A functional capacity evaluation (FCE) evaluates an individual's capacity to perform work activities related to his or her job description, or any other job description. The FCE process compares the individual's health status, and body functions and structures to the demands of the job and the work environment. A well-designed FCE should consist of a battery of standardized assessments that demonstrates predictive value about the individual's return to work.

  

Traditionally, FCEs measured an individual's ability to perform the physical demands of a job, but over the last decade many FCE batteries have begun to include evaluation of cognitive demands if such testing is warranted. 

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The FCE evaluation is of best clinical value if it is given shortly after the injury and then compared with the FCE results obtained at the completion of treatment for that injury.  

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