NFZ
  • Phone 577 199 419
  • Clinic Mon - Fri : 8:00 - 18:00
    Sample collection Tue, Wed, Fri : 7:00 - 11:00
NFZ
Phone: 577 199 419
Clinic: Mon-Fri: 8:00-18:00
Sample collection: Tue,Wed,Fri: 7:00-11:00
Fitness assessment for offshore workers

Chester Step Test in Szczecin, Poland

Check your aerobic capacity in a progressive fitness test carried out under the supervision of the UniMedica team.

Any questions? Call us: +48 577 199 419 or send us a message

Patient performing the Chester Step Test supervised by medical staff in Szczecin
Price

PLN 600

Location

Szczecin and Gdańsk, Poland

Booking

Online via MyDr

Test duration

approx. 20 min

What is the Chester Step Test?

The Chester Step Test is a progressive, sub-maximal fitness test used to estimate aerobic capacity, including an estimated VO₂max value. During the test you step up onto and down from a step at a pace set by an audio signal. The pace increases gradually while the assessor monitors your body's response, in particular your heart rate and your perceived level of exertion.

The test does not require maximal effort. It is ended in line with the agreed protocol — for example once a given heart rate or level of perceived exertion is reached, or when continuing is no longer advisable.

The Chester Step Test is not a cardiology examination or an ECG stress test used to diagnose heart disease — it is a test that estimates aerobic capacity from the heart rate response to gradually increased, controlled exertion.

Test outline
  1. 1 Preparation and heart rate measurement
  2. 2 Stepping up and down in time with the signal
  3. 3 Gradual increase in pace
  4. 4 Monitoring of heart rate and perceived exertion
  5. 5 Estimation of aerobic capacity

Who takes the Chester Step Test?

The test is often required by employers, offshore operators or training centres — below are the most common situations in which it is performed.

People referred by their employer
Offshore sector and drilling platform workers, wind turbine technicians
People checking or monitoring their aerobic capacity
Participants in selected industry training courses
Candidates for roles requiring a specific level of fitness

What does the Chester Step Test involve?

The test consists of up to five two-minute stages. The stepping pace increases with each stage while staff monitor your heart rate and perceived exertion.

  1. 1

    Screening

    Before starting, staff collect basic information about your health and check that the test can be carried out safely.

  2. 2

    Preparing for the test

    You are shown how to step up and down correctly. Heart rate monitoring equipment is also fitted.

  3. 3

    Starting at a gentle pace

    The test begins at a set stepping rhythm, marked by an audio signal.

  4. 4

    Gradually increasing the pace

    The standard protocol consists of up to five stages of around 2 minutes each. The pace increases gradually and, after each stage, your heart rate and perceived level of exertion are recorded.

  5. 5

    Ending the test safely

    The test ends in line with the protocol, or earlier if the assessor decides that continuing is not advisable or you reach your heart rate limit.

  6. 6

    Working out the result

    Your aerobic capacity is estimated from the values recorded. The English-language certificate is issued on the spot.

What do we measure during the test?

Heart rate response

Staff monitor how your heart rate changes as the intensity of the exercise gradually increases.

Perceived level of exertion

You report how demanding the effort feels to you at each stage of the test.

Keeping to the rhythm

We check whether you can safely maintain the movement at the pace set by the signal.

Estimated aerobic capacity

Based on how the test progresses, your aerobic capacity can be estimated — often expressed as a VO₂max value.

Safety during the Chester Step Test

The Chester Step Test involves controlled physical exertion, so before starting we may need to check that there are no contraindications. The test is carried out under the supervision of someone trained to run the procedure and to respond to any concerning symptoms.

Medical interview between patient and doctor before the Chester Step Test
Tell the staff before the test if:
  • you have a diagnosed heart or cardiovascular condition
  • you have breathing problems
  • you experience chest pain
  • you have fainting spells or dizziness
  • you have an injury or problems with your joints or limbs
  • you take medication affecting heart rate or exercise tolerance
  • you currently have an infection or feel unwell
  • there is any other circumstance that could affect the safety of physical exertion

How to prepare for the Chester Step Test

What to bring

an identity document
relevant medical records
loose, comfortable clothing that does not restrict movement
a list of the medication you take
comfortable sports shoes with good grip
a referral or document from your employer, if one has been issued

For at least 2 hours before the test:

do not eat
do not smoke
do not exercise
do not drink coffee or tea

Take your morning medication as usual with water. Do not stop taking medication on your own before the test. If you have any doubts about your health or how to prepare, contact the clinic in advance.

Chester Step Test – price

Price applicable at UniMedica Szczecin.

Do you also need the OEUK/OGUK medical? You can book both on the same day — ideally the OEUK medical first, followed by the Chester Step Test.

Chester Step Test

PLN 600

  • The test carried out under staff supervision
  • English-language certificate issued immediately after the test
  • The whole appointment takes around 20 minutes

Chester Step Test for employees and companies

Would you like to arrange tests for a larger group of employees? Get in touch with UniMedica to agree availability and how the group booking will be handled.

Ask about tests for employees Call us
Test performed in line with the Chester Step Test protocol

Examinations are carried out by Katarzyna Kałwa, MD and Michał Nanaszko, MD - occupational medicine specialists

The Chester Step Test is carried out using a standardised procedure, with heart rate monitoring and assessment of the body's response to gradually increased exertion.

Frequently asked questions about the Chester Step Test

Key information for people preparing for the fitness test.

A medical referral is not normally required. If the test was requested by an employer, operator or training centre, bring the document you received together with information about the required result and the type of certificate needed.
You do not need to fast, but for at least 2 hours before the test you should not eat, smoke, exercise or drink coffee or tea. Take your morning medication as usual with water.
Taking medication does not always rule out the test, but some medicines can affect heart rate and exercise tolerance. Tell the staff about everything you take and do not stop your medication on your own before the appointment.
Contact the clinic before your appointment if you have an infection, fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting spells, a recent injury or any other symptoms that could affect the safety of physical exertion. The person running the procedure decides whether the test can go ahead after collecting information about your health.
The Chester Step Test estimates aerobic capacity, but there is no single universal pass mark for all workers. The level required may depend on the role, the employer, the operator or the training centre. If you have been given a specific threshold or a form by your employer, bring it to the appointment.
No. The Chester Step Test is a fitness test, not GWO training or certification. Its result may be required by a particular employer or training centre, but taking the test does not in itself grant a GWO certificate.
Yes, both can be booked for the same day — ideally the OEUK medical first, followed by the Chester Step Test. Ask about this when booking. See also the OEUK (OGUK) medical.

Chester Step Test in Szczecin – how to reach UniMedica

Address

Unii Lubelskiej 2B/U4, Szczecin, Poland

Opening hours

Mon - Fri: 8:00 - 18:00

Get directions

Do you need other offshore medicals as well?

At UniMedica you can also take the OEUK/OGUK medical and the MAST examination required by employers and operators in the offshore industry.

OEUK/OGUK medical MAST certificate All offshore medicals

Content medically reviewed by: Katarzyna Kałwa, MD, occupational medicine specialist

Last updated: 3 September 2026

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