A physiotherapist who completed his or her entry level qualification overseas must complete and submit Form 1249 and include all documentation specified in the form. The form and documentation is used to determine whether the applicant satisfies the initial assessment criteria.

Overseas qualified physiotherapists are who satisfy the initial assessment criteria are advised of their candidature and are expected to sit the next available session of the Written Assessment. Candidates can apply to defer the Written Assessment to the following session on one occasion only. If a candidate does not attempt the Written Assessment within the first two sessions of his or her candidature, the outcome will be that physiotherapist did not pass the written assessment within the required timeframes and the physiotherapist must re-apply for initial assessment. This is because documents submitted for the initial assessment will not be valid after this time period. 

The application will be assessed for evidence that:

1. the studies leading to the physiotherapy qualification are equivalent to Bachelor level or higher in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF)

2. the studies leading to the physiotherapy qualification are equivalent in duration to no less than three academic years. If the physiotherapy qualification is a graduate entry program, the prior studies will be assessed as being part of the studies leading to the qualification.

3. the course curriculum included a depth and breadth of supervised clinical practice in cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal and neurological physiotherapy to an accredited entry level program in Australia.  

3. the course curriculum included similar content and duration of theoretical, practical and clinical components of cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal and neurological physiotherapy, and theoretical and practical aspects of electrotherapy to an accredited entry level program in Australia.

4. the candidate has held full registration/license (if applicable) or membership of the professional association for the practise physiotherapy in the country of the initial phsyiotherapy qualification.

5. the candidate has demonstrated a comprehensive knowledge and satisfactory level of skills in English by satisfying the English language requirement.

6. the candidate is able to demonstrate that he or she has practised as a physiotherapist within the past five years.

If an applicant disagrees with the outcome of the assessment, he or she can request a review. The request must be in writing and state the reasons why the applicant disagrees with the outcome and be accompanied by additional information that will support the request. A review fee of up to $550 may be charged.