What to Expect at a Pre-Employment Medical Assessment

You've been offered a job (or you're close to one) and the employer has asked you to complete a pre-employment medical assessment. If you haven't done one before, it's natural to wonder what's involved, how long it takes, and whether you need to do anything to prepare.

Here's a straightforward rundown of what to expect.

What Is a Pre-Employment Medical?

A pre-employment medical — sometimes called a fitness-for-work assessment — is a health screening that helps an employer understand whether a candidate can safely perform the physical requirements of a specific role.

It's not about finding reasons to exclude people. It's about making sure the role is a safe fit for you, identifying any risks that might need managing, and in some cases, recommending adjustments that would make the role work safely.

Employers use these assessments to meet their workplace health and safety obligations and to reduce the risk of future workplace injuries.

What Tests Are Involved?

The specific tests can vary depending on the role, but a comprehensive pre-employment medical typically includes:

Medical history review. You'll fill in a questionnaire about your medical history, previous injuries, surgeries, and any current conditions or medications. The assessing clinician will review this with you.

Musculoskeletal examination. A physical examination of your joints, spine, and muscles to check for any existing conditions or areas of concern. This includes joint range of motion testing and a spinal assessment.

Cardiovascular assessment. Blood pressure and pulse measurement, plus urinalysis.

Vision testing. Near vision, distance vision, and colour vision screening.

Hearing test. Audiometric screening to assess your hearing levels across different frequencies.

Lung function. A basic lung function assessment (with full spirometry available if the role requires it).

Body measurements. Height, weight, and other anthropometric measurements relevant to the role.

Functional testing. This is where the assessment is tailored to the specific job. If the role involves lifting, you'll do a task-specific lifting assessment. Grip strength testing is standard for most manual roles. The clinician is assessing whether you can safely perform the physical demands of the position.

Additional tests may be included depending on the employer's requirements — drug and alcohol screening, for example, or more detailed spirometry for roles involving dust or chemical exposure.

How Long Does It Take?

Most comprehensive pre-employment medicals take between 45 minutes and 90 minutes, depending on the scope of testing required. Everything is usually completed in a single visit — you shouldn't need to come back for separate appointments.

How Should You Prepare?

There's not a lot you need to do, but a few tips help:

Bring your glasses or contact lenses if you wear them — you'll need them for the vision test. Bring any hearing aids you use. Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely, as you'll be doing some physical tests. If you're on medication, bring a list of what you're taking (or just bring the packets).

If you know the specific role you're being assessed for, it helps to be able to describe the physical demands — what kind of lifting, how much standing or walking, whether there's shift work involved. The clinician will usually have a role description from the employer, but your input helps too.

What Happens After?

The clinician will compile a comprehensive report that goes to the employer. This typically includes a risk rating and recommendations. The report focuses on your ability to safely perform the role — it doesn't disclose your full medical history to the employer.

At Optimum Allied Health, we guarantee that your report will be completed and returned to the employer within 24 hours of your appointment.

Where to Get a Pre-Employment Medical

Optimum Allied Health conducts pre-employment medical assessments at our clinics across Northern NSW and SE QLD, including Tweed Heads, Ballina, Grafton, Coffs Harbour, Casino, and the Gold Coast.

All testing is completed on-site in a single visit. We also offer on-site assessments at your workplace for larger volume bookings.

Employers: Request a quote for pre-employment medicals →

Candidates: If your employer has asked you to book directly, call us on 1300 871 249 or book online.