APEP Transition 2025: What Changed and What It Means for You

If you've been researching physiotherapy registration in Australia, you've probably noticed references to both the "Standard Assessment Pathway" and "APEP." Let me clear up the confusion.

What Happened?

In October 2025, the Australian Physiotherapy Council (APC) transitioned the Standard Assessment Pathway to the Australian Physiotherapy Entry Pathway (APEP).

It's essentially the same pathway with some refinements. The core structure hasn't changed dramatically – you still go through eligibility assessment, written assessment, and practical assessment. But there are some important differences.

What's Different?

Clinical Assessment → Capability Assessment + Clinical Workshop

The old Clinical Assessment has been split into two components:

Capability Assessment: This tests your clinical reasoning and decision-making through standardised scenarios.

Clinical Workshop: This is a more educational component where you demonstrate and develop practical skills.

The idea is to make the assessment more about verifying your capabilities and less about a high-stakes pass/fail moment.

More Structured Preparation

APEP includes more structured preparation materials and resources. The APC has developed clearer guidance on what's expected at each stage.

Cultural Safety Training

This was always part of the pathway, but APEP places stronger emphasis on it. You'll complete specific training on providing culturally safe care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other diverse populations.

What Stayed the Same?

Overall Structure

You still go through:

1. Eligibility Assessment
2. Cultural Safety Training
3. Written Assessment
4. Capability Assessment/Clinical Workshop

The Written Assessment

The MCQ exam format hasn't changed. Still 120 questions, still 3 hours, still 60% pass mark.

The Content Areas

You're still being assessed on musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiorespiratory physiotherapy, plus professional practice.

The Fees

This is important – APEP fees are similar to the old pathway:

Component	Fee
Eligibility Assessment	$1,136
Cultural Safety Training	$228
Written Assessment	$1,958
Capability Assessment	$4,263
Total	$7,585

Note: Fees are increasing from 5 January 2026. If you're planning to apply, check the current fee schedule on the APC website.

What If I Started on the Old Pathway?

If you were already on the Standard Assessment Pathway before October 2025, you can continue on the old pathway. Your progress carries over. You don't need to start again.

However, if you started after October 2025, you'll be on APEP.

Is APEP Harder or Easier?

Neither, really. It's designed to assess the same competencies in a more structured way. Some candidates find the split between Capability Assessment and Clinical Workshop less stressful than a single high-stakes clinical exam. Others prefer to just get it all done at once.

The content you need to know is the same. The preparation you need to do is the same.

My Take

The transition to APEP is part of broader changes in how international health professionals are assessed in Australia. AHPRA and the National Boards have been working on making pathways clearer and more consistent across professions.

For you as a candidate, the key thing is to focus on the fundamentals:

• Know your clinical content
• Understand Australian practice contexts
• Practice your clinical reasoning
• Work on communication skills

Whether it's called the Standard Assessment Pathway or APEP, that's what will get you through.

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Have questions about where you are in the pathway? Our team can help clarify your options.