What is Capability Assessment?
The Capability Assessment is an online test of your clinical skills as part of the Australian Physiotherapy Entry Pathway (APEP). This online verbal exam is specifically designed to evaluate your knowledge, clinical reasoning, safety, professionalism, and communication skills. These are core competencies essential for practice in Australian clinical environments.
How does it work?
- Format: The assessment is an oral exam delivered online, focusing on your clinical reasoning and practical approach
- Structure: three (3) short clinical cases and one (1) long case are presented, each requiring you to demonstrate your understanding of physiotherapy concepts, patient safety, and ethical conduct
- Assessor: You will be assessed by one experienced Australian physiotherapist assessor
- Duration: The entire assessment takes approximately 2 hours (with 1.5 hours of exam time)
What will the Capability Assessment assess?
The cases presented during the exam will be real-life scenarios, reflecting a patient’s presentation to the physiotherapist in clinical practice.
The key areas you will be marked on are:
- Communication
- Clinical reasoning
- Risk identification and management
- Understanding professional scope
- Management strategies
- Clinical communication
- Clinical reasoning
- Interpreting assessment findings
- Treatment, monitoring and reassessment
- Professionalism
The assessor will evaluate your ability to analyse clinical problems, make safe and effective decisions, and communicate clearly.
The assessment ensures that all internationally trained physiotherapists have the skills and knowledge necessary to provide high-quality physiotherapy care in Australia. It safeguards patients, maintains professional standards, and supports your successful transition into the Australian healthcare workforce.
Ready to apply?
Approach the Capability Assessment as an opportunity to showcase your knowledge and readiness for becoming an Australian physiotherapist.
For more details about the assessment and preparation, access the Candidate Portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Google search and books are allowed during the reading time for the long case portion of the exam.
However, the assessment is time-limited, and you should rely primarily on your existing knowledge and clinical reasoning. No reading time is provided for the short cases.
No, the Capability Assessment is only offered online. This ensures accessibility for candidates worldwide and allows you to complete the assessment from a location of your choice.