Pre-Employment Medical & Functional Assessments
Physiotherapist-led pre-employment functional assessments matched to the inherent physical requirements of a role.
Start in the right place
For employers
Arrange a role-specific assessment
Provide the job demands and confirm the assessment and reporting scope.
For candidates
Know what to expect
Understand the process, what to bring and how your information is handled.
Assessment components
What may be included?
The assessment battery is agreed with the employer and limited to the physical demands relevant to the role.
Health and injury questionnaire
Blood pressure & observations
Movement & joint screening
Strength testing
Grip strength
Balance & coordination
Lifting & carrying
Push & pull tolerance
Reaching & postural tolerance
Squat, kneel & step tasks
Functional endurance
Role-specific task simulation
The exact tests, appointment length, fee and reporting timeframe are confirmed before booking.
A clear process
From job brief to useful report.
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01
Define the role
The employer supplies the inherent requirements and relevant physical demands.
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02
Confirm the scope
We agree on suitable tests, reporting needs, appointment length, fee and timing.
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03
Inform & obtain consent
The candidate receives instructions and understands what information may be shared.
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04
Assess
A physiotherapist completes relevant functional tasks and monitors the candidate’s response.
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05
Report
The authorised recipient receives findings and recommendations within the agreed scope.
Reporting with purpose
Useful information—without unnecessary medical detail.
Capacity against stated demands
How the candidate performed against the relevant tasks completed.
Relevant limitations or precautions
Task-related findings that may require consideration or support.
Recommendations or further review
Suggestions within physiotherapy scope or referral when another opinion is required.
The report addresses the agreed referral question and should not include unrelated health information.
Consent, privacy & fairness
A respectful assessment for every candidate.
Informed consent
The purpose, testing process and intended report recipient are explained.
Relevant information only
Collection and disclosure are limited to the agreed, job-related purpose.
Reasonable adjustments
Candidates can discuss accessibility requirements or assessment needs beforehand.
Right to pause
A candidate may ask questions or pause a test if unwell or concerned.
Employment decisions remain the employer’s responsibility and must comply with applicable workplace, privacy and anti-discrimination laws. Assessments should address the role’s inherent requirements and allow consideration of reasonable adjustments. A pre-employment assessment is one input and does not replace the employer’s work health and safety risk-management duties. This page provides general service information and is not legal advice. Australian Human Rights Commission employer guidance · Safe Work Australia risk guidance .
Frequently asked questions
Common questions
Is this the same as a Functional Capacity Evaluation?
Not necessarily. A pre-employment functional assessment is usually focused on the inherent physical demands of a proposed role. A comprehensive Functional Capacity Evaluation may have a broader purpose and scope. We confirm the required service before booking.
How long does an assessment take?
Duration depends on the number and complexity of the agreed tests. We confirm the expected appointment length, fee and report timeframe after reviewing the role requirements.
Who receives the report?
The intended recipient is identified before testing. The candidate is informed about the purpose of the assessment and how relevant information will be shared as part of the consent process.
What should the candidate bring?
Bring photo identification, the employer’s referral or instructions, comfortable clothing, enclosed footwear suitable for physical tasks, glasses or hearing aids normally used, and any requested PPE. Bring medication or medical information only when specifically requested and relevant.
Can the assessment be adjusted?
Candidates should contact the clinic before the appointment to discuss accessibility requirements, communication needs or reasonable adjustments. Any change must still allow the agreed referral question to be addressed appropriately.
What happens if medical review is needed?
If a question falls outside physiotherapy scope or further medical clarification is appropriate, this can be documented and a suitable medical review may be recommended. A physiotherapy assessment does not replace statutory health surveillance or an examination that must be performed by a medical practitioner.
Two Convenient Clinics
Choose the clinic that is most convenient for you.
Workplace assessment enquiry
Need an assessment tailored to your workplace?
Send us the role requirements and we will confirm the suitable assessment scope, appointment length, fee and reporting timeframe.