What Is the APC Written Assessment?
The Australian Physiotherapy Council exam is for overseas-trained physiotherapists who aspire to get licensed and work full-time in Australia. This assessment ensures that you have the relevant clinical knowledge and skills as per the Australian healthcare standards. The exam has two parts: a written assessment and a clinical assessment.
It’s the second stage after completing:
- Eligibility Assessment
- Cultural Safety Training
You must pass the written assessment first to be eligible for the Clinical Assessment.
What Does the APC Exam Assess?
You’ll be evaluated across three core clinical areas:
- Musculoskeletal
- Cardiorespiratory
- Neurology
Each clinical area spans conditions across:
- Lifespan (paediatric to geriatric care)
- Settings (acute, rehab, rural, private practice)
- Professional domains (ethics, risk management, evidence-based practice)
Exam Format & Structure
The APC Written Assessment is a two-paper exam, held on the same day:
| Component | Duration | No. of Cases | No. of MCQs |
| Paper 1 | 2 hours | 15 | 60 |
| Paper 2 | 2 hours | 15 | 60 |
Each case reflects real-life Australian patient scenarios with 4 MCQs. You're expected to interpret, assess, and make clinical decisions like an entry-level Australian physio would.
How is the APC Exam Scoring done?
Your result is NOT based on the percentage of correct answers but a scaled score using the Rasch measurement model. It is a very fair model of assessment, in which you are assessed based on your skills; meaning the difficulty of questions adjusts based on your responses.
- Pass Score: 500 (combined across all 3 clinical areas)
- Score Type: Scaled Score (fairly compares difficulty across versions)
- Result: PASS / FAIL – not graded on a curve
There is no negative marking, so you can attempt every question with peace of mind.
Mode of the APC Written Examination
Did you know… You don’t have to travel across continents to appear for the APC Written Examination? Yes, you heard it right. You can either appear in person or even sit in the comfort of your home. Here are the details:
In-Person
Venue: Melbourne & Sydney
Start time: 9 AM AEST/AEDT
- Carry a valid ID
- Invigilated by human proctors
Remote
- Take it from your home or an approved private location
- Requires webcam, secondary device & WebLock browser
- No external material allowed
- Strict live invigilation
Tech Setup for Remote Exam
We all know how exciting (and a steal deal it is) to appear for a licensure exam from the comfort of your home. But here are some technical requirements you need to know:
- Primary computer with WebLock installed
- Secondary device with internet, camera, and mic
- Stable Wi-Fi and uninterrupted power
- A clean desk and quiet room
Your secondary device must be placed 1 metre behind and 2 metres to the side, angled to view your screen. Here’s a checklist for you to bookmark to avoid any last-minute hassles:
APC Written Exam Fees Structure for 2025
The APC Written Exam fees structure differs from one pathway to another. Please refer to the tables below to have a clear understanding of the pathways and their respective fee structure according to the 2025 norms.
Standard Assessment Pathway
| Application type | Fees in AUD | Fees in INR |
| Eligibility Assessment | 1136 | 63501 |
| Cultural Safety Training | 228 | 12745 |
| Written Assessment* | 1,958 | 109451 |
| Clinical Assessment** | 4263 | 238299 |
| Total | 7585 | 423997 |
*Written Assessment Resit = AUD 1958 (equivalent to 109451 INR)
**Clinical Assessment Resit per assessment area = AUD 1421 (equivalent to 79433 INR)
FLYR Pathway
| Application type | Fees in AUD | Fees in INR |
| Eligibility Assessment | 1136 | 63501 |
| Cultural Safety Training | 228 | 12745 |
| Written Assessment* | 1,958 | 109451 |
| Total | 3322 | 185698 |
*Written Assessment Resit = AUD 1958 (equivalent to 109451 INR)
Processing Times
- Eligibility Assessment: 3 weeks
- Written Exam Booking Confirmation: Sent post eligibility
- Assessment Outcome: Typically released within a few weeks post-exam
Study Tips & Resources to Clear the APC Written Assessment Preparation
Here’s how to prepare smarter, not harder:
Enroll in Academically’s coaching classes
An exam of this gravity needs special coaching classes. In Academically, we have qualified mentors of physiotherapy who have appeared in the APC exam and have gone down the same path as you will. You will get access to:
A. Live+recorded sessions with extended course access
B. AI-Based mock tests to simulate real case-based MCQs
C. Participate in community groups for peer support during preparation
D. Take advantage of 1-on-1 doubt-clearing sessions with experts
E. Get guidance from expert counsellors for settling in Australia as a full-time physiotherapist
Recommended Books:
- Brukner & Khan's Clinical Sports Medicine
- Shumway-Cook & Woollacott – Motor Control
- Main & Denehy – Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy
Important Exam Dates for 2025
Written Assessments are held four times a year. Below are the updated exam dates and their respective application schedule approved by the council:
| Exam dates | Applications open | Application deadline |
| 6 March 2025 | 23 October 2024 | 21 January 2025 |
| 5 June 2025 | 22 January 2025 | 22 April 2025 |
| 4 September 2025 | 23 April 2025 | 22 July 2025 |
| 4 December 2025 | 23 July 2025 | 21 October 2025 |
What Happens After You Pass the APC Written Assessment?
You're eligible for the final stage: Clinical Assessment
If you fail? You may resit the Written Assessment by applying again and paying the respective fee.
APC Exam Success Story
Our very own student Drishti passed APC exam with flying colours. Let’s take some inspiration about her journey and she has also shared some tips and tricks to make your APC journey easier.
With the right mindset, resources, and strategy, you can crack the APC written examination in your first attempt itself.
