Written Assessment vs Clinical Assessment: How to Prepare for Both

The Written Assessment and Clinical Assessment are both hard. But they're hard in different ways. Understanding those differences helps you prepare effectively.

The Written Assessment: Testing Knowledge and Reasoning

Format: 120 MCQs, 3 hours, computer-based

What it tests:

• Breadth of knowledge across all areas of physiotherapy
• Clinical reasoning through written scenarios
• Understanding of evidence-based practice
• Australian healthcare system knowledge

The challenge: You can't demonstrate your clinical skills. You can only select from the options provided. Sometimes multiple options seem reasonable, and you need to identify the most correct one.

How to Prepare

Cover all content areas Unlike the clinical exam where you might be strong in one area, the written exam tests everything. Musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiorespiratory, professional practice. You can't avoid your weak areas.

Practice MCQ technique MCQs are a skill. Learn to:

• Identify what the question is actually asking
• Eliminate obviously wrong answers
• Avoid overthinking
• Manage your time

Study guidelines, not just textbooks The exam wants you to know current best practice. RACGP guidelines for low back pain. Stroke Foundation clinical guidelines. ACSM exercise testing protocols. These are what the "correct" answers are based on.

Understand clinical reasoning frameworks Many questions present clinical scenarios and ask what you'd do next. Having a systematic approach to clinical reasoning (like the hypothesis-oriented algorithm) helps you work through these efficiently.

The Clinical Assessment: Testing Application and Communication

Format: Three practical stations (MSK, Neuro, Cardio), simulated patients, direct observation by assessors

What it tests:

• Hands-on assessment and treatment skills
• Clinical reasoning (verbalised out loud)
• Communication with patients
• Safe practice
• Time management in clinical situations

The challenge: You need to perform under observation. Knowledge in your head means nothing if you can't apply it with an actor watching you and assessors taking notes.

How to Prepare

Practice on real people You cannot prepare for a practical exam by reading. You need to practice assessments and treatments on actual human bodies. Get study partners. Ask friends and family. Book sessions with a mentor who can give feedback.

Verbalise your reasoning In the clinical exam, you need to think out loud. This feels unnatural to many people. Practice it until it becomes automatic: "I'm now going to test resisted external rotation to assess the infraspinatus..."

Work on communication You're being marked on patient interaction. Practice explaining things in plain language. Practice gaining consent. Practice checking in about pain levels. Practice adjusting your communication for different patient presentations (cognitively impaired, anxious, hearing impaired).

Time yourself Each station has a time limit. Practice completing assessments within realistic timeframes. Know what you can skip if you're running short.

Preparing for Both at Once

Many candidates do the Written Assessment first, then the Clinical Assessment. This makes sense – the written exam tests the knowledge that underpins clinical practice.

But preparation should overlap:

When studying for the Written Assessment:

• Don't just read about assessment techniques – visualise yourself doing them
• Connect theoretical knowledge to clinical application
• Think about how you'd explain conditions to patients

When preparing for the Clinical Assessment:

• Review the evidence base for what you're doing
• Make sure your techniques align with current guidelines
• Be ready to justify your clinical decisions if asked

A Realistic Timeline

Most successful candidates spend:

• 3-6 months preparing for the Written Assessment
• 2-4 months preparing for the Clinical Assessment after passing the written

Some people do it faster. Some need longer. There's no shame in taking the time you need.

The key is consistent, structured preparation. Not cramming. Not hoping it will be fine. Actual work, spread over a realistic timeframe.

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Need a structured preparation plan? Our prep courses cover both exams with content designed specifically for international physiotherapists.