FCA vs OT Assessment: What's the Difference?

A Functional Capacity Assessment (FCA) is one type of Occupational Therapy (OT) assessment. It looks broadly at how a person manages everyday life and the support they need. Other OT assessments are targeted: they answer one specific question, such as whether a participant needs a shower chair, a ramp or a particular living arrangement.

The short answer: choose an FCA when you need a broad picture of daily function across many areas. Choose a targeted OT assessment when the question is narrow and specific.

What is an FCA?

An FCA is a comprehensive assessment of daily function, usually completed by an Occupational Therapist. It typically covers self-care, domestic tasks, mobility, communication, social interaction, self-management and community participation, and the support needed in each area. Read more in NDIS Functional Capacity Assessment: The Complete 2026 Guide.

What is a targeted OT assessment?

Occupational Therapists also complete assessments focused on one area or decision. Common examples for NDIS participants include:

• Assistive technology (AT) assessments: whether a specific item, such as a wheelchair, bed or shower chair, is needed and suitable. The NDIS provides a general AT assessment template setting out what this evidence must include.

• Home modification assessments: what changes to the home, such as rails or ramps, would make it safer or more accessible.

• Home and living assessments: support needs for living arrangements such as Supported Independent Living (SIL) or Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA).

• Task-specific assessments: a single activity, such as meal preparation, transfers or using public transport.

FCA vs targeted OT assessment at a glance

Question it answers

• FCA: How does the participant manage everyday life overall, and what support do they need?

• Targeted OT assessment: Is a specific support, item or change needed, and is it suitable?

Scope

• FCA: broad, covering most areas of daily life

• Targeted OT assessment: narrow, covering one area, item or decision

Typical output

• FCA: a report on function, support needs and recommendations across life areas

• Targeted OT assessment: a report or template focused on one recommendation, often with quotes or specifications

When it fits

• FCA: needs have changed widely, a plan reassessment or a major transition

• Targeted OT assessment: a specific equipment, home or living decision

When to choose an FCA

• the participant's needs have changed across several areas of life

• current evidence does not describe overall function

• a plan reassessment needs a full picture of support needs

• the participant is facing a major transition, such as leaving school or moving out of home

When to choose a targeted OT assessment

• the question is about a specific item, such as a wheelchair or hoist

• the home needs specific modifications

• an FCA has already identified a need that now requires a detailed recommendation

• only one area of function has changed

Can a participant need both?

Yes. An FCA may identify that a participant cannot shower safely, and a targeted AT or home modification assessment then recommends the specific equipment or changes. The two work best in sequence, with the FCA setting the overall picture.

Questions to ask before booking

Before requesting an assessment, it helps to be clear on what the report needs to answer. Support Coordinators and families can work through these questions:

• What decision does the report need to support: a plan reassessment, a specific item or a living arrangement?

• Has the participant's function changed in one area or across several?

• What current evidence already exists, and what is missing?

• Has a recent FCA already identified a need that now requires a specific recommendation?

Sharing existing reports and the reason for the referral helps the Occupational Therapist recommend the right assessment from the start.

Next step

This article is general information, not individual clinical or NDIS advice. CARED's Occupational Therapists can help work out which assessment answers the question.

Book the right assessment or learn more about Functional Capacity Assessments.