This checklist looks at posttraumatic stress symptoms over the last month. There are 20 items. We follow the official wording and scoring from the National Center for PTSD. This is for education only, not a diagnosis. Your answers stay on your device unless you share a results link.
Your results
Cluster totals
What this suggests
Helpful next steps
We match tools to your result.
Important
Emergency: If this is an emergency, call your local emergency services now.
Numbers can change. Please verify online before calling.
Test is for education and entertainment only. It is not advice and it has no guarantee of accuracy or validity.
Assessment is free and anonymous. You can save a direct link to your results.
This is a screen. Only a licensed clinician can diagnose PTSD. A full assessment often uses CAPS-5.
Use is at your own risk. PsychKit, Joyful Psych, and subsidiaries are not liable for any damages from use.
PCL-5 has 20 items scored 0 to 4 for a total of 0 to 80. A common cut score to flag probable PTSD is 31 to 33. A DSM-5 symptom pattern can be approximated by treating items rated 2 or higher as present and requiring at least: 1 B item (questions 1 to 5), 1 C item (6 to 7), 2 D items (8 to 14), and 2 E items (15 to 20). A positive screen needs a clinical follow up.
References and credits
National Center for PTSD PCL-5 page with scoring, cut scores, and DSM-5 symptom pattern. The PCL-5 is in the public domain and not copyrighted. Downloadable forms are provided.
Official PCL-5 Past Month form with the exact items and response labels.
Using the PCL-5 guide on scoring, cut points, and interpreting change.
Blevins et al., 2015. Development and initial psychometrics. Journal of Traumatic Stress.
The PCL-5 was developed by staff at VA’s National Center for PTSD and is in the public domain per the NCPTSD site. Please cite sources when you use it.
v1.0. Single file. Autosave. Shareable link. Mobile first.
FAQs
What does the PCL-5 measure
It measures how much PTSD symptoms bothered you in the last month. Higher scores mean more symptoms.
How is it scored
Each item is 0 to 4. We sum all items for a total from 0 to 80. We also sum clusters B, C, D, and E, and show whether the DSM-5 symptom pattern is met based on ratings of 2 or more.
What cut score should I use
Many programs use 31 to 33 for a positive screen. Some services choose a different score based on the setting and goal. A clinician can advise for your case.
Is my data stored on a server
No. Your answers stay in your browser using localStorage. The share link encodes results in the URL after the #. Servers do not receive that part.
What should I do next
Try the tools matched to your result. If you have a positive screen or you feel unsafe, connect with a clinician or call local emergency services.
Emergency help
If this is an emergency, call your local emergency services now.
Numbers can change. Please verify online before calling.
India: 112 all emergencies. Tele-MANAS 14416 mental health
USA: 911. Mental health 988
UK: 999 emergency. 111 NHS non emergency
Germany: 112 fire or medical. 110 police
Russia: 112 all emergencies
China mainland: 110 police, 120 ambulance, 119 fire, 122 traffic
