Need a Certificate of Capacity?
If you need a Certificate of Capacity in NSW and are unsure which doctor to see, COH Rehab can help you explore an independent GP connection for an assessment.
The doctor decides whether to issue a certificate and what it records, including their clinical opinion about how your injury or condition relates to your work or the accident you describe. An appointment or GP connection does not guarantee a certificate, time off work or claim approval.
Start with a medical assessment
You may have been asked for a certificate by your employer or insurer, or need your current capacity reviewed. Your regular GP may be able to help. Ask whether they manage workers compensation patients and can provide ongoing care as your nominated treating doctor.
If you need help finding an appropriate GP, tell COH Rehab your suburb, whether you already have a treating doctor and any travel or access needs. The independent medical practice confirms patient acceptance, appointment availability and billing arrangements.
Read more about what to expect from a nominated treating doctor.
What is a Certificate of Capacity used for?
In NSW workers compensation, it records the injury or condition, treatment plan and assessed capacity for work. It helps the worker, employer and insurer understand recovery needs and possible work adjustments. The assessment may identify capacity for usual duties, some work with changes, or no current work capacity. SIRA explains the certificate.
After a NSW motor accident, the corresponding CTP document is called a Certificate of Fitness. SIRA provides a combined form with the relevant scheme selected. If your enquiry relates to a car accident, see our Certificate of Fitness guide.
The certificate is at the doctor's discretion
The doctor assesses your history, examination findings and relevant records before deciding what they can support clinically. Medical practitioners must only sign certificates they believe are accurate and may decline to issue one. NSW guidance explains these professional responsibilities.
This includes considering how your injury or condition relates to your work or the accident you describe. The SIRA form allows the doctor to record that the injury is consistent, inconsistent or uncertain in relation to the stated cause. It also asks about relevant pre-existing factors.
If the doctor needs more information, ask what needs clarification and whether further assessment or records would help. Any certificate must reflect the clinician's own findings and opinion.
What should I bring to the appointment?
Bring the information you already have:
- When the injury or symptoms began, and relevant work activities or accident details
- Relevant hospital, imaging and treatment records
- Details of previous injuries or health conditions
- Your usual job duties and working hours
- Examples of activities you can manage and those you find difficult
- Existing certificates and insurer or claim details, if available
Describe your symptoms and any changes honestly, including improvement. You do not need to arrive with a diagnosis or decide your own work restrictions. Those are matters for clinical assessment.
What if I need an updated certificate?
Contact your treating practice before the current certificate ends and explain any changes in your condition or duties. For NSW workers compensation, the first Certificate of Capacity must be completed by a medical practitioner. Second and subsequent certificates may also be completed by a SIRA-approved treating physiotherapist or psychologist, for injuries within their area of expertise, using the designated form. Confirm who should complete your review when booking.
Does a certificate guarantee insurer approval?
The certificate provides clinical information. The insurer separately assesses the claim, entitlements and payment for services under the relevant scheme rules. A doctor's opinion about the injury does not itself establish insurer liability or guarantee funding.
Need help finding a doctor?
COH Rehab can help you explore an independent GP connection. COH Rehab is not a medical clinic and does not issue certificates. Medical assessment and certification remain with the treating practitioner. Send a doctor enquiry and tell us whether your enquiry concerns a work-related condition or a motor accident so we can help clarify the next step.