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APC Exam Guide for Physiotherapists – Eligibility, Format & Preparation Tips

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Thinking of becoming a licensed physiotherapist in Australia? Then you’ve probably come across the APC exam. It’s a big step in your career, especially if you’re coming from overseas. This guide is for you — we’ll keep it plain, honest, and simple.

Let's let us explain what the APC exam is, what you should study, and walk you through some tips.

What is the APC Exam for Physiotherapists?

The written exam of the Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC) is the process for overseas physiotherapists have to go through if they want to work legally in Australia.

The APC is one of the exams in your Physiotherapists pathway — often called the APC Pathway for Physiotherapists. It checks if your skills and knowledge match based on the Australian healthcare setting. If you pass, you’re one step closer to getting registered and working there.

APC Exam Eligibility for Physiotherapists

Alright, let’s talk about who can apply for the APC assessment. You’re eligible if:

  • You’ve completed a university degree in physiotherapy outside Australia.

  • Your course was at least 4 years long (some 3.5-year courses may still qualify, but it’s case-by-case).

  • You’ve got decent English skills. Usually, they ask for IELTS (overall 7.0) or something similar, like OET.

Even if you’ve been working in your country for years, you still need to go through this pathway to practice in Australia. It’s a mandatory requirement.

APC Exam Process for Overseas Physiotherapists

The APC process has a few stages. Here’s the basic flow:

1. Initial Assessment

You submit your documents – degree certificates, ID, resume, etc. APC checks if your qualification is “substantially equivalent” to Australian standards.

2. Written Assessment (Knowledge Exam)

If your documents are approved, you move to the written test. This is where most of the study comes in.

3. Clinical Assessment

If you pass the written test, you’ll do a hands-on exam (in-person) to test your clinical reasoning and treatment skills.

4. Registration

Once you pass both, you can apply for general registration with the Physiotherapy Board of Australia. That’s the final goal.

How to Apply for the APC Exam in Physiotherapy

The application is all online through the APC portal. Academically helps you in your Physiotherapy pathway from start to end. Here’s a basic idea of what you need to do:

  • Create an APC account.

  • Fill out your initial assessment application.

  • Upload your documents (certificates, degree, English test results, etc.).

  • Pay the fees.

  • Wait for the result (usually takes a couple of months).

  • Once accepted, register for the written assessment.

Keep everything scanned and ready. Also, name your documents clearly — saves time and avoids confusion later.

APC Exam Syllabus for Physiotherapy – What to Study?

So what’s actually in the written exam?

The APC written assessment is all about checking your core knowledge in physiotherapy. You will be assessed on your knowledge and its application across the following lifespan and settings, and three main clinical areas as follows:

  • Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy

  • Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy

  • Neurology

Expect scenario-based MCQs (multiple choice questions). You’ll be tested not just on facts, but on how you apply your knowledge. Stuff like:

  • Managing post-op patients

  • Treating stroke survivors

  • Assessing sports injuries

  • Emergency care decisions

So yeah, you can’t just learn — you have to understand the topics thoroughly.

APC Exam Preparation for Physiotherapists

Let’s be real — the APC exam can feel a bit intimidating, especially if you’ve been out of college for a while. But with the right plan, you can achieve the desired score.

Here’s what many successful candidates used as a strategy to clear the exam:

  • Start Early: Give yourself at least 3–4 months to prepare properly.

  • Make a Study Plan: Don’t try to study everything at once. Break it into weeks or sections.

  • Use Case-Based Learning: Focus on clinical reasoning, not just theory.

  • Join Coachings: Join a coaching like Academically, which has a high success rate.

  • Practice MCQs: The more, the better. Learn the style of questions.

APC Exam Study Material: Physiotherapy – What Should You Study?

Here are some common resources candidates use:

  • Physiotherapy Australia Guidelines

  • Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs)

  • APC Sample Question Papers

  • Books:

    • “Neurological Rehabilitation” by Darcy Umphred

    • “Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy” by Maitland

    • “Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy” by Hillegass

You can check our APC Written Assessment Preparation Course , which helps to clear in the first attempt.

APC Exam Cost for Physiotherapists

Here’s an estimated fee for the APC exam:

  • Eligibility Assessment: - AUD 1,136 ( ₹63,356.34)

  • Written Assessment: - AUD 1,958 ( ₹1,09,200.46)

  • Clinical Assessment: - AUD 4,263 ( ₹2,37,753.61)

Note: Fees are subject to change as per the international currency exchange rate.

APC Exam Australia for Physiotherapists – Why you should consider it?

If you’re wondering whether all this effort is worth it, here’s the deal:

  • High demand: Australia needs more skilled physiotherapists, and it’s a good chance to clear the exam.

  • Better pay: In Australia, the salary is higher compared to many countries.

  • Work-life balance: The Australian healthcare system values well-being and work-life balance.

  • An open path to PR: Once you’re registered and working, it opens doors to permanent residency.

So yes, it can be challenging in the beginning with finances as well, but if Australia is your goal, then it’s worth it with a huge ROI.

Conclusion: Don’t Panic, Just Plan

Passing the APC exam is doable if you prepare better in advance and stay consistent. Don’t try to rush or cram everything in a month. Understand the format, break it down, and give yourself time.

Remember, you’re not alone — thousands of overseas physios have done this before you. If they can, so can you. Academically helps you clear in your first attempt! Your Australian physiotherapy dream is closer than you think.

FAQs

1. Is the APC exam really hard?
 It depends on how well you prepare. If you study smart and give yourself enough time, it’s very doable. Many overseas physiotherapists pass it every year — just don’t leave things for the last minute. 

2. Do I need to take both the IELTS and the APC exam?
Yes, English tests like IELTS or OET are separate from the APC exam. You’ll need to show your English proficiency before they let you take the written test. It’s a must for registration in Australia.

3. What happens if I fail the written or clinical assessment?
Don’t stress — you can reattempt. Just take time to understand where you went wrong, study a bit more, and try again. Many people pass on their second or third try. But to be on the safe side, join a coaching program to help you in your first attempt, as it’s a huge investment.

4. Can I get a job in Australia right after the APC exam?
Once you pass both assessments and get registered, you’re eligible to apply for physiotherapy jobs in Australia. Having APC approval makes you a strong candidate, especially in hospitals and clinics needing skilled staff.

5. Can I take the APC exam from outside Australia?
The written exam is offered in various countries through test centres, so you don’t have to fly to Australia for that. But the clinical assessment is usually done in person in Australia, so yes, for that, travel is needed.

author

Chris Bates



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