HI
The APC registration process is a lengthy one, so I suggest you start as soon as possible. Check out the APC website: Welcome to the Australian Physiotherapy Council website ? Australian Physiotherapy Council to get a better idea. To answer your questions:
1. The initial process is to get an APC assessment of your qualifications to see if you can sit the exams. The IELTS is part of the assessment I think so you have to have done this to save time.
2. After your initial assessment is done, then the APC will deem if you can sit the written exams. The exams are held a number of time a year so check the APC website.
3. If you pass you get an interim certificate which can allow you to have limited registration under supervision, which in some cases you can get work but it has to be approved by the APC.
4. When I did my registration, it probably took me almost a year to get it all done and dusted.
Good luck