Functional Capacity Assessments (FCA)
Functional Capacity Assessments (FCA) and Evaluations (FCE) in Sydney
A functional capacity assessment (FCA) or functional capacity evaluation (FCE) examines an employee’s current functional ability in relation to relevant work tasks. HEALTH ABILITY physiotherapists and exercise physiologists provide findings and recommendations to support informed planning.
When an assessment helps
An employer may need clearer information after an injury, during a change in duties, or when a role has substantial physical demands. We start with the referral question, available job information, relevant medical and injury history and any treating advice. A blood pressure check may be included where relevant to safe physical testing. The assessment is tailored to the person and the task, with test limits explained.
What the report addresses
The report describes observed function and the person’s ability to perform the role as assessed. It may recommend practical ways to perform work with reduced injury risk, such as physiotherapy for a pre-existing condition, modified tasks, equipment or work pattern adjustments, or a staged increase in demands. Recommendations must be considered with the treating team and other relevant decision-makers where a compensation claim is involved.
A functional assessment, not a medical clearance
Relevant health screening helps our clinicians plan and interpret physical testing; the focus remains on observed function and task demands. This is not a comprehensive doctor medical examination or a substitute for a treating practitioner’s advice or medical certification. A functional report should be read with its stated scope and limitations.
Scope and fee
The base fee covers the agreed standard functional assessment. Basic eyesight testing, drug and alcohol testing, and additional role-specific testing are available on request when relevant. We agree the requirements and scope first, then confirm the separate fees for requested additions and the reporting timeframe before booking.
Health screening within an FCA
The clinician reviews relevant medical and injury history and any treating advice with the employee to guide safe, appropriate testing. A blood pressure check may be included where relevant. Health screening provides context for the functional assessment; it does not turn the service into a comprehensive medical examination. The report focuses on observed task ability, test limits and practical work recommendations.
Our assessment process
- Clarify the question. We agree the role or suitable-duty question, available job information, relevant medical and injury history, treating advice, consent and assessment limits.
- Observe relevant function. A physiotherapist or exercise physiologist assesses movement and task tolerance appropriate to the person and the agreed work demands.
- Interpret with context. We consider observed performance, symptoms, safe test limits and the difference between tested tasks and the full job.
- Report practical options. We describe functional findings, recommendations and any further information needed for work planning.
Questions employers ask
Can an FCA replace a certificate of capacity?
No. Health screening and functional testing do not replace medical certification. For a NSW workers compensation claim, the treating practitioner is responsible for the certificate of capacity. HA's report adds task-focused functional information for the support team.
Will the report state a person's work limits?
It records what was observed within the agreed tests, relevant limits and practical recommendations. It should be read with treating advice and the demands of the actual role.
What do FCA and FCE stand for?
FCA stands for functional capacity assessment. FCE stands for functional capacity evaluation. The agreed assessment scope, relevant job demands and safe test limits determine what HA assesses and reports.
What should we provide before an assessment?
Send the work question, role or proposed duties, relevant task demands and any current treating advice that can be shared with consent. We confirm the assessment scope and the intended report audience before testing.
Is an FCA a pass-or-fail test?
No. It records observed performance within safe test limits at a point in time. The report explains relevant abilities, limits and practical options; it should not be treated as a guarantee of future performance.
See all FAQs for functional capacity assessments (FCA)
Further guidance: SIRA information on certificates of capacity.
Start with the work question
Tell us what decision the report needs to support, the work location, the employee’s usual tasks and any current suitable duties. We will advise the most useful assessment scope.