AOAC Standard Pathway Assessment (osteopathy)

Exam at a glance

Questions

100

Duration

180 minutes

Pass mark

50 %

Sections

Written: 100 items (single best answer, EMQ, case-based), 180 min, online · Online practical, face-to-face OSCE and patient consultations, open book exam

Exam type

Written and oral/practical

Language

English

Authority

AOAC

Curriculum

Built from the question bank and updated automatically when new questions are added. 13 modules · 356 questions · Last updated: 30 October 2026

1. 01Anatomy, physiology and pathology25 questions · 7 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: the skeleton, spine and pelvis
   • Foundations: shoulder, wrist and hand
   • Foundations: hip fractures, knee and ankle ligaments

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   A 34-year-old man presents 3 weeks after a midshaft humeral fracture treated in a cast. He cannot extend his wrist or fingers and has reduced sensation over the dorsum of the first web space. Elbow flexion is preserved. Which nerve is most likely to be injured?

   AAxillary nerveBMedian nerveCRadial nerveDUlnar nerve

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
2. 02Clinical reasoning and treatment planning27 questions · 7.6 % of the bank

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   Which finding in a patient with low back pain most clearly requires emergency medical referral?

   APain that increases after prolonged sittingBMorning stiffness lasting about 20 minutesCAching that spreads into one buttockDNew urinary retention with saddle numbness

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
3. 03Communication, consent and record keeping20 questions · 5.6 % of the bank

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   A 24-year-old woman books her first osteopathic consultation for low back pain. After examination, the osteopath plans to use a high-velocity low-amplitude thrust technique to the lumbar spine. Which action is most appropriate before starting the technique?

   ATreat as planned, because booking and attending imply consent to every techniqueBAsk the patient to sign the clinic's general consent form and begin immediatelyCExplain the technique, its expected benefit, material risks and alternatives, answer questions, and confirm she agreesDGive a printed leaflet on manual therapy and start without further discussionEAsk the patient's friend in the waiting room whether she is happy for treatment to proceed

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
4. 04Professional practice, ethics and cultural safety21 questions · 5.9 % of the bank

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   A clinic owner wants to add patient reviews to the clinic website to promote the practice. Several patients have offered signed written consent. According to the National Law and Ahpra advertising guidelines, which statement is correct?

   ATestimonials are prohibited in advertising, even where the patient gives consentBThey are permitted if the patient gives signed written consentCThey are permitted if the patient's name is removedDThey are permitted if displayed only on the clinic's own social media pageEThey are permitted if the clinic also publishes any negative comments

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
5. 05Musculoskeletal assessment and management38 questions · 10.7 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: the skeleton, spine and pelvis
   • Foundations: shoulder, wrist and hand
   • Foundations: hip fractures, knee and ankle ligaments

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   A 26-year-old netballer inverts her left ankle during a game. She has tenderness over the posterior edge of the distal lateral malleolus and can take only two steps before pain stops her. What is the most appropriate management?

   ATreat as a grade I sprain and start early mobilisationBApply a compression bandage and review again in one weekCOrder an MRI to assess the lateral ligaments of the ankleDRefer for ankle radiographs before any further treatment

   Keys: 1–5 or A–E to choose, Enter to check and continue, F to mark.

   MarkCheck answer
6. 06Neurological examination and conditions25 questions · 7 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: brain anatomy and clinical localisation
   • Foundations: reflexes, the spinal cord and upper versus lower motor neuron signs
7. 07Osteopathic principles and manual techniques29 questions · 8.1 % of the bank
8. 08Paediatric and pregnancy-related care21 questions · 5.9 % of the bank
9. 09Pain science and pain management22 questions · 6.2 % of the bank
10. 10Imaging, pathology tests and medicines22 questions · 6.2 % of the bank
11. 11Red flags, differential diagnosis and referral29 questions · 8.1 % of the bank
12. 12Spinal conditions and low back pain56 questions · 15.7 % of the bank

    Chapters

    • Foundations: the skeleton, spine and pelvis
    • Foundations: shoulder, wrist and hand
    • Foundations: hip fractures, knee and ankle ligaments
13. 13Sports injuries, rehabilitation and exercise prescription21 questions · 5.9 % of the bank

    Chapters

    • Foundations: the skeleton, spine and pelvis
    • Foundations: shoulder, wrist and hand
    • Foundations: hip fractures, knee and ankle ligaments

What you get

• Question bank with a detailed explanation for every answer
• Timed mock exams in the real exam format, with score report by topic
• Personal study plan up to your exam date and review of weak topics
• AI tutor that explains any question in plain words
• One account for the app (iPhone, iPad) and the browser
• AI oral examiner for practising the oral or practical part

From registration to licence

The usual steps with AOAC. Details can change; check the current rules with AOAC before you register.

1. Check eligibility and collect your documents (degree, experience, good standing).
2. Create an account with AOAC and submit the application.
3. Receive the exam eligibility and book a date with the test centre.
4. Sit the exam. Results usually come within days.
5. After passing: complete licensing (for example primary source verification) and receive your licence.

Frequently asked questions