5 Things You Need to Know About FCE Tests

A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE test) is a comprehensive medical assessment designed to determine a person’s ability to perform specific job or daily activities. It measures strength, endurance, flexibility, and movement to help healthcare professionals, employers, and insurance companies make informed decisions about recovery, return-to-work readiness, or disability status.

Below are the five most important things you need to know about an FCE test and how it can impact your work and rehabilitation.

1. FCE Test Meaning

The FCE test provides an objective evaluation of your physical abilities. During this exam, the examiner uses standardized procedures to assess what you are capable of doing safely. The Functional Capacity Evaluation helps determine whether you can perform your essential job duties, how much activity your body can tolerate, and whether ongoing pain or impairment affects your performance.

Importance of the FCE Test

A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) serves a vital purpose in both healthcare and workplace settings. It provides a clear, objective, and realistic goals of an individual’s physical abilities and limitations. This information is crucial for determining fitness for duty, setting realistic rehabilitation goals, and supporting legal or insurance claims related to long term disability. 

Because an FCE is based on performance rather than opinion, the results provide a reliable foundation for any workers comp or return work case.

2. How to Prepare for Your FCE Exam

Preparing for a FCE test can help you feel more confident and at ease. It can also make th process smoother and more successful. Before your appointment:

• Gather all relevant medical information, such as injury reports or prior doctor notes.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing and supportive shoes that allow free movement.
• Get adequate rest the night before and eat a balanced meal to maintain your energy levels.
• Inform your examiner or therapist about any pain, medications, or health symptoms that could affect your performance.
• Mentally prepare to give your best effort. Your FCE exam is designed to see what you can safely do, not to push you beyond your limits.

3. What to Expect During the Functional Capacity Evaluation

An FCE is a physical exam typically conducted by a licensed therapist or healthcare professional. The evaluation can take up to 4 hours, but in some instances, depending on occupational requirements, it can take even longer.

As with most medical appointments, there will be paperwork to fill out. Information such as any past medical condition, injury history (e.g., if you were involved in a car accident), subsequent treatment, employer information, and job description will be necessary for the FCE. 

What Tests are Completed? 

You can expect the examiner to assess:

• Lifting and carrying capacity (how much weight you can safely lift)
• Endurance and stamina through walking, standing, and sitting tasks
• Range of motion and flexibility of the spine, shoulders, and lower limbs
• Fine motor coordination and balance
• Response to pain or symptoms under gradual stress

If your exam is job-specific, your therapist will tailor the tests to mirror your typical workday, determining the frequency (occasional, frequent, or constant) and intensity by assigning appropriate weights or durations. This ensures the FCE results accurately reflect what you’re capable of in a real work environment.

Who Performs the FCE Test?

An FCE must be administered by a qualified examiner—typically a licensed physical therapist, occupational therapist, or in some cases, a certified athletic trainer. These professionals have advanced training in Functional Capacity testing and the process of interpreting results accurately.

Only qualified clinicians should perform an FCE because the evaluation requires medical expertise to ensure safety and validity. Always verify credentials and check with your state’s Law or licensing board if needed.

4. How Difficult Will the Tests Be? 

FCE testing is performed using  a Kinesiophysical approach. This is a fancy way of saying: “How hard should I push the patient?”.  An FCE is utilized to get the maximum effort out of the patient for each individual test. This, in turn, helps the clinician to illustrate the most accurate snapshot of the patient’s function. The tester will always test with patient safety in mind while getting them to their endpoint, all while evaluating a patient’s mechanics.

This means that the FCE exam will be difficult. By nature, the FCE is a comprehensive test to show the patient’s functional capability and must consider all factors, including physical tasks required for their job.

Is an FCE Painful? 

All people are different and have different pain tolerances. During FCE testing, pain, heart rate, and blood pressure will all be monitored. The clinician will carefully evaluate each activity for biomechanics, technique, and safety. A functional pain scale is commonly used during the test so that the patient can communicate their pain and how it affects them while doing the activity. Commonly, patients do have some pain when performing an FCE. The pain is likely due to long-term deconditioning, and the stage of the healing process they are in. 

5. What Happens After the FCE?

Once the Functional Capacity Evaluation is complete, the examiner will analyze the results and provide a detailed report. This report typically outlines your functional strengths and limitations, including any specific accommodations you might need to safely perform your job.

Your doctor or referring physician will review this information to make decisions about your treatment plan, return work readiness, or ongoing medical needs.

Employers, insurance companies, and workers comp representatives often use the FCE results to guide:

• Job placement or modifications
• Workers compensation claims
• Disability claim eligibility
• Future rehabilitation goals

Clear communication between the doctor, examiner, and patient ensures the FCE is both safe and productive.

We’re Here for You 

The Ivy Rehab Network specializes in administering Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) for injured workers and patients recovering from work-related injuries. Our professionals provide one-on-one care to help you understand your results, achieve your rehabilitation goals, and return to your job safely.

If you’ve been injured or are seeking a reliable FCE test to support a workers comp or disability claim, Ivy Rehab can help you get the clear evaluation you need. Contact us today to find a clinic near you that offers the best Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) services.