NDIS FCA Prep Checklist
Prepare for your Functional Capacity Assessment with our interactive checklist. Know what to expect, what to bring, and how to get the best outcome.
Your Preparation Progress
Check off items as you complete them
Documents to Bring
0/8Essential paperwork for your assessment
Home Environment Prep
0/6How to set up your home for the assessment
Mindset Preparation
0/6Mental preparation for an accurate assessment
Support Person
0/5Having the right support during your assessment
Questions to Ask the Assessor
0/6Important questions to clarify during your FCA
Day of Assessment
0/6Final checks for the day
What to Expect in Your FCA
Who Conducts the Assessment?
Usually an Occupational Therapist (OT) or Physiotherapist. They may be independent or from your current provider. The NDIA may request specific assessors for your situation.
How Long Does It Take?
Typically 2-4 hours, sometimes split across multiple sessions. Complex assessments may take longer. Don't rush - take breaks when needed.
What Will They Assess?
- Daily living activities (cooking, cleaning, self-care)
- Mobility and physical function
- Communication abilities
- Cognitive function and memory
- Social interaction and community access
- Current supports and equipment needs
After the Assessment
The assessor will write a detailed report sent to the NDIA. This informs your NDIS plan funding. You can usually request to review the report before submission. If you disagree, you can provide feedback.
Common NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment Questions
Here are examples of questions you might be asked during your FCA. Being prepared helps you give complete and accurate answers.
Daily Living
- "Can you walk me through your typical morning routine?"
- "How do you manage meal preparation?"
- "What challenges do you face with showering or dressing?"
- "How do you manage household cleaning tasks?"
Mobility & Physical Function
- "Can you show me how you get in and out of bed?"
- "How far can you walk without resting?"
- "Do you use any mobility aids? Can you demonstrate?"
- "How do you manage stairs or uneven surfaces?"
Cognitive & Social
- "How do you remember appointments and medications?"
- "Can you describe how you manage your finances?"
- "How do you travel to appointments or activities?"
- "What support do you need to participate in social activities?"
Goals & Supports
- "What are your goals for the next 12 months?"
- "What would you do differently with more support?"
- "What supports are working well for you currently?"
- "What would make the biggest difference in your daily life?"
Tip: The most common mistake is downplaying your challenges. Focus on your worst days, not your best days. The assessor needs to understand your true support needs to recommend appropriate funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
NDIS functional capacity assessment questions cover multiple areas of daily life:
- Daily living activities: cooking, cleaning, personal care, showering, dressing
- Mobility and physical function: walking, transfers, using mobility aids
- Communication abilities: understanding others, expressing yourself
- Cognitive function: memory, decision-making, problem-solving
- Social interaction: relationships, community participation
- Goals and aspirations: what you want to achieve with support
The assessor will ask you to both describe AND demonstrate how you complete everyday tasks.
Here's a functional capacity assessment example of how an OT might assess you:
- Kitchen task: The OT asks you to make a cup of tea. They observe your mobility (walking to kitchen), balance (standing at bench), ability to follow steps (sequencing), fine motor skills (opening containers, handling kettle), and safety awareness (hot water handling).
- Personal care: They may ask you to demonstrate putting on shoes, buttoning a shirt, or describe your showering routine in detail.
- Mobility: They observe how you move around your home, use stairs, get in/out of chairs, and transfer from bed.
- Community access: They discuss how you travel, shop, and access services.
Throughout, they're noting not just whether you CAN do something, but HOW you do it, how long it takes, and whether it's safe.
To prepare for your FCA, follow these key steps:
- Adopt a "bad day" mindset: Describe how you function on your worst days, not your best days
- Gather documents: Medical reports, therapy notes, previous NDIS plans
- List your daily challenges: Write them down so you don't forget during the assessment
- Have a support person present: They can add context and help you remember important details
- Don't tidy up: Show your real living situation, including any clutter or challenges
- Be honest: Don't downplay your struggles to appear more capable
- Show your aids: Have all assistive equipment visible and ready to demonstrate
Use our checklist above to ensure you're fully prepared.
A comprehensive functional capacity assessment report includes:
- Background information: Your diagnosis, medical history, current living situation
- Assessment methodology: What tests and observations were used
- Detailed findings: Results for each functional domain (mobility, self-care, communication, cognition, etc.)
- Current support needs: What assistance you require for daily activities
- Recommendations: Suggested supports, services, and equipment
- NDIS funding suggestions: Which support categories may be needed
- Goals: Recommended capacity building goals
The report is sent to the NDIA to inform your NDIS plan. You can usually request a copy and provide feedback before it's submitted.
A functional capacity assessment typically takes:
- Assessment time: 2-4 hours, depending on complexity
- Number of sessions: Usually 1-2 sessions, sometimes more for complex needs
- Location: Usually at your home, sometimes in a clinic setting
- Report turnaround: 1-3 weeks after the assessment is completed
Tips for managing a long assessment:
- Take breaks whenever you need them - just ask
- Have water and snacks available
- If you fatigue easily, request a multi-session assessment
- Schedule for a time of day when you have more energy