NZ Physio Registration study guide
NZ Physio Registration · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand competence assessment is the route by which internationally qualified physiotherapists, and some returning or non-practising practitioners, demonstrate they meet the standard required to hold an annual practising certificate in Aotearoa New Zealand. It is a regulatory process, not a university qualification: the Board decides who must complete it, what evidence of prior learning counts, and what a pass means for registration. The NZ Physio Registration study guide has 10 sections and about 2,669 words.
01Professional, ethical and legal practice
This domain tests whether you can practise within Aotearoa New Zealand’s legal frame and the Physiotherapy Board’s standards, not just whether you know ethical theory. Expect questions on the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003, scope of practice, informed consent, privacy, professional boundaries, record keeping and fitness to practise.
345 words, about 2 min02Communication and cultural safety, including Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations
This domain tests culturally safe communication and your ability to apply Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations in physiotherapy, not just recite Māori words. Questions may cover partnership, participation and protection; whānau involvement; interpreters; health literacy; institutional racism; and Māori health models such as Te Whare Tapa Whā.
317 words, about 2 min03Patient assessment and clinical reasoning
This domain tests hypothesis-driven assessment and defensible clinical reasoning. Expect questions on subjective and objective examination, red flags, differential diagnosis, the ICF framework, outcome measures, baseline function and when to stop and refer.
270 words, about 1 min04Musculoskeletal physiotherapy
This domain tests safe, effective musculoskeletal management: assessment, load management, exercise prescription, manual therapy as an adjunct, and recognition of non-musculoskeletal causes. Expect questions on ankle, knee, shoulder, spine and tendinopathy presentations.
266 words, about 1 min05Neurological physiotherapy
This domain tests neurological examination and rehabilitation reasoning: tone, strength, sensation, coordination, cognition, function and safety. Expect questions on stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, vestibular and balance disorders.
239 words, about 1 min06Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy
This domain tests respiratory assessment and safe exercise or airway clearance. Expect questions on auscultation, oxygen saturation, arterial blood gases, sputum retention, positioning, early mobilisation and contraindications.
246 words, about 1 min07Rehabilitation, ageing and community care
This domain tests function-focused rehabilitation for older adults and community living. Expect questions on frailty, falls, goal setting, discharge planning, caregiver support, ageing in place and community services.
244 words, about 1 min08Evidence-based practice, research and quality improvement
This domain tests whether you can use evidence, patient values and context to make decisions, and improve services. Expect questions on PICO, evidence hierarchies, critical appraisal, audit, PDSA cycles and equity-focused research.
236 words, about 1 min09Interprofessional and healthcare systems practice in Aotearoa New Zealand
This domain tests how you work across teams and navigate Aotearoa New Zealand’s health and accident compensation systems. Expect questions on Te Whatu Ora, ACC, primary health organisations, NGOs, referral pathways, handover and team roles.
258 words, about 1 min10Safe practice, risk management and infection control
This domain tests everyday safety: infection prevention, incident reporting, open disclosure, manual handling and equipment. Expect practical questions on standard precautions, hand hygiene, PPE and sharps.
248 words, about 1 min