APEP will be launched from 1 October 2025, replacing the Standard Assessment Pathway.
What is Australian Physiotherapy Entry Pathway (APEP)?
APEP is the Council’s entry pathway supporting international physiotherapists to join the Australian physiotherapy workforce.
Through remote assessments and in-person clinical and practical training, you will be equipped to deliver healthcare to the Australian community as a confident and practice-ready physiotherapist.
What does APEP offer?
- Provides a path and resources to obtain your Final Certificate
- Includes one open-book remote Capability Assessment
- Connects you with other international physiotherapists during the face-to-face Clinical Workshop
- Offers personalised feedback
- Prepares you as a first-contact physiotherapist in Australia
- Validates your competency and clinical capability to Australian employers
- Trains you to work in the Australian physiotherapy profession
Ready to begin your journey?
Criteria to apply
To apply, you need:
- An overseas physiotherapy qualification (a minimum diploma-level)
- Unrestricted registration in your country of training
OR
The ability to legally practice without restriction in your country of training (if no regulatory body exists).
Pathway stages
Each stage of APEP is purposefully designed to prepare you for practice, guiding you step-by-step toward becoming an Australian physiotherapist.
- Eligibility Assessment
- Cultural Safety Training
- Written Assessment
- Capability Assessment
A 1.5-hour online remote, oral exam designed to evaluate your competencies - Clinical Workshop
A one-day, Melbourne-based, face-to-face workshop offering small group training.
To learn more about Capability Assessment and the Clinical Workshop stages, log in to your Candidate Portal.
Fees (as at 31 July 2025)
| Stage | Cost |
|---|---|
| Eligibility Assessment & Cultural Safety Training | $1,136 & $228 |
| Written Assessment | $1,958 |
| Capability Assessment | $2,842 |
| Clinical Workshop | $1,421 |
| Total | $7,585 |
Frequently Asked Questions
APEP takes approximately 6 months to complete, for candidates who progress as quickly as possible.
The main difference is that APEP replaces 3 Clinical Assessments (musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiorespiratory), with the remote/virtual Capability Assessment and in person Clinical Workshop.
General registration from Ahpra is required to work as a physiotherapist in Australia. General Registration can be obtained after you have completed your assessment pathway and received a Final Certificate.
Limited registration allows you to work under supervision while you progress through your assessment pathway with the Council.
Contact Ahpra directly for any registration questions.