CIRS Functional Capacity Evaluation & Work Simulation

Question 1

What is the PRIMARY purpose of a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) in industrial rehabilitation?

Accepted Answer

To objectively measure a worker's physical abilities relative to job demands

Answer

An FCE objectively measures a worker's physical functional abilities and compares them to the specific demands of their job, guiding safe return-to-work decisions.

Question 2

Which validity indicator during FCE grip strength testing most reliably distinguishes maximum voluntary effort from submaximal effort?

Accepted Answer

Coefficient of variation (CV) below 15% across repeated trials

Answer

A coefficient of variation below 15% across repeated grip strength trials is generally accepted as indicative of consistent, maximum voluntary effort by the examinee.

Question 3

According to the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT), 'Medium' work requires lifting a maximum of how many pounds occasionally?

Accepted Answer

50 pounds

Answer

The DOT classifies Medium work as requiring a maximum lift of 50 pounds occasionally and frequent lifting or carrying of up to 25 pounds.

Question 4

A positional tolerance test during an FCE is PRIMARILY designed to evaluate a worker's ability to:

Accepted Answer

Maintain static postures such as sitting, standing, or kneeling over time

Answer

Positional tolerance tests measure how long a worker can sustain specific static postures required by their job, such as prolonged sitting at a workstation or sustained standing.

Question 5

The Isernhagen Work Systems (IWS) FCE protocol is notable because its test criteria are based on which classification framework?

Accepted Answer

Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) physical demand levels

Answer

The IWS FCE was developed using Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) physical demand level criteria, allowing evaluators to directly compare worker abilities to standardized occupational demands.

CIRS - Certified Industrial Rehabilitation Specialist Practice Test

CIRS - Certified Industrial Rehabilitation Specialist Practice Test

CIRS Functional Capacity Evaluation & Work Simulation