APC Assessment Fees Increase 3% from January 2026 + Written Assessment Dates 2025-2026

The Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC) has announced that all assessment fees will increase by 3% from 5 January 2026. This standard Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment affects all assessment pathways including APEP, FLYR, and Express FLYR. Here's everything you need to know about the new fees and upcoming Written Assessment dates.

Fee Increase Summary

The 3% CPI adjustment applies to all assessment stages (excluding Skills Assessment). If you're planning your pathway, understanding the new costs is essential for budgeting.

Complete Pathway Costs

Pathway	Current (2025)	New (From 5 Jan 2026)	Increase
Express FLYR	$1,600	$1,650	+$50
FLYR Pathway	$3,322	$3,422	+$100
APEP (Full Pathway)	$7,585	$7,814	+$229

Individual Stage Fees

Assessment Stage	Current (2025)	New (From 5 Jan 2026)
Eligibility – Express FLYR	$1,372	$1,415
Eligibility – APEP/FLYR	$1,136	$1,170
Cultural Safety Training	$228	$235
Written Assessment	$1,958	$2,017
Capability Assessment	$2,842	$2,928
Clinical Workshop	$1,421	$1,464
Internal Review	$568	$585

Important: The increase applies to stages commenced on or after 5 January 2026. If you start a stage before this date, you'll pay the current rate for that stage.

Written Assessment Dates 2025-2026

Planning when to sit your Written Assessment? Here are all scheduled examination dates and application deadlines.

Examination Schedule

Exam Date	Application Closes	Results Expected
4 September 2025	22 July 2025	Mid-October 2025
4 December 2025	21 October 2025	Mid-January 2026
5 March 2026	20 January 2026	Mid-April 2026
11 June 2026	28 April 2026	Late July 2026
3 September 2026	21 July 2026	Mid-October 2026
3 December 2026	20 October 2026	Mid-January 2027

Applications typically open approximately 10 weeks before each examination date. Check your APC candidate dashboard for exact opening dates.

Written Assessment Format

The Written Assessment can be completed:

• In-person at a physical assessment venue (exam starts 9am AEST/AEDT)
• Remotely via the online platform (times vary by location)

Eligibility Requirements

Before applying for the Written Assessment, you must have successfully completed:

1. ✓ Eligibility Assessment
2. ✓ Cultural Safety Training

Once these are complete, you can apply through your candidate dashboard.

Attempt Limits

• Maximum 3 attempts at the Written Assessment
• If unsuccessful after 3 attempts, you must transition to an alternative pathway
• Results released within 6 weeks of examination

Strategic Timing Considerations

Beat the Fee Increase

If you're ready to commence an assessment stage, consider starting before 5 January 2026 to lock in current rates:

• Written Assessment: Apply for the December 2025 sitting to pay current fee ($1,958 vs $2,017)
• Eligibility Assessment: Submit before January 2026
• Cultural Safety Training: Complete before the new year

Pathway Planning

If you want to...	Consider...
Minimise costs	Start stages before 5 January 2026
Sit Written Assessment in early 2026	Apply by 20 January 2026 for March sitting
Complete APEP in 2026	Budget $7,814 for full pathway
Use Express FLYR	Budget $1,650 (if starting after Jan 2026)

Cost Comparison: APEP vs FLYR vs Express FLYR

Understanding which pathway suits your situation:

Express FLYR ($1,650 from Jan 2026)

• Fastest pathway for eligible candidates
• Single eligibility assessment
• Best for candidates from comparable healthcare systems

FLYR Pathway ($3,422 from Jan 2026)

• Eligibility + Cultural Safety + Written Assessment
• No Capability Assessment required
• Suits candidates meeting FLYR criteria

APEP Full Pathway ($7,814 from Jan 2026)

• Complete pathway including Capability Assessment
• Most comprehensive assessment
• Required for candidates not meeting FLYR/Express criteria

What This Means for Your Budget

If you're currently saving for your physiotherapy registration pathway, here's the updated budget to aim for:

Minimum Budget (Express FLYR eligible)

• Assessment fees: $1,650
• AHPRA registration: ~$895
• Total: ~$2,545

Standard Budget (FLYR pathway)

• Assessment fees: $3,422
• AHPRA registration: ~$895
• Total: ~$4,317

Full Budget (APEP pathway)

• Assessment fees: $7,814
• AHPRA registration: ~$895
• Study materials/courses: $500-2,000
• Total: ~$9,209 - $10,709

Key Dates Summary

Fee Change

• 5 January 2026 – 3% fee increase takes effect

Written Assessment 2025

• 4 September 2025 (applications close 22 July)
• 4 December 2025 (applications close 21 October)

Written Assessment 2026

• 5 March 2026 (applications close 20 January)
• 11 June 2026 (applications close 28 April)
• 3 September 2026 (applications close 21 July)
• 3 December 2026 (applications close 20 October)

Next Steps

1. Check your eligibility – Confirm which pathway applies to you
2. Plan your timeline – Map out when you'll complete each stage
3. Budget accordingly – Use the new 2026 fees for planning
4. Monitor your dashboard – Watch for application opening dates
5. Prepare early – Don't wait until the last minute to apply

Key Takeaways

✓ 3% fee increase from 5 January 2026 due to CPI adjustment

✓ APEP total cost: $7,814 (up from $7,585)

✓ Express FLYR: $1,650 (up from $1,600)

✓ Written Assessment fee: $2,017 (up from $1,958)

✓ Six exam dates available: Sep 2025, Dec 2025, Mar 2026, Jun 2026, Sep 2026, Dec 2026

✓ Applications open ~10 weeks before each exam

✓ Start stages before January 2026 to lock in current rates

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Stay updated with the latest APC announcements and exam preparation resources. Check your candidate dashboard regularly for application opening dates and updates.