Written Assessment Overview
The Written Assessment is a computer-based, multiple-choice examination that tests your theoretical knowledge of physiotherapy practice in Australia. It is one stage of APEP and must be passed before the Capability Assessment and Clinical Workshop. Exact format details (number of questions, duration, pass mark) are set by APC and published in their current Written Assessment Information Booklet — read it before you book.
120 questions
15 cases per paper, 4 questions each
2 papers × 2 hours
4 hours of exam time in total
Scaled score
Pass mark is a scaled score 500 via Rasch measurement framework
Exam Format & Structure
Question Types
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
Single best answer from 4-5 options
Computer-Based Format
Sit it remotely supervised, or at an APC venue in Melbourne or Sydney
Scenario-Based Questions
Each paper is built from 15 clinical cases carrying 4 questions each
Evidence-Based Practice
Research and best practices
Time management
Pace yourself
60 questions in 2 hours is about 2 minutes per question. Practise to that pace under timed conditions rather than discovering it on the day, and build in time for flagged questions and a final review. Confirm the current figures in the APC booklet before you sit.
Content Areas & Topics
Core Physiotherapy Areas
Musculoskeletal
- • Assessment techniques
- • Treatment modalities
- • Exercise prescription
- • Manual therapy
Neurological
- • Stroke rehabilitation
- • Spinal cord injury
- • Movement disorders
- • Neuroplasticity
Cardiorespiratory
- • Respiratory assessment
- • Breathing exercises
- • ICU management
- • Pulmonary rehabilitation
Professional Practice Areas
Professional Practice & Ethics
Code of conduct, legal requirements, professional boundaries
Evidence-Based Practice
Research methods, critical appraisal, clinical guidelines
Communication & Documentation
Patient communication, record keeping, interprofessional collaboration
Health Promotion & Prevention
Public health, injury prevention, wellness programs
Preparation Strategy
Study Timeline
1
Months 1-2: Foundation Review
Review core physiotherapy knowledge, anatomy, physiology, and pathology
2
Months 3-4: Practice Questions
Complete practice questions, identify weak areas, focus study
3
Month 5: Mock Exams
Take full-length practice exams, refine time management
4
Final Week: Review & Relax
Light review, maintain routine, get adequate rest
Study Resources
Essential Reading
- • Written Assessment Booklet (Official)
- • Physiotherapy Practice Thresholds
- • Australian Physiotherapy Guidelines
- • Evidence-based practice journals
Practice Materials
- • Sample questions and answers
- • Mock examinations
- • Clinical scenario practice
- • Time management exercises
Exam Day Tips
Before the Exam
- Get a good night's sleep (7-8 hours)
- Eat a healthy breakfast
- Arrive 30 minutes early
- Bring required identification
During the Exam
- Read questions carefully
- Don't leave questions blank — check APC's current marking rules before deciding on a guessing strategy
- Use the flag feature for difficult questions
- Review flagged questions if time permits
Important Links
Start Your Written Assessment Preparation
Practice with our sample questions and study materials to build confidence for your written examination