What is a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE)?

A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is an assessment comprised of several tests designed to measure a worker’s safe and dependable physical abilities and limitations in regard to a variety of real and/or simulated work activities. The evaluation focuses on musculoskeletal strength, endurance, speed and flexibility. An injured worker is typically referred for a FCE once he or she has reached maximum medical improvement and the worker’s ability to return to gainful employment is in question.

FCE performance and results can be compared to an individual’s pre-injury job demands. The results of a FCE are provided in neutral and standardized terminology. When results suggest a worker is not safe to return to his or her pre-injury position, the information can facilitate case resolution by suggesting a return-to-work plan.

This plan may include alternative employment options or a transition into a work hardening/conditioning program. FCE results may be combined with a rating of permanent impairment to provide insight on how an individual’s residual impairment could contribute to a workplace disability.

The duration of an FCE may range from two to eight hours, with a typical length of four to five hours for evaluations performed in Virginia. A

 trained evaluator familiar with the individual’s medical history and pre-injury job demands will be present throughout the FCE process. This evaluator is typically a physical or occupational therapist who has completed additional training to administer and interpret FCEs, evaluate workplace demands, understand worker’s compensation laws and regulations and structure assessments to capture a worker’s physical abilities. The evaluator will also assess and consider the worker’s effort and reliability.