If you’re being considered for a job opening, the employer may ask you to complete a pre-employment physical. While there are many different types of pre-employment evaluations that employers require, a pre-employment physical helps them determine how well qualified you are to physically perform the responsibilities required for the role. Learning what to expect during a pre-employment physical can help you feel more prepared for the process you will go through.
In this article, we discuss what a pre-employment physical is, what to expect during a pre-employment physical and how a pre-employment physical different from a human performance evaluation.
What is a pre-employment physical?
A pre-employment physical is a medical exam that employers may require new hires to complete to ensure they’re physically or mentally capable of doing a job. A pre-employment physical is a common step in the onboarding process for many companies, particularly if they want to ensure the employee is physically capable of performing the job-related responsibilities. Depending on the nature of the position, the pre-employment physical may be a short or long process.
A pre-employment physical allows companies to evaluate the overall health status of prospective employees so that they can make informed decisions about hiring. It also makes record-keeping easier since the company can better track changes in employee health over time.
Related:.css-1v152rs{border-radius:0;color:#2557a7;font-family:”Noto Sans”,”Helvetica Neue”,”Helvetica”,”Arial”,”Liberation Sans”,”Roboto”,”Noto”,sans-serif;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;-webkit-transition:border-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),background-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),opacity 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-style 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-width 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-radius 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),box-shadow 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1);transition:border-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),background-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),opacity 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-style 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-width 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-radius 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),box-shadow 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1);border-bottom:1px solid;cursor:pointer;}.css-1v152rs:hover{color:#164081;}.css-1v152rs:active{color:#0d2d5e;}.css-1v152rs:focus{outline:none;border-bottom:1px solid;border-bottom-color:transparent;border-radius:4px;box-shadow:0 0 0 1px;}.css-1v152rs:focus:not([data-focus-visible-added]){box-shadow:none;border-bottom:1px solid;border-radius:0;}.css-1v152rs:hover,.css-1v152rs:active{color:#164081;}.css-1v152rs:visited{color:#2557a7;}@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce){.css-1v152rs{-webkit-transition:none;transition:none;}}.css-1v152rs:focus:active:not([data-focus-visible-added]){box-shadow:none;border-bottom:1px solid;border-radius:0;}7 Types of Pre-Employment Tests Given by Employers.css-r5jz5s{width:1.5rem;height:1.5rem;color:inherit;display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;-webkit-flex:0 0 auto;-ms-flex:0 0 auto;flex:0 0 auto;height:1em;width:1em;margin:0 0 0.25rem 0.25rem;vertical-align:middle;}
What to expect during a pre-employment physical
What you should expect during a pre-employment physical depends on the position you were offered, as the purpose behind the physical is to evaluate your qualifications for that specific role. It’s important for the person who’s performing the examination to fully understand the requirements for the job in order to evaluate whether you can complete the tasks and duties associated with the position safely.
You should anticipate, during the physical, to:
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Be asked about your family medical history, your lifestyle and other general health questions
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Have your weight, height, blood temperature and other vital information taken
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Be given a physical examination
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Be screened for rugs and alcohol, especially if the position requires you to operate heavy machinery or drive
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Have your vision and hearing checked
Be asked about your family medical history, your lifestyle and other general health questions
Be asked about your family medical history, your lifestyle and other general health questions
Have your weight, height, blood temperature and other vital information taken
Have your weight, height, blood temperature and other vital information taken
Be given a physical examination
Be given a physical examination
Be screened for rugs and alcohol, especially if the position requires you to operate heavy machinery or drive
Be screened for rugs and alcohol, especially if the position requires you to operate heavy machinery or drive
Have your vision and hearing checked
Have your vision and hearing checked
Related:.css-1v152rs{border-radius:0;color:#2557a7;font-family:”Noto Sans”,”Helvetica Neue”,”Helvetica”,”Arial”,”Liberation Sans”,”Roboto”,”Noto”,sans-serif;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;-webkit-transition:border-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),background-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),opacity 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-style 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-width 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-radius 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),box-shadow 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1);transition:border-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),background-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),opacity 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-style 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-bottom-width 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),border-radius 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),box-shadow 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1),color 200ms cubic-bezier(0.645, 0.045, 0.355, 1);border-bottom:1px solid;cursor:pointer;}.css-1v152rs:hover{color:#164081;}.css-1v152rs:active{color:#0d2d5e;}.css-1v152rs:focus{outline:none;border-bottom:1px solid;border-bottom-color:transparent;border-radius:4px;box-shadow:0 0 0 1px;}.css-1v152rs:focus:not([data-focus-visible-added]){box-shadow:none;border-bottom:1px solid;border-radius:0;}.css-1v152rs:hover,.css-1v152rs:active{color:#164081;}.css-1v152rs:visited{color:#2557a7;}@media (prefers-reduced-motion: reduce){.css-1v152rs{-webkit-transition:none;transition:none;}}.css-1v152rs:focus:active:not([data-focus-visible-added]){box-shadow:none;border-bottom:1px solid;border-radius:0;}What to Expect from a Pre-Employment Screening.css-r5jz5s{width:1.5rem;height:1.5rem;color:inherit;display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;-webkit-flex:0 0 auto;-ms-flex:0 0 auto;flex:0 0 auto;height:1em;width:1em;margin:0 0 0.25rem 0.25rem;vertical-align:middle;}
Types of pre-employment tests
There are several different types of pre-employment tests that employers could require in order to qualify for employment. They include:
General pre-employment physical
This type of pre-employment physical includes basic tests like checking the employee’s weight, pulse, blood pressure, temperature and other possible vital signs. A nurse or physician may also examine the candidate’s respiratory and cardiovascular health, vision, hearing, range of motion and reflexes. The doctor will also evaluate the candidate for any unusual swelling and bruising and determine the cause, if known. In additional to assessing the candidate’s physical health, the doctor may also inquire about the candidate’s ability to handle stress, discuss any mood or behavioral changes and ask about medication they’re taking.
Physical ability and stamina test
If you are applying for a job that requires you to perform heavy labor or frequent lifting, then the employer require you to complete a physical that tests your stamina and physical ability. This test is designed to ensure the candidate has the physical ability to withstand the demands of the position. Ultimately, it helps the employer to identify the candidates who are most qualified and are least likely to injure themselves on the job. This test evaluate’s a candidates:
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Flexibility
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Power
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Cardiovascular health
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Balance
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Muscular tension
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Attitude under physical pressure
Flexibility
Flexibility
Power
Power
Cardiovascular health
Cardiovascular health
Balance
Balance
Muscular tension
Muscular tension
Attitude under physical pressure
Attitude under physical pressure
Drug screening test
Many employers require candidates to pass drug screenings in order to qualify for employment. This could include a urine drug screening, hair drug and alcohol screening, saliva drug screening and sweat drug screening. Jobs where the responsibilities are particularly high-risk are the ones that are most likely to require drug and alcohol screenings.
Psychological test
This test is designed to evaluate a candidate’s mental health and well-being. During a psychological evaluation, a medical professional will administer different tests and ask questions to evaluate the candidate’s ability to deal with on-the-job stress. The healthcare professional may ask about the candidate’s history with depression or other mood symptoms and inquire about the coping techniques that they use to handle pressure. The therapist or physician may also ask about the candidate’s family history, diet and lifestyle to give the potential employer a full overview of the candidate’s ability to cope with stressful situations.
Pre-employment physical vs. human performance evaluation
While they are both designed to evaluate an employee’s abilities, there are some key differences between a physical and a human performance evaluation (HPE).
Professional conducting exam
Physical exams generally are held in health care facilities and are conducted by licensed healthcare professionals. In contrast, a HPE is typically performed by a licensed therapist. In both cases, the medical professional has to fully understand the needs and expectations of the company to access whether the candidate can meet those standards.
Focus of evaluation
Another major differentiator between HPEs and pre-employment physicals is the focus on the assessment. A pre-employment physical is designed to evaluate a candidate’s overall health, while a HPE is more focused on skills you need on a daily basis and the specific responsibilities of the role. A performance evaluation can also help employers reduce or eliminate some of the risk factors that could potentially lead to on-the-job injuries.
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How to prepare for a pre-employment physical
While you can’t change your health for a pre-employment physical, there are steps you can take to prepare for the examination, including:
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Gathering the paperwork that the employer provided detailing the information they need
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Gathering any aids you may need for tests, such as glasses
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Ensuring you have a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license or employer-issued badge
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Creating a list of past surgeries, medications, medical conditions and allergies
Gathering the paperwork that the employer provided detailing the information they need
Gathering the paperwork that the employer provided detailing the information they need
Gathering any aids you may need for tests, such as glasses
Gathering any aids you may need for tests, such as glasses
Ensuring you have a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license or employer-issued badge
Ensuring you have a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license or employer-issued badge
Creating a list of past surgeries, medications, medical conditions and allergies
Creating a list of past surgeries, medications, medical conditions and allergies