Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs): Insights for Safe, Compliant Work Assignments

October 17, 2025 | On-site Work Safety

WorkCare helps employers use functional capacity evaluations to objectively measure an employee’s capacity to work safely.

Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs)

FCEs involve standardized tests to objectively measure an employee’s general physical capacity to work safely. FCEs are performed by qualified evaluators who use specialized equipment and observation methods. A psychological assessment may be conducted separately or with a physical evaluation. Results provide valuable insights for legally compliant, safe job assignments that reduce risk for work-related injuries and illnesses.

Why FCEs Matter

FCEs allow employers to objectively assess an employee’s ability to work safely and make sound job-placement decisions. Applications include starting a new job, returning to work after an injury or illness absence, for disability determinations, and to ensure regulatory compliance. Findings may be used for medical, insurance, or legal purposes, including workers’ compensation or disability claim adjudication.

Key Benefits of FCEs

Safety: Multiple studies show that job placement decisions based on objective physical findings help reduce injury and illness exposure risk, support employee productivity, and encourage workforce retention.
Savings: Medical, legal liability, and claim costs decline when organizations integrate FCEs into their return-to-work and disability management programs.
Compliance: Employers avoid citations when they use FCEs to comply with the Americans with Disability Act, OSHA standards, and other worker protections.

FCE Components

A physical exam typically includes:

A review of medical history and job requirements
Physical testing of strength, endurance, flexibility, and mobility
Job-specific task simulations (e.g., lifting, pushing, carrying)
Consistency and effort validity checks
A written report outlining functional abilities, restrictions, and work capacity classification

How WorkCare Helps

WorkCare facilitates access to qualified functional capacity evaluators throughout the U.S. Our team provides objective on-site testing and guidance on ergonomics, workstation adjustments, and other injury prevention measures. In addition to FCEs, WorkCare schedules employee appointments with qualified providers and manages results for comprehensive physical assessments and exams including preplacement, return to work, Department of Transportation, hearing conservation, respirator clearance and fit testing, HAZMAT, maritime medical surveillance, independent medical evaluations, and executive and expatriate exams – all backed by our expert medical team.

Prevention + wellness: Our Industrial Athlete Program offers ergonomic and movement risk assessments
Triage + telehealth: Our telehealth and nurse triage services ensure the right‑level of care when an injury occurs
Recovery support: We provide case management and follow‑up before and after return to work
On-site clinical services: We provide physician oversight and staff on-site clinics with occupational health professionals who care about results

“Functional capacity evaluations inform return-to-work decisions to reduce risk of re-injury and help employers make defensible, data-driven decisions.” – Bryan Reich, M.Ed., ATC, CEAS, Senior Vice President, Programs & Operations-Prevention Services at WorkCare

FAQs

Q: What is the difference between a functional capacity evaluation and a fitness-for-duty exam?

A: FCEs are used to assess an employee’s physical and/or psychological capacity for safe work. A fitness-for-duty exam is used to determine whether an employee can safely perform specific tasks that are an essential part of their job. (Refer to our white paper on Assessing Physical and Mental Fitness for Work to learn how to quantify the value of these exams.)

Q: How long does an FCE take?
A: Most evaluations take three to four hours, depending on task complexities and testing scope.

Q: What does an FCE report include?
A: The report summarizes physical and/or mental capabilities, identifies limitations, and provides recommendations for safe duty levels.

Q: How do FCEs reduce employers’ costs?
A: FCEs reduce costs by helping employers make safe job placement determinations, encourage employe retention, effectively manage claims, reduce legal liability exposure, and avoid fines for non-compliance with worker protection laws and standards

Next Steps

Your organization can leverage objective FCE findings to make smart, cost-effective job placement decisions. Contact WorkCare today to learn how we can help you optimize workplace health and safety outcomes with FCEs and other interventions that meet your specific needs.