The Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC) conducts the Australian Physiotherapy Equivalence Pathway (APEP) assessment to determine whether internationally qualified physiotherapists meet the standards required to practise safely and effectively in Australia.
Understanding the APEP exam syllabus and pattern is essential for structured preparation and success. This blog explains exactly what APEP assesses, how the exam is structured, and what knowledge and competencies you are expected to demonstrate.
What Does the APEP Written Assessment Assess?
The APEP Written Assessment is designed to evaluate your ability to apply physiotherapy knowledge in real-world clinical scenarios. Rather than testing rote learning, APC focuses on clinical reasoning, decision-making, and professional judgement.
Do you want to start preparing for the APEP? Then, enroll in Academically’s APEP Preparation Course. You will get live and recorded lectures, study materials, AI-based mock tests, personalised guidance and so much more!
Competencies Assessed by APC
The APEP exam is based on the Physiotherapy Practice Thresholds defined by APC. To practise in Australia, physiotherapists must demonstrate competence across the following domains:
Core Competency Areas
Competency Domain | What APC Assesses |
| Physiotherapy Practitioner | Client-centred, culturally responsive assessment and evidence-based intervention |
| Professional and Ethical Practitioner | Compliance with legal, ethical, and professional standards |
| Reflective Practitioner & Lifelong Learner | Use of research, quality improvement, and self-awareness of limitations |
| Manager and Leader | Safe workload management, prioritisation, and teamwork |
Key Competency Elements
- Planning and implementing effective physiotherapy assessments
- Involving clients and carers in care planning
- Reviewing and progressing physiotherapy interventions
- Applying evidence-based practice in clinical decisions
- Managing risk and ensuring patient safety
- Recognising scope of practice limitations and escalating appropriately
Knowledge Areas Assessed in the APEP Exam
APC assesses your knowledge and its application across multiple dimensions: clinical areas, lifespan, and practice settings.
Clinical Areas Covered
Clinical Area | Focus |
| Musculoskeletal | Orthopaedics, sports injuries, spinal conditions |
| Cardiorespiratory | Acute and chronic cardiac and respiratory conditions |
| Neurological | Adult and paediatric neurological rehabilitation |
Lifespan and Settings
Lifespan | Practice Settings |
| Paediatric | Acute care |
| Adult | Subacute / Rehabilitation |
| Geriatric | Community |
| Gender health | Remote / Rural |
| Private Practice |
Professional Practice Knowledge
Professional Focus Areas |
| Evidence-based practice |
| Ethical practice |
| Quality assurance |
| Risk management |
| Health promotion |
Conditions Commonly Covered in the APEP Exam
Musculoskeletal Conditions
Category | Examples |
| Soft Tissue Injuries | Muscle strains, ligament tears, tendinopathy |
| Joint Disorders | Hypermobility, hypomobility, degenerative joint disease |
| Bone Conditions | Fractures, osteoporosis, pathological fractures |
| Spine | Low back pain, scoliosis, postural dysfunction |
| Neuromuscular | Nerve compression, peripheral nerve injuries |
| Congenital | Hip dysplasia, talipes equinovarus |
Cardiorespiratory Conditions
Category | Examples |
| Cardiac | Myocardial infarction, heart failure, PAD |
| Respiratory | COPD, asthma, pneumonia |
| Acute Care | Atelectasis, pulmonary oedema |
| Chronic Conditions | Cystic fibrosis, restrictive lung disease |
| Post-operative | Abdominal and thoracic surgery |
Neurological Conditions
Category | Examples |
| Cerebrovascular | Stroke, TIA |
| Neurodegenerative | Parkinson’s disease, ALS |
| Demyelinating | Multiple sclerosis |
| Paediatric | Cerebral palsy, developmental delays |
| Cognitive | Dementia, affective disorders |
| Neuropathies | Peripheral neuropathy |
APEP Exam Pattern
The APEP assessment consists of two components, both conducted online by APC.
1. APEP Written Assessment
Feature | Details |
| Mode | Online (from home country) |
| Papers | 2 papers on the same day |
| Duration | 2 hours per paper |
| Total Questions | 60 MCQs |
| Case Scenarios | 15 per paper |
| Focus | Clinical reasoning, application of knowledge |
Each paper presents clinical case-based scenarios, requiring candidates to choose the most appropriate assessment, treatment, or management option.
2. Remote Capability Assessment
Feature | Details |
| Mode | Online, open-book oral assessment |
| Total Duration | ~2 hours (1.5 hours active assessment) |
| Assessor | Australian registered physiotherapist |
| Case Format | 3 short cases + 1 long case |
What is Evaluated
- Clinical reasoning and safety
- Ethical and professional judgement
- Communication and cultural appropriateness
- Risk management and escalation decisions
Final Thoughts
The APEP exam conducted by APC is a comprehensive assessment of your readiness to practise physiotherapy in Australia. Success depends on deep understanding, application of knowledge, and strong clinical reasoning, not memorisation alone.
A structured preparation strategy aligned with the APC syllabus and exam pattern will significantly improve your chances of clearing the APEP assessment confidently.
If you need any further information or guidance regarding the APEP, you can reach out to the experts at Academically.