AFMC National Clinical Skills Working Group Evidence-Based Clinical Skills Document


System-based Physical Examination

Levels of Competence

Level 1: Describe the physical sign or manoeuvre but not elicit it.

Level 2: Perform the manoeuvre, and explain the rationale for the test. Elicit the physical sign.

Level 3: Perform the manoeuvre or recognize the physical sign and interpret the findings in terms of pathophysiology.

Level 4: Perform the manoeuvre or recognize the physical sign and may know the evidence justifying the use of the test; interpret the findings and generate a differential diagnosis based on the findings.