APEP Written Assessment (physiotherapy)

Exam at a glance

Questions

120

Duration

240 minutes

Pass mark

not published

Sections

2 papers × 120 min, each 15 cases with 60 MCQs · Then capability assessment (online oral, about 2 h) and clinical workshop (one day, Melbourne)

Exam type

Written

Language

English

Authority

APC Physio

Curriculum

Built from the question bank and updated automatically when new questions are added. 14 modules · 369 questions · Last updated: 30 October 2026

1. 01Cardiovascular physiotherapy and cardiac rehabilitation25 questions · 6.8 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: anatomy of the heart
   • Foundations: conduction system and cardiac cycle
   • Foundations: circulation and blood vessels

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   A physiotherapist is supervising a group exercise session in an outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program for people who have had a myocardial infarction. Using the Borg rating of perceived exertion scale (6-20), which range corresponds to the usual moderate-intensity target?

   A6-8B9-10C11-14D17-19

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

   MarkCheck answer
2. 02Musculoskeletal: lower limb35 questions · 9.5 % 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 27-year-old man presents to a physiotherapy clinic 2 hours after an inversion injury to his right ankle while playing football. He is tender over the anterior talofibular ligament but not over the malleolar bone edges. Which finding would most clearly indicate that an ankle x-ray is needed under the Ottawa ankle rules?

   ASwelling over the anterior talofibular ligamentBBruising along the lateral border of the footCInability to take four steps immediately and in the clinicDPain on resisted eversion of the ankle

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

   MarkCheck answer
3. 03Musculoskeletal: spine and pelvis35 questions · 9.5 % 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 38-year-old woman has had low back pain for 2 days, with pain down both legs. This morning she noticed numbness around her genitals and she has had difficulty passing urine since. What is the most appropriate action?

   AArrange emergency department transfer for urgent MRIBCommence a graded walking and extension programmeCBook a review in the clinic in 48 hoursDApply heat and teach pelvic floor contraction

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

   MarkCheck answer
4. 04Musculoskeletal: upper limb27 questions · 7.3 % 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 woman in her third trimester of pregnancy reports night waking with tingling in her right thumb, index and middle fingers. Shaking the hand relieves the symptoms. Phalen test is positive and thenar strength is normal. Which initial management is most appropriate?

   ACervical traction with a posterior glide mobilisation programmeBWearing a wrist splint in full flexion at nightCNeutral-wrist night splinting with activity advice and reviewDReferral for urgent carpal tunnel release surgery

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

   MarkCheck answer
5. 05Neurological: stroke, brain injury and rehabilitation35 questions · 9.5 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: brain anatomy and clinical localisation
   • Foundations: reflexes, the spinal cord and upper versus lower motor neuron signs
   • Foundations: spinal cord tracts and the cranial nerves
   • Foundations: the circle of Willis and intracranial haemorrhage

   Sample question

   Sample question1 / 1 · 0 correct

   A 26-year-old man is assessed on the ward after a motor vehicle crash. He opens his eyes when spoken to, utters occasional inappropriate words but no sentences, and moves his hand toward the site of a central pain stimulus. What is his Glasgow Coma Scale score?

   A9B10C11D12

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

   MarkCheck answer
6. 06Neurological: progressive conditions and spinal cord injury27 questions · 7.3 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: brain anatomy and clinical localisation
   • Foundations: reflexes, the spinal cord and upper versus lower motor neuron signs
7. 07Older adults: falls prevention, geriatrics and aged care25 questions · 6.8 % of the bank
8. 08Paediatric physiotherapy25 questions · 6.8 % of the bank

   Chapters

   • Foundations: the newborn and the transition after birth
   • Foundations: growth and development
   • Foundations: the child's airway, vital signs and resuscitation
9. 09Persistent pain, chronic disease and exercise prescription22 questions · 6 % of the bank
10. 10Pelvic floor, women's and men's health20 questions · 5.4 % of the bank
11. 11Professional practice, ethics, cultural safety and legal requirements20 questions · 5.4 % of the bank
12. 12Clinical reasoning, assessment, outcome measures and evidence-based practice18 questions · 4.9 % of the bank
13. 13Respiratory physiotherapy and critical care35 questions · 9.5 % of the bank

    Chapters

    • Foundations: anatomy of the respiratory tract
    • Foundations: alveoli and gas exchange
    • Foundations: mechanics and control of breathing
14. 14Perioperative and orthopaedic care, amputation and burns20 questions · 5.4 % 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

From registration to licence

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

1. Check eligibility and collect your documents (degree, experience, good standing).
2. Create an account with APC Physio 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