So you’ve made it through an interview (or two), and you’ve gotten a job offer. But now you’ve been told that the job requirements mean that you have to undergo a post-job offer physical exam. So, what does that entail?

A post-job offer physical is a form of pre-employment screening designed to give health care providers information about how physically capable you are to take on the demands of a full time job. Many employers use these tests to screen out individuals who may not be the best fit for their company.

Pre-employment exams are typically more comprehensive than an annual physical or check-up, and they aren’t limited to just a basic physical examination. Most employers require a blood test and drug screenings, as well as a few other additional procedures.

Each state has its own individual requirements, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with your state’s policies. Before you go for the exam you want to be prepared so that you know what to expect and how to best prepare for the procedure.

What Happens During Your Post-Job Offer Physical 

 

A post-job offer physical is meant to be a series of screening tests to not only evaluate a potential employee’s overall health status, but to also evaluate their physical ability for the job that he or she is being hired for. Due to this, tests at a post-job offer physical will vary. However, some of the procedures utilized at nearly every post-job offer physical include the following:

  • Questions about your overall general health and well-being, as well as lifestyle
  • Measurements of your height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate, and other vital signs
  • Hearing and vision tests
  • Drug tests and alcohol tests, especially if the position involves operation of heavy machinery or driving vehicles
  • Overall physical examination

Different Types of Pre-Employment Tests

 Depending on the specifics of the position you’re being evaluated for, your employer might also want other medical exams with your post-job offer physical.

Drug and Alcohol Screening

There are many companies that require a negative drug test from a job candidate in order to qualify for employment. Jobs that always require drug tests are ones involving the operation of heavy machinery, driving commercial vehicles, or state and federal government jobs (including police and firefighters).

Drug testing can be administered by using a candidate’s hair, urine, or blood. The type of collection is typically specified by the employer. The test might be conducted at the same location as your post-job offer physical, or it might be at another location.

Stamina and Physical Ability Test

A pre-employment physical ability test is designed to measure your physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job. The job analysis will identify factors such as the need to lift, push, pull, carry, climb or bend.

The employer may also want to consider if any accommodations are necessary for people with disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Physical ability tests will measure several things:

  • Muscle strength
  • Cardiovascular health
  • Balance
  • Mental state while under physical strain

Psychological Test 

Companies frequently require a psychological test for potential new hires as part of a post-job offer physical since many jobs have mental demands as well as physical stresses. Companies want to be aware of a new employee’s mental health status and their ability to handle stress on the job.

Psychological tests come in a few different forms, and it’s all up to your new employer to decide which ones will be administered. The most common ones are basic personality and aptitude tests that give a picture of you and your work style. Other tests might go further in-depth about mental health aspects such as depression or anxiety. These tests are conducted by psychologists or therapists.

Human Performance Evaluation (HPE)

A variant of the post-job offer physical is a human performance evaluation. While a post-job offer physical is a more comprehensive evaluation of a potential employee’s health, an HPE assesses only the specific responsibilities and movements connected with the job that the applicant is seeking.

The HPE exam can include the testing of one’s ability to push, pull, and pick up certain amounts of weight. The amount of weight is determined by the potential employer. An applicant’s range of motion will be tested through activities such as squatting, bending, or climbing a ladder.