Certificate of Capacity — Complete Guide
The Certificate of Capacity is the most important document in your WorkCover claim. This guide explains what it is, what it contains, and why it matters.
In This Guide
What Is a Certificate of Capacity?
The Certificate of Capacity is a standardised medical form used in the NSW workers compensation system. It is the official document that records a doctor's assessment of an injured worker's injury, diagnosis, current capacity for work, treatment plan, and return-to-work recommendations. It replaced the old-style "WorkCover medical certificate" in 2012.
The certificate is issued under the Workers Compensation Act 1987 and uses the template prescribed by SIRA. It is not a standard medical certificate or sick note — it is a specific regulatory document with defined sections and requirements.
What It Contains
The Certificate of Capacity includes the patient's personal and claim details, the doctor's diagnosis and clinical findings, a work capacity assessment (total incapacity, fit for modified duties, or fit for pre-injury duties), specific physical or cognitive restrictions, a treatment and rehabilitation plan, return-to-work recommendations, and the date of the next review.
The most critical section is the work capacity assessment. This must focus on what the worker can do — not just their restrictions. Insurers use this to determine suitable duties and calculate weekly payments.
Who Completes It?
A Certificate of Capacity can be completed by any registered medical practitioner — a GP, specialist, or hospital doctor. However, the quality of the certificate depends heavily on the doctor's familiarity with the SIRA template and WorkCover requirements. Claims Doctor doctors specialise in this documentation.
How Often Is It Renewed?
The Certificate of Capacity must be renewed before the review date listed on the current certificate. The review period is set by the treating doctor and is typically 2 to 4 weeks. For CTP claims (Certificate of Fitness), the maximum review period is 28 days per SIRA guidelines.
What Happens If It Lapses?
If your Certificate of Capacity expires without being renewed, your insurer may suspend your weekly payments. They cannot process your claim without a current certificate. This is one of the most common and preventable problems in WorkCover claims. Claims Doctor schedules your follow-up appointment at the end of each consultation to prevent lapses.
Common Problems
- Incomplete certificates: Missing sections, vague descriptions, or blank fields cause insurers to reject or query the certificate, delaying your payments.
- Wrong template: Some doctors still use old-style certificates or generic medical certificates that insurers cannot accept.
- Vague capacity assessments: "Unfit for work" without specific restrictions gives the insurer nothing to work with. Certificates must detail what the worker can and cannot do.
- Inconsistent with treatment: If the certificate says you're fit for modified duties but your treatment plan says complete rest, the insurer will question both.
How Claims Doctor Helps
Claims Doctor issues Certificates of Capacity during the consultation, using the current SIRA template with correct AMA item codes. Every certificate is reviewed for completeness before it leaves the practice. We schedule follow-up appointments so your certificate never lapses. Learn more about our certificate service →
Need a Certificate for Your Claim?
Same-day video consultation. Certificate issued during the call. $0 cost with a valid claim number.
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