The PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5) is a 20-item screening tool for post-traumatic stress disorder. It was developed at the National Center for PTSD (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs). Each item is scored 0-4, for a total score of 0-80. It takes about 5 minutes to complete.

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Free PTSD test (PCL-5)

Q: How is the PCL-5 scored?

Each of the 20 items is scored 0 (not at all) to 4 (extremely). Total scores range from 0-80. A score of 31-33 is the recommended cutoff for probable PTSD. Higher scores indicate greater symptom severity.

Q: What does a PCL-5 score of 33 mean?

A PCL-5 score of 31-33 or higher indicates probable PTSD (Blevins et al., Journal of Traumatic Stress, 2015; VA National Center for PTSD). This is the level at which a comprehensive clinical evaluation for PTSD is strongly recommended.

Q: Is the PCL-5 the same test the VA uses?

Yes. The PCL-5 was developed at the VA's National Center for PTSD and is used across VA medical centers, military facilities, and civilian clinical settings for PTSD screening and monitoring treatment progress.

The PCL-5 is the 20-question PTSD screening developed by the VA and used by clinicians worldwide. It takes about 5 minutes, scores instantly, and your answers never leave your device. A screening is not a diagnosis - it is a starting point.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Akinwande Akintola, MD, Supervisory Psychiatrist. Last reviewed July 2026.

Clinical validity: A PCL-5 score of 31-33 indicates probable PTSD (Blevins et al., Journal of Traumatic Stress, 2015; VA National Center for PTSD).

If you are in crisis, do not wait for a test score. Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 24/7) or call 911.

Below is a list of problems that people sometimes have in response to a very stressful experience. Thinking about your worst stressful experience, please indicate how much you have been bothered by each problem in the past month.

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1. Repeated, disturbing, and unwanted memories of the stressful experience?

2. Repeated, disturbing dreams of the stressful experience?

3. Suddenly feeling or acting as if the stressful experience were actually happening again (as if you were actually back there reliving it)?

4. Feeling very upset when something reminded you of the stressful experience?

5. Having strong physical reactions when something reminded you of the stressful experience (for example, heart pounding, trouble breathing, sweating)?

6. Avoiding memories, thoughts, or feelings related to the stressful experience?

7. Avoiding external reminders of the stressful experience (for example, people, places, conversations, activities, objects, or situations)?

8. Trouble remembering important parts of the stressful experience?

9. Having strong negative beliefs about yourself, other people, or the world (for example, having thoughts such as: I am bad, there is something seriously wrong with me, no one can be trusted, the world is completely dangerous)?

10. Blaming yourself or someone else for the stressful experience or what happened after it?

11. Having strong negative feelings such as fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame?

12. Loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy?

13. Feeling distant or cut off from other people?

14. Trouble experiencing positive feelings (for example, being unable to feel happiness or have loving feelings for people close to you)?

15. Irritable behavior, angry outbursts, or acting aggressively?

16. Taking too many risks or doing things that could cause you harm?

17. Being "superalert" or watchful or on guard?

18. Feeling jumpy or easily startled?

19. Having difficulty concentrating?

20. Trouble falling or staying asleep?

How is the PCL-5 scored?

Score	Severity	What clinicians recommend
0-10	Minimal	Below clinical threshold
11-20	Low	Some symptoms present; monitor
21-32	Moderate	Near threshold; evaluation recommended
33-50	High	Probable PTSD; comprehensive evaluation recommended
51-80	Severe	Immediate evaluation recommended

What is the PCL-5?

The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) was developed at the National Center for PTSD within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It maps directly onto the 20 symptoms of PTSD as defined in the DSM-5, organized into four clusters: intrusion, avoidance, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and alterations in arousal and reactivity. It is in the public domain.

What does a PCL-5 score of 33 mean?

A total score of 31-33 is the recommended cutoff for probable PTSD. At this threshold, the screening identifies most people with clinical PTSD. A positive screen warrants a comprehensive clinical evaluation using a structured diagnostic interview. Evidence-based treatments for PTSD - including CPT, PE, and EMDR - have strong research support.

Is the PCL-5 the same test the VA uses?

Yes. The PCL-5 is the standard PTSD screening tool used across VA medical centers, Department of Defense facilities, and civilian clinical settings. When you take it here, you are answering the same questions in the same format.

PTSD Treatment →Depression Test (PHQ-9) →Anxiety Test (GAD-7) →Insurance We Accept →All Screenings →

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If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911. Both are available 24/7.