Australia has long been a top destination for internationally qualified physiotherapists seeking to continue their careers abroad. But in 2025, the Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC) is making some key changes that will affect how overseas-trained physiotherapists enter the profession.
We’ll break down the new Australian Physiotherapy Entry Pathway (APEP)—what it replaces, what stays the same, and what you need to know if you’re planning to work as a physiotherapist in Australia.
Background: What Was the Standard Assessment Pathway?
Previously, international physiotherapists followed the Standard Assessment Pathway, which included:
- Eligibility Assessment
- Cultural Safety Training (CST)
- Written Assessment
- Clinical Assessment (Simulation-based practical exam)
While this pathway has helped thousands transition into the Australian healthcare workforce, the APC recognised the need for a more flexible, accessible, and clinically relevant system. Enter APEP.
What Is Changing with APEP?
Starting 1 October 2025, the Standard Pathway will be replaced by the Australian Physiotherapy Entry Pathway (APEP).
New Key Components in APEP:
- Remote Capability Assessment (New!)
- A 1.5-hour live, open-book oral exam
- Conducted via video with an experienced Australian physiotherapist
- Assesses your clinical reasoning, communication, and applied knowledge
- Face-to-Face Clinical Workshop (New!)
- Conducted in small groups in Melbourne
- Combines learning and assessment in a collaborative format
- Replaces the former simulation-style Clinical Assessment
What Remains the Same?
Several core components remain unchanged:
| Component | Description |
| ✅ Eligibility Assessment | Checks your qualifications and clinical experience |
| ✅ Cultural Safety Training (CST) | Mandatory online module with an 80% pass rate |
| ✅ Written Assessment | Theory-based MCQ exam covering core physiotherapy knowledge |
| ✅ FLYR & Express FLYR Pathways | Still available for candidates from countries with similar healthcare standards |
These components still form the backbone of the entry process and ensure alignment with AHPRA and Physiotherapy Practice Thresholds in Australia.
Standard Pathway vs APEP – Side-by-Side Comparison
| Component | Standard Pathway (Before Oct 2025) | APEP (From Oct 2025) |
| Eligibility Assessment | Required | Required |
| Cultural Safety Training (CST) | Required (Online) | Required (Online) |
| Written Assessment | Required (MCQ-style exam) | Required (same format) |
| Clinical Assessment | Simulation-based practical stations | Discontinued |
| Capability Assessment | Not available | ✅ New: 1.5-hr oral assessment |
| Clinical Workshop | Not available | ✅ New: Small-group workshop in Melbourne |
| Location of Exams | Mostly in-person | Written = remote/in-centre; Others = hybrid |
What Will International Physiotherapists Experience in APEP?
🔷 1. Eligibility Assessment
- Submit qualifications, transcripts, and work experience.
- Once approved, you can proceed to CST.
🔷 2. Cultural Safety Training
- Online module focused on First Nations health, safety, and communication.
- Must score 80% or higher
- Grants an Interim Certificate (valid for 2 years).
🔷 3. Written Assessment
- Format: Multiple Choice Questions
- Topics: Musculoskeletal, cardio-respiratory, neuro, ethics, patient safety
- Remote or in-centre options
🔷 4. Remote Capability Assessment (New)
- Conducted 1-on-1 via video
- Open-book, 1.5 hours, real-world scenarios
- Assesses communication, reasoning, and case management
🔷 5. Face-to-Face Clinical Workshop (New)
- Held in Melbourne
- Small group, interactive format (not just assessment but collaborative learning)
- Develops confidence, clarifies expectations, and prepares you for clinical life in Australia
Transitional Arrangements
If you’re currently on the Standard Pathway, you can:
- Complete your Clinical Assessment by October 2025
- OR opt-in to transfer to APEP from 1 October 2025
- The APC will contact all current candidates via the Candidate Portal with transition options
Express & FLYR Pathways Still Available
If you’re from a country whose physiotherapy education and regulation align with Australia (e.g., UK, Canada, Singapore, Netherlands), you may be eligible for:
🔹 FLYR Pathway
- Possibly bypass the written and clinical components
- Eligibility depends on education and recent clinical practice
🔹 Express FLYR
- Fast-track for highly aligned countries
- Receive full recognition after eligibility + CST
Key Advantage of APEP Over the Old Pathway
Instead of testing isolated clinical skills, APEP evaluates your real-world readiness as a physiotherapist working in Australia. This includes your ability to:
-
Communicate effectively with patients
-
Write clear and defensible clinical notes
-
Interpret case information and justify your clinical decisions
-
Apply evidence-based treatment protocols
This integrated and modern approach makes APEP more aligned with the actual demands of physiotherapy practice in Australia.
Final Thoughts: What This Means for You
✅ If you are planning to start the process:
- Begin with the Eligibility Assessment and CST now
- You’ll be placed on APEP if you progress beyond October 2025
✅ If you’re already in the pathway:
- You can choose to stay on the Standard Pathway or opt-in to APEP
- Review your options in September 2025 via the Candidate Portal
The most significant difference between the Australian Physiotherapy Entry Pathway (APEP) and the previous Standard Assessment Pathway lies in how clinical skills are evaluated. In the Standard Pathway, candidates were required to pass three separate in-person Clinical Assessments, each focused on a specific area: musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory physiotherapy. These assessments were conducted independently and often involved extensive preparation and travel.
In contrast, APEP simplifies and modernizes this process by replacing the three individual clinical exams with a more holistic and integrated approach, consisting of two components:
-
A remote Capability Assessment, which is conducted virtually and assesses your clinical reasoning, patient communication, case interpretation, documentation skills, and decision-making ability.
-
An in-person Clinical Workshop held in Melbourne, where you participate in practical activities and demonstrate your applied physiotherapy skills in a supportive group environment.
This shift not only reduces logistical and financial barriers for international candidates but also reflects a more realistic, day-to-day assessment of clinical competence as expected in contemporary Australian physiotherapy practice.
Summary Checklist for APEP Candidates
- 🔲 Check eligibility on APC website
- 🔲 Apply for Eligibility Assessment
- 🔲 Complete Cultural Safety Training
- 🔲 Prepare for Written Assessment
- 🔲 Prepare for Remote Capability Assessment
- 🔲 Book and attend Clinical Workshop
- 🔲 Apply to AHPRA for registration
Conclusion
The Australian Physiotherapy Entry Pathway (APEP) marks a modern, flexible, and more candidate-friendly approach to credentialing. It reflects real-world clinical practice, supports international physiotherapists with learning tools, and ultimately ensures better integration into Australia’s healthcare system.
If you’re an international physiotherapist planning to move to Australia, APEP may be your smoothest, most supportive pathway yet.
How Physiomates Can Support Your APEP Journey
At Physiomates Academy, we understand the challenges international physiotherapists face when transitioning into Australian practice. That’s why we offer a comprehensive preparation program designed to help you succeed in both the Written Assessment and the new Remote Capability Assessment under APEP.
Our live mentoring sessions, mock case discussions, are tailored to mirror APC standards. Whether you’re preparing for your exam or want to boost your confidence in clinical communication and documentation, Physiomates is here to guide you every step of the way.
👉 Ready to start?
Join our APC Community today and take the next confident step toward becoming a registered physiotherapist in Australia.
