PTSD Test (PCL-5)
20-item version — DSM-5-based PTSD symptom assessment
Have you experienced a traumatic event that still affects you? The PCL-5 assesses trauma-related symptom severity based on DSM-5 criteria. 20 items, about 5-10 minutes.
Have you been through something traumatic?
The PCL-5 is a 20-item checklist that screens for PTSD symptoms. It maps onto the DSM-5 criteria: intrusive memories, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in arousal and reactivity. About 8 minutes.
The U.S. National Center for PTSD created it as an update to the original PCL, aligning it with DSM-5 criteria released in 2013.
Quick stats
- Internal consistency: alpha = 0.94-0.96
- Test-retest reliability: r = 0.82 (within a week)
A note
This is a screening tool, not a diagnostic interview. A high score doesn't mean you have PTSD — it means you should consider talking to a professional who can do a proper evaluation.
Result Interpretation
After completing the 20 questions, you'll receive an immediate, detailed report with:
- Your score — calculated automatically based on your responses
- Score interpretation — what your score means in practical terms
- Context — how your results compare to general population norms where available
All results are displayed on screen. No account or login needed.