At AusRehab, we specialise in delivering accurate and evidence-based Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) services across NSW. A functional capacity test provides objective insights into a worker’s ability to meet the demands of their role following an injury or illness. Our expert team conducts each FCE assessment with precision, offering reliable reporting and tailored recommendations that support a safe and sustainable recovery.
At AusRehab, every workplace functional capacity evaluation is tailored to the worker’s specific injury, job demands, and recovery stage. Each functional capacity assessment for injured workers includes several key components that form a comprehensive picture of ability and potential for rehabilitation.
We begin with a detailed review of the worker’s medical and treatment history, current symptoms, and any previous injuries or reports. This context ensures that the functional evaluation capacity test is safe, appropriate, and clinically relevant.
We align the job task analysis and functional capacity evaluation to replicate the actual physical and cognitive requirements of the role. If no formal JTA is available, subjective reporting is gathered to guide the assessment.
A range of functional testing for return-to-work is performed, including a lifting and carrying capacity assessment, balance, squatting, and walking tasks. Both physical functional capacity evaluation and psychological functional capacity evaluation options are available, depending on the case.
Depending on the situation, an FCE assessment test can occur in the workplace (workplace-based assessment) or as a clinic-based functional capacity evaluation, using simulated environments.
When possible, the evaluation is designed to replicate actual workplace tasks, ensuring that the functional capacity assessment test remains closely aligned with the specific demands of the worker’s job.
Each case concludes with a clear functional capacity evaluation report, outlining safe hours, duties, and progression. This serves as a residual work capacity assessment and supports effective recover-at-work planning. Reports are promptly shared with doctors, insurers, employers, and workers.
Each full capacity evaluation typically lasts between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on the physical or psychological demands being tested. Our services meet all SIRA functional capacity evaluation requirements, ensuring compliance with NSW regulatory standards. When considering a functional abilities evaluation, it’s important to choose a provider that not only delivers data but also meaningful recommendations for sustainable recovery. AusRehab provides both.
$1,760
Helps you understand what an employee can physically manage at work, such as:
$1,760
Helps you understand how an employee’s mental health and thinking skills affect work, such as:
A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is a structured assessment that measures a worker’s current physical and psychological abilities against their job requirements. Sometimes called a work capacity assessment, this process provides objective data that helps doctors, employers, and insurers make informed return-to-work decisions.
The purpose of an FCE assessment is to:
Providing measurable data through a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) helps reduce uncertainty and establishes a solid basis for customised rehabilitation plans that align medical needs with workplace conditions.
A return-to-work functional capacity evaluation is typically recommended when:
It is also commonly requested in cases where there is confusion around a certificate of fitness vs functional assessment. Unlike a certificate of fitness, which is largely based on medical judgment, an FCE uses standardised, objective testing to provide measurable evidence of ability.
This makes a work capacity assessment one of the most reliable tools for informing recovery strategies, reducing delays, and improving claim outcomes.
When it comes to arranging an independent functional capacity evaluation in Sydney or NSW, AusRehab is the trusted choice. We combine clinical expertise with a client-focused approach to deliver results that matter.
Since 2019, AusRehab has been a leading provider of functional capacity evaluation in NSW, supporting thousands of injured workers and partnering with employers, insurers, and medical professionals across the state.
We understand that delays can impact recovery and claims management. That’s why our workplace functional capacity evaluation services prioritise quick appointments and prompt delivery of reports, often within 24–48 hours.
Our team maintains consistent communication with all stakeholders, including doctors, insurers, employers, and workers. This ensures that the outcomes of the FCE assessment are well-understood, aligned, and actionable.
Each functional capacity evaluation report is detailed, objective, and practical. It covers physical or psychological abilities, job-specific capacity, and includes tailored recommendations to support safe and effective return-to-work planning.
At AusRehab, we ensure that every workplace functional capacity evaluation balances medical recovery with workplace realities, helping all parties achieve the best possible outcomes.
A work capacity assessment provides benefits for all stakeholders involved in the recovery process:
A functional capacity evaluation in NSW is usually recommended when there is uncertainty about a worker’s ability to safely return to work. It may be required if a treating doctor, insurer, or employer needs objective evidence for return-to-work functional capacity evaluation, suitable duties assessment functional capacity, or recovery planning.
Most FCE assessments take between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on whether the assessment is physical or psychological, and how physically demanding the worker’s job is.
A functional capacity assessment test typically includes:
Here at AusRehab, both assessments cost $1,760 each and provide evidence for safe recovery and return-to-work planning.
An FCE assessment provides objective data that helps doctors, employers, and insurers design tailored recovery plans. The functional capacity evaluation report identifies safe duties, work hours, and progression steps, serving as a residual work capacity evaluation to guide realistic recover-at-work planning.
Yes. In many cases, an occupational functional capacity evaluation is approved and funded under workers’ compensation in NSW, provided it is recommended by the treating doctor or insurer and aligns with SIRA functional capacity evaluation requirements.
An independent functional capacity evaluation can be performed either as a clinic-based functional capacity evaluation (using simulated tasks) or as a work-based functional capacity evaluation (using actual workplace equipment and environments). The choice depends on availability, context, and the worker’s role.
After the functional capacity evaluation report is finalised, it is shared with the treating doctor, employer, insurer, and the worker. It provides clear recommendations on work capacity, suitable duties, and progression, ensuring all parties have aligned expectations for recovery.
A certificate of fitness vs functional assessment differ in purpose:
A residual work capacity evaluation identifies the level of safe work a person can still perform despite injury or illness. It helps determine whether they can return to pre-injury duties or need modified tasks and hours.
Yes. In most contexts, a functional capacity evaluation and a work capacity assessment refer to the same process. Both terms describe structured testing that measures a worker’s ability to safely perform work-related tasks.
If you need an independent functional capacity evaluation or workplace functional capacity evaluation, AusRehab is here to help.
Arrange a work capacity assessment today and support a safe, timely, and effective recovery at work.
