APEP Capability Assessment 2026 - What to Expect and How to Prepare

What is the Capability Assessment?

The Capability Assessment is the clinical reasoning component of the Australian Physiotherapy Entry Pathway (APEP). Unlike traditional practical exams, this is a remote oral examination where you verbally demonstrate your clinical knowledge to an assessor via video call.

The assessment is delivered by one experienced Australian physiotherapist assessor who evaluates your ability to assess, reason, and plan treatment for various clinical conditions.

Key Details

Aspect	Details
Format	Online oral exam via video call
Duration	Approximately 2 hours total
Exam time	1.5 hours of active examination
Cases	3 short cases + 1 long case
Assessor	One registered Australian physiotherapist
Location	Remote (from anywhere with internet)

Case Structure

Short Cases (3 total)

• Presented verbally by the assessor
• No reading time provided
• You respond immediately with your clinical approach
• Cover different clinical areas (MSK, Neuro, Cardio)

Long Case (1 total)

• Written case information provided
• Reading time allowed - you can use Google and reference materials during this time
• More comprehensive patient scenario
• Requires detailed assessment and management plan

Important: Reference materials and Google searches are ONLY permitted during reading time for the long case. You cannot use any resources during short cases or the main examination.

Competency Areas Assessed

The assessor evaluates your performance across these key areas:

Clinical Skills

• Communication - How you gather information and explain to patients
• Clinical reasoning - Your thought process and decision-making
• Interpreting findings - Making sense of assessment results
• Management strategies - Treatment planning and progression

Professional Skills

• Risk identification - Recognising red flags and safety concerns
• Professional scope - Understanding boundaries of practice
• Professionalism - Ethical conduct and professional behaviour
• Treatment monitoring - Reassessment and outcome evaluation

How the Assessment Works

Before Your Session

1. Log into the video platform at your scheduled time
2. Verify your identity with the assessor
3. Complete technical checks (audio, video, connection)

During Short Cases

1. Assessor presents a clinical scenario verbally
2. You ask clarifying questions as needed
3. Describe your assessment approach
4. Explain your clinical reasoning
5. Outline your treatment plan
6. Discuss safety considerations and red flags

During the Long Case

1. Receive written case information
2. Use reading time to review and research (Google permitted)
3. Present your comprehensive assessment plan
4. Discuss differential diagnoses
5. Explain management approach
6. Answer assessor's follow-up questions

What Makes Candidates Successful

Strong Clinical Reasoning

Don't just list what you'd do - explain WHY. Assessors want to hear your thought process:

• "I would assess X because it helps rule out Y..."
• "Based on these findings, I'm thinking Z because..."

Systematic Approach

Use a clear structure for each case:

1. Subjective assessment priorities
2. Key objective tests and why
3. Interpretation of findings
4. Working diagnosis with reasoning
5. Treatment priorities
6. Red flags and safety considerations
7. Progression and outcome measures

Safety Focus

Always address:

• Red flags for serious pathology
• Contraindications to treatment
• When to refer to other professionals
• Patient safety during treatment

Clear Communication

• Speak clearly and at a reasonable pace
• Ask for clarification if you don't understand
• It's okay to pause briefly to think
• Structure your answers logically

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Forgetting to Mention Key Elements

The assessor can only score what you say. If you don't mention red flag screening, you can't get credit for it.

2. Being Too Brief

This isn't a written exam where brevity is valued. Explain your reasoning thoroughly.

3. Ignoring Red Flags

Every case requires you to consider serious pathology. Always screen for red flags, even if unlikely.

4. Poor Time Management

With multiple cases, you need to be thorough but efficient. Don't spend too long on any single case.

5. Not Using Reading Time Effectively

For the long case, use your reading time wisely. Look up anything you're unsure about while you can.

Preparation Strategies

Practice Verbal Explanations

• Record yourself discussing cases
• Practice with study partners via video call
• Focus on explaining your reasoning out loud

Review Clinical Areas

• Musculoskeletal conditions and assessment
• Neurological examination and rehabilitation
• Cardiorespiratory assessment and treatment
• Paediatric and geriatric considerations

Know Australian Standards

• Physiotherapy Practice Thresholds in Australia
• Evidence-based clinical guidelines
• Australian healthcare system context

Simulate Exam Conditions

• Practice 2-hour sessions
• Use video conferencing
• Time your case responses

Fees (2026)

Component	Fee (AUD)
Capability Assessment	$2,842
Clinical Workshop	$1,421

Total clinical assessment components: $4,263 AUD

After the Capability Assessment

If you pass, you'll complete the Clinical Workshop - a one-day practical assessment in Melbourne where you demonstrate hands-on skills with professional actors.

This is the only component of APEP that requires travel to Australia.