PTSD Test: the PCL-5, a 20-question screening for post-traumatic stress
PCL-5: PTSD Screening Test - a scientifically supported 20 question test that helps you reflect on how past difficult experiences may be affecting you now. It determines if you’re experiencing any symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
This isn't a diagnostic test, if what you're experiencing concerns you, please reach out to a mental health professional who can provide proper support.
Free to try · Responses are private & encrypted
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What does the PTSD Test Assessment cover?
The PCL-5 covers the 20 symptoms of post-traumatic stress across intrusion, avoidance, changes in mood and thinking, and heightened arousal, rated over the past month to produce a severity score.
Who is this PTSD Test Assessment for?
Helpful if you:
😨 Are affected by a frightening or distressing past experience
🔁 Have intrusive memories, nightmares or feel constantly on alert
📝 Have been asked by your therapist to complete this
For therapists:
Assign the PCL-5 to screen for post-traumatic stress symptoms and monitor change over trauma-focused work. Results are stored securely for review before your next session. Fully HIPAA and GDPR compliant.
Dr Harriet Mellotte
Clinical Psychologist & CBT Therapist, BABCP
“Offload is a fantastic resource for both clients and therapists. The world of CBT has been lacking an app which enables the sharing of CBT worksheets and homework tasks between clients and therapists, but Offload completely does this, making the service we offer more professional and the benefits to clients greater.”
Frequently asked questions
What is the PCL-5?
The PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5) is a 20-question self-report measure of post-traumatic stress symptoms over the past month. It covers the four symptom groups of intrusion, avoidance, negative changes in mood and thinking, and heightened arousal. It is one of the most widely used PTSD measures in research and clinical services worldwide.
Does this test diagnose PTSD?
No. The PCL-5 is a screening and monitoring tool, not a diagnosis. A score of around 32 or above suggests it would be worth speaking to a GP or mental health professional, who can carry out a proper assessment. A lower score does not rule out difficulties either; if a past experience is still affecting you, seek support regardless of the result.
How long does it take and how is it scored?
Most people complete it in about five minutes. Each of the 20 items is rated from 0 to 4 by how much it has bothered you in the past month, giving a total between 0 and 80. Offload shows your total with a plain-English summary of what that range usually means.
Can professionals assign the PCL-5 to their clients?
Yes. Therapists on Offload can assign the PCL-5 directly to clients to screen for post-traumatic stress symptoms and track change across trauma-focused work. Results are stored securely and available to review before the next session. Fully HIPAA and GDPR compliant.
Are you a therapist?
Assign this therapy tool and 200+ other interactive tools directly to your clients. Build personalised care plans, customise tools, and review client responses before sessions. HIPAA and GDPR compliant.
Explore Offload for therapistsReferences
Weathers FW, Litz BT, Keane TM, Palmieri PA, Marx BP, Schnurr PP. The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5): Development and initial psychometric evaluation. Psychological Assessment. 2013;25(3):1355-1363. doi:10.1037/a0032227 This original validation study describes the development of the PCL-5 to align with the DSM-5 criteria for PTSD. The authors detail its psychometric properties, establishing it as a reliable and valid measure for assessing PTSD symptoms in both clinical and research settings.
