Trauma & PTSD
PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5)
A 20-item screen for post-traumatic stress symptoms.
About this test
The PCL-5 assesses the 20 DSM-5 symptoms of PTSD in relation to a stressful experience. It is a screening tool; a provisional cutoff of around 31–33 may indicate probable PTSD.
What your score means
| Score | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 0–30 | Below provisional threshold |
| 31–80 | Probable PTSD (provisional) |
About this questionnaire
The PCL-5 is a freely available screening questionnaire. We present it exactly as published and add a plain-language explanation of your result.
It is for education and self-reflection, not a diagnosis — a score is a snapshot, not a label. If your result worries you, talk to a qualified professional. See how we choose and check our tests and our editorial standards.
Further independent, authoritative sources on this topic:
Related screenings
Read more: PTSD Screening: What the PCL-5 Tells You
Source: Weathers et al. (2013), National Center for PTSD. Public domain.