Format at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Questions | 120 multiple choice: 2 papers of 60, each with 15 clinical cases of 4 questions |
| Time | 2 hours per paper (Paper 1 morning, Paper 2 afternoon, same day), about 2 minutes per question |
| Delivery | Online, in person in Melbourne or Sydney, or remotely supervised |
| Start time | 9am Melbourne time, for both in-person and remote exams |
| Pass mark | Scaled score of 500 or more (Rasch scaling); no negative marking |
| Fee | A$2,078 per attempt from 21 October 2026 |
| Results | Emailed within 6 weeks |
What's assessed
The Council assesses selected competencies from the Physiotherapy practice thresholds: planning and carrying out a culturally responsive, client-centred assessment; safe, evidence-based management with the client; reviewing and progressing care; legal, professional and ethical practice; applying research; quality improvement and risk management; recognising the limits of your scope; and managing your workload.
- Clinical areas: musculoskeletal, neurological and cardiorespiratory.
- Lifespan: paediatrics, gerontology and gender health.
- Settings: acute, community, subacute and rehabilitation, remote and rural, and private practice.
- Professional practice: evidence-based practice, ethical practice, quality assurance, risk management and health promotion.
How scoring works
Your marks are combined across both papers and reported as a scaled score, so a harder paper doesn't disadvantage you. A scaled score of 500 or more across the three clinical areas is a pass. The Council doesn't publish the number of correct answers needed, and there's no penalty for wrong answers, so answer every question.
See where you stand in 10 minutes
Take the free APC Written Assessment practice test. 15 questions, every answer explained.
Dates
The Written Assessment ran four times in 2026 and is scheduled six times in 2027: 11 February (remote only), 8 April, 10 June, 12 August, 14 October (remote only) and 2 December. Bookings open about four months ahead and close about a month before each date. Check the Council's Written Assessment page for the current booking windows.
A 10-week plan
- Weeks 1-2: take the free test, read the information booklet and the competencies, and start with your weakest clinical area.
- Weeks 3-5: musculoskeletal and neurological cases, using Australian guidelines (Low Back Pain and Osteoarthritis Clinical Care Standards, the Living Stroke Guidelines).
- Weeks 6-7: cardiorespiratory, lifespan and acute care, with the Lung Foundation Australia and Heart Foundation resources.
- Week 8: professional practice: the Code of conduct, consent, mandatory notifications, cultural safety and evidence levels. First full timed mock (two 2-hour papers).
- Weeks 9-10: clear your mistakes bank, take a second full mock and do light review only in the last two days.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the APC Written Assessment?
120 multiple-choice questions over two papers of 60, each with 15 cases and 4 questions per case.
What is the pass mark?
A scaled score of 500. The Council doesn't publish a raw percentage, because scaling adjusts for differences in paper difficulty.
How many times can I sit it?
There is no limit on attempts. After a fail you wait 14 days from the release of results before applying again, and you pay the fee each time.
Can I sit it from home?
Yes. The remote exam needs a computer with WebLock installed and a second device with a camera running Google Meet, a private room and a compatibility test about two weeks before.
What is the pass rate?
The Council doesn't publish a pass rate for the Written Assessment.
Official sources
- Australian Physiotherapy Council: Written Assessment
- Australian Physiotherapy Council: Assessment fees to increase 21 October 2026
- Written Assessment Information Booklet
Practice tests for these certifications
This guide is general information, checked November 2026, not legal advice. the Australian Physiotherapy Council rules change; confirm with the Australian Physiotherapy Council before you apply.
