Can I choose my own assessor?

Yes. You are not required to use an assessor recommended by the NDIA or your local area coordinator. You can engage any qualified and registered allied health professional to conduct your assessment, provided the assessment meets NDIA requirements.

How long does the assessment take?

Most functional capacity assessments take between one and three hours for the assessment itself, plus additional time for the assessor to write the report. More complex assessments involving multiple domains may require more than one session.

Will NDIS funding pay for the assessment?

In most cases yes, provided the assessor is a registered NDIS provider and the assessment is linked to a goal in your plan. If you do not yet have an active plan, you may need to pay for an initial assessment out of pocket or through other funding sources. Check with your LAC or support coordinator about what is…

Functional capacity assessments: the report that shapes your whole NDIS plan

Updated 28 May 2026 · reviewed by Prakash Bartaula, Founder, Novida

An FCA is the single most influential document in NDIS decision-making — access, funding levels, housing, everything. What it involves, what it costs, and how…

Frequently asked questions

Can I choose my own assessor?: Yes. You are not required to use an assessor recommended by the NDIA or your local area coordinator. You can engage any qualified and registered allied health professional to conduct your assessment, provided the assessment meets NDIA requirements.
How long does the assessment take?: Most functional capacity assessments take between one and three hours for the assessment itself, plus additional time for the assessor to write the report. More complex assessments involving multiple domains may require more than one session.
Will NDIS funding pay for the assessment?: In most cases yes, provided the assessor is a registered NDIS provider and the assessment is linked to a goal in your plan. If you do not yet have an active plan, you may need to pay for an initial assessment out of pocket or through other funding sources. Check with your LAC or support coordinator about what is…