A Complete Guide Based on the APC Written Assessment Candidate Handbook
If you’re an internationally qualified physiotherapist aiming to practice in Australia, the Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC) requires you to pass a three-step Standard Assessment Pathway:
Eligibility Assessment
Written Assessment
Clinical Assessment
Among these, the APC Written Assessment plays a crucial role in assessing your clinical reasoning, ethical understanding, and application of knowledge.
One of the most common questions asked by candidates is:
“Can I take the APC Written Assessment from my home country without traveling to Australia?”
The answer is a confident YES.
However, there are specific technical, procedural, and environmental guidelines that must be followed.
Let’s explore everything you need to know to take the APC Written Exam remotely, from the comfort of your home country, based on the APC’s official Written Assessment Candidate Guide.
What Is the APC Written Assessment?
The Written Assessment is a high-stakes, computer-based examination administered by the Australian Physiotherapy Council. It is used to evaluate:
Clinical knowledge
Professional reasoning
Decision-making in ethical and real-world physiotherapy situations
This exam is conducted remotely, meaning you don’t need to travel to Australia. You can sit for the exam from your home, office, or another suitable location, provided you meet the technical and security standards outlined by the APC.
🔹 Summary:
It is a computer-based test.
You can sit for it from anywhere in the world.
It is part of the Standard Assessment Pathway to qualify for AHPRA registration.
Can I Take the APC Written Exam from My Home Country?
Yes – the APC Written Exam is conducted remotely and globally.
The Australian Physiotherapy Council has adopted a remote proctoring model that enables you to take the exam from any location—including your home country—if you meet the technical requirements.
You will use a secure, monitored online platform to attempt the test under live invigilation through your webcam and microphone.
🔹 Summary:
Remote proctoring allows international candidates to participate.
No travel to Australia is necessary.
You must follow strict protocols for technology, identity verification, and exam conduct.
Eligibility Criteria to Sit the APC Written Assessment
Before registering for the APC written exam, you must meet the following preconditions:
✔️ You must:
Complete and pass the Eligibility Assessment by APC.
Receive an invitation to register for the Written Assessment via your APC Candidate Portal.
Pay the relevant fee (AUD $2,300 as of the latest guide).
Agree to follow all exam rules and technical specifications.
🔹 Summary:
Written Assessment is only available after APC approves your Eligibility Assessment.
You will receive an email notification when you’re eligible to book.
The booking and exam registration is done through the APC Candidate Portal.
Technical Requirements for Remote Exam
To take the APC Written Exam from your home country, your computer and internet must meet strict criteria. These ensure fairness and prevent misconduct.
✔️ Hardware Requirements:
Laptop or desktop computer (No tablets or mobile phones)
Windows or Mac OS
Functional webcam, microphone, and speakers
Keyboard and mouse
✔️ Software Requirements:
Latest version of Google Chrome
Download and install the proctoring software (link provided after registration)
Disable screen sharing, external devices, and pop-up blockers
✔️ Internet Requirements:
Stable broadband connection
Minimum: 1.5 Mbps download/upload speed
No VPN or proxy services
🔹 Summary:
Use only a personal computer (no office or public computers)
A practice test is provided to test your system
Ensure a quiet and distraction-free exam space
Environment Requirements For APC Exam
The space where you attempt the test must meet the APC’s environmental guidelines.
✔️ Exam Environment Rules:
Sit in a private, well-lit room
Ensure no one else is present
Clear your desk of any notes, phones, or unauthorized material
No headphones or dual monitors allowed
Avoid noise, interruptions, and background movement
A live proctor will scan your room via webcam before the test begins and may intervene during the exam if rules are broken.
🔹 Summary:
Private and clean workspace is mandatory
The proctor will monitor you and your environment
Non-compliance can lead to disqualification
What You Need to Know Before the APC Written Exam
Before sitting the APC Written Assessment, it’s essential to understand the structure, delivery mode, and technical setup to ensure you’re fully prepared and compliant with APC standards. Below, we break down the exam format, assessment paper structure, and the complete remote setup process you’ll need to follow.
APC Written Exam Format
The APC Written Assessment is conducted entirely online, and consists of two separate papers completed on the same day.
📄 Assessment Paper Description
The exam consists of two papers:
Paper 1: Conducted in the morning
Paper 2: Conducted in the afternoon
Each paper runs for 2 hours and includes 15 clinical case scenarios
Each case scenario includes 4 multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
⇒ That’s 60 MCQs per paper, 120 questions totalThe questions are designed to assess:
Your clinical knowledge
Decision-making and clinical reasoning
Your ability to apply appropriate actions and responses
Professional conduct in various clinical settings
Scenarios may provide:
A description of the patient including age, gender, and background
Details about the clinical setting (e.g., hospital, outpatient, rehab)
Ethical or professional issues that you must respond to
Some cases may contain full clinical assessment data; others will offer limited information to test your prioritization and reasoning
🔹 Summary of Exam Format:
2 papers (morning + afternoon)
15 cases per paper, 60 MCQs per paper
4 questions per case
Focus on knowledge, professionalism, clinical judgment
Time per paper: 2 hours
💻 Remote Written Assessment: What to Expect
You are not required to attend an exam center. The Remote Written Assessment allows you to complete the test from your own location using a secure online system. However, it requires careful setup of your computer, environment, and additional devices.
✅ WebLock Secure Browser
The exam is delivered via the EPEC WebLock browser, which ensures a cheat-proof environment by locking down all functions except the exam platform.
Before installing WebLock, make sure to:
Disable antivirus/firewall settings on your computer
Uninstall any previous versions of WebLock (if applicable)
Close all other programs running in the background
💡 TIP: Familiarize yourself with your device’s antivirus settings in advance, as you’ll need to temporarily disable them during setup.
✅ Compatibility Test Requirements
Before the exam, you’ll complete a Compatibility Test to ensure everything functions smoothly.
You’ll need:
A computer with keyboard and mouse
A stable internet connection
A secondary device (mobile, tablet, or second computer) with a camera
Used to monitor your exam environment
The camera feed will only be recorded if misconduct is suspected
Power supply for both devices
A quiet, private testing room with minimal distractions
💡 TIP: If using a phone or tablet as your secondary device:
iPhone/iPad: Use Safari
Android: Use the default browser
Be sure you know how to operate the microphone and camera
✅ Desk Setup for the Remote Exam
The APC requires a specific setup for the Compatibility Test and actual exam.
Your setup must include:
A desk or table for your primary computer
A comfortable chair
Both devices connected to power supply
A surface behind or beside you to place your secondary device
A clear background with no visible materials or distractions
Want More Details?
The official guidelines for setting up and completing the APC Remote Written Assessment are detailed in the Council’s official booklet. Make sure you review this document thoroughly to avoid any last-minute issues:
👉 APC Written Assessment Information Booklet (PDF)
Exam Booking & Registration Process for APC Written Exam
The process of booking the APC Written Assessment remotely involves several steps.
✔️ Booking Steps:
Receive email invitation once eligible.
Login to your APC Candidate Portal.
Choose your preferred exam date from available slots.
Pay the assessment fee.
Receive exam confirmation and software setup guide.
You’ll also receive instructions to do a mandatory system check and onboarding process a few days before your exam.
🔹 Summary:
Booking happens through the Candidate Portal
Exam fee is approx. AUD $2,300
Pre-exam setup instructions will be sent via email
What Happens on APC Exam Day?
On the exam day, make sure to:
Log in at least 30 minutes early
Have your government-issued photo ID ready
Complete the live identity check
Follow proctor instructions throughout the exam
Report any technical issues immediately to the proctor
Any violation of rules may result in your assessment being voided.
🔹 Summary:
Early login required
Live ID verification
Your screen and webcam are monitored during the full session
When Will I Receive My Results for APC Exam?
Your results will be released via the Candidate Portal within 8 weeks of your exam date.
✔️ If You Pass:
You’ll be invited to proceed to the Clinical Assessment phase
✔️ If You Fail:
You can rebook the exam
You may be advised to undertake further study or preparation
🔹 Summary:
Results released in approx. 2 months
Outcome accessible via Candidate Portal
You can re-sit the exam if unsuccessful
Common Mistakes to Avoid During APC Written Exam
Attempting the exam in a shared or noisy space
Not testing the system beforehand
Using an unsupported browser or device
Violating rules like off-screen glances, unauthorized breaks, or recording the screen
🔹 Summary:
Prepare your space and equipment in advance
Take a practice test
Read all exam day instructions thoroughly
Conclusion
Yes, you can absolutely attempt the Australian APC Written Assessment from your home country—and thousands of internationally qualified physiotherapists do so each year.
By following the technical, environmental, and procedural guidelines provided in the APC Written Assessment Candidate Guide, you can sit the exam safely, securely, and confidently without the need to travel.
Need Help Preparing for the APC Written Exam?
Preparing for the APC Written Assessment can feel overwhelming, especially when studying alone. That’s where we come in. At Physiomates, we specialize in helping internationally qualified physiotherapists confidently prepare for and pass the APC Written Exam through structured mentorship, exam-focused resources, and expert guidance. If you’re looking for support, strategies, and a proven system to succeed, join us at Physiomates and take the next step toward your Australian registration journey.
