PCL-5 PTSD Test
PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5)
Screens for post-traumatic stress symptoms after a frightening or distressing event.
Developed by: Weathers et al., US National Center for PTSD, 2013
How would you like to take it?
- Your score, worked out with the questionnaire's published scoring
- Your severity level and what it means
- The reference ranges from the test manual
- A report you can view and download straight away
It's an automatic screening report from your own answers — not reviewed by a psychologist and not a diagnosis. You can book a psychologist any time to go through it with you.
20 questions · about 5–7 min · secure payment
PCL-5 — frequently asked questions
How long does the PCL-5 take?
It has 20 questions and takes about 5–7 min. You answer online, at your own pace.
Is the PCL-5 a diagnosis?
No. The PCL-5 is a validated questionnaire that measures how strong your symptoms are. A diagnosis needs a clinical assessment by a qualified professional — which you can add by taking it with a psychologist.
What do I get if I take it on my own?
An instant automatic report: your score worked out with the published scoring, your severity level and what it means, and the reference ranges from the test manual. You can view and download it straight away.
What does a psychologist add to the report?
After going through your result with you in a session, they add a summary in simple words, their clinical observations, recommendations and next steps, a follow-up plan, a referral if needed, and their signature with their RCI / registration number.
Who developed the PCL-5?
Weathers et al., US National Center for PTSD, 2013. Weathers FW, Litz BT, Keane TM, Palmieri PA, Marx BP, Schnurr PP. The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). 2013. National Center for PTSD, www.ptsd.va.gov.
Are my answers private?
Yes. If you take it on your own, your answers and report are private to you. If you take it with a psychologist, they are shared only with that psychologist.
A screening score is not a diagnosis. If you are in crisis in India, call Tele-MANAS 14416 (free, 24×7) or go to the nearest hospital.