Pre-Employment Functional Assessments (PEFA)
Pre-Employment Functional Assessments (PEFA) in Sydney
A pre-employment functional assessment (PEFA) at HEALTH ABILITY combines a blood pressure check and relevant medical-history screening with role-focused physical testing. A physiotherapist or exercise physiologist reports on observed function, the role demands and practical ways to reduce injury risk.
What the standard assessment covers
We agree the role's genuine physical requirements before testing. Health screening includes a blood pressure check and review of relevant medical and injury history, alongside the pre-employment questionnaire. The clinician uses this information to plan safe, role-focused testing. Physical tasks may include musculoskeletal screening, movement and strength tasks, endurance measures and simulated lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling when relevant and safe. A candidate is not judged against a generic fitness standard.
Our physiotherapist or exercise physiologist records observed function, test limits and the job information used. This is a functional assessment with health screening, not a comprehensive doctor medical examination or a prediction that injury can never occur.
A report with practical recommendations
The report addresses the candidate’s functional ability to perform the role. Where relevant, it also recommends how the person may perform the role with reduced injury risk. Examples include physiotherapy for a pre-existing injury, changes to a task or role, work conditioning, or further discussion about a specific job demand. The employer remains responsible for its hiring decision and workplace controls.
Additions when the role calls for them
The base fee covers the standard functional assessment, including the role-matched functional tasks and basic health screening described above. Basic eyesight testing, drug and alcohol testing, and additional role-specific testing are available only when requested. We agree the requirements and scope first, then confirm the separate fees for requested additions in the quote. Optional tests are not included in the base fee.
Our simple 5-step process
- BookBook a pre-employment assessment online. We confirm the assessment scope and quote.
- Pre-screenThe candidate completes a questionnaire covering relevant medical and injury history.
- AssessA clinician checks blood pressure and assesses function against the agreed role demands.
- ReportReceive findings on role ability and practical recommendations. We confirm timing at booking.
- DecideUse the report alongside your wider hiring and workplace risk-management process.
What to send us
A position description is a useful starting point. For more precise testing, tell us about usual and occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, postures, repetition, equipment, shift pattern and work environment. A job demand analysis (JDA) can help when the demands are unclear.
Health screening and information sharing
Relevant medical and injury history and a blood pressure reading help the clinician decide how to conduct physical testing safely and whether further medical advice is appropriate. We explain the purpose of the screening and the intended use of health information to the candidate. The employer-facing report focuses on work-related functional findings, assessment limits and practical recommendations, rather than reproducing a full medical history.
How the result informs a decision
The report compares observed function with the role information supplied by the employer. It can describe a candidate's ability to perform tasks and, where appropriate, options that may reduce injury risk: task adjustment, equipment, a staged introduction to duties, physiotherapy for a pre-existing issue or further role-specific review. The employer makes the hiring decision and manages workplace risk.
Further guidance: SafeWork NSW guidance on preventing musculoskeletal disorders.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a pre-employment medical?
It combines functional testing with basic health screening, including blood pressure and relevant medical-history review. It is not a comprehensive doctor medical examination and does not replace one when required.
Why do you ask about health history?
Relevant history and a blood pressure reading help the clinician plan safe testing and interpret the result in context. We explain what information is collected and what the employer-facing report will cover.
Are eyesight, drug and alcohol, or additional role-specific tests included?
No. Basic eyesight testing, drug and alcohol testing, and additional role-specific testing are requested additions. We agree the requirements and scope before quoting; each addition has a separate fee that depends on the agreed scope and is confirmed before booking.
Do you need a job description?
Yes. A position description and details of actual lifting, postures, repetition, equipment and conditions help us select relevant tests. We can discuss a job demand analysis if the demands are unclear.
What does PEFA stand for?
PEFA stands for pre-employment functional assessment. It assesses a candidate’s functional ability against the physical demands of a proposed role.
How long does the assessment and report take?
Appointment length and report timing depend on the role, the tests requested and the information available. We confirm both at booking rather than promise a fixed turnaround.
Does the assessment make the hiring decision?
No. We report observed function against the supplied role demands and any practical risk-reduction options. The employer makes the hiring decision and considers its wider legal and workplace responsibilities.
See all FAQs for pre-employment functional assessments (PEFA)
Request an assessment
Tell us the role, number of candidates and preferred timing. We will confirm the standard scope, requested additions and quote for Sydney metro or surrounding regions.