne | Small group practical assessment | Helpful but optional |
| Final Certificate | Confirms competency for General Registration with AHPRA | Certification | N/A |
Final Thoughts
Work experience is not mandatory for starting APEP, but it helps prepare for assessments and supervised practice. Begin shadowing, volunteering, or internships in your home country to strengthen your skills.
Our advice would be to start preparing now, review APEP guidelines, gain some clinical exposure, and familiarize yourself with Australian physiotherapy practice to make your registration journey smoother.
If you are finding that hard, reach out to the experts at Academically. They will help you with everything you need.