Interactive Interpreter

PCL-5: PTSD Checklist for DSM-5-TR

The PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5) is a 20-item self-report questionnaire that measures the severity of the 20 DSM-5-TR symptoms of PTSD over the past month. Total scores range from 0 to 80; a score of 31–33 or higher indicates probable PTSD.

For professional reference, research, and education only. Not for diagnosis or medical advice.

PCL-5 Score Interpreter

  • PCL-5 Score Calculator

    Enter each of the 20 items (0–4) to total them; the range shows below. Items are numbered, not reproduced: enter them from the form in front of you.

    0 of 20 items entered — 20 still blank. The total can only rise, so treat the range as provisional.

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    Each item scores 0–4.

  • Enter a total score to see its range.

  • 20 items rated 0 (not at all) to 4 (extremely) for the past month; sum for a total of 0–80. A provisional result also needs the symptom-count pattern and confirmation of trauma exposure (Criterion A), which the PCL-5 does not assess.

    Total scoreInterpretation
    33+Probable PTSDScore 33–80. At or above the provisional cutoff; confirm with a structured clinical interview such as the CAPS-5.
    0–32Below provisional cutoffScore 0–32. Below the recommended cutoff of 33. Scores of 31–32 sit in the 31–33 range that some samples use as the threshold, so interpret alongside clinical presentation.

    Bovin et al. (2016): scores of 31–33 were optimally efficient for diagnosing PTSD against the CAPS-5; the National Center for PTSD uses 31–33 as indicative of probable PTSD.

The PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5) is a 20-item self-report questionnaire that rates the 20 DSM-5 symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder over the past month, scored 0 to 80 [1].

Foundational context

The PCL-5 was developed by the National Center for PTSD [3] to align with the DSM-5 PTSD criteria. It replaces previous versions (PCL-C, PCL-M) and is widely used to screen for PTSD and monitor symptom severity [1].

It is used in VA settings, civilian practice, and research to screen for PTSD, monitor treatment progress, and support measurement-based care.

What does the PCL-5 measure?

The 20 items of the PCL-5 correspond to the four DSM-5-TR PTSD symptom clusters:

  1. Criterion B: Intrusion (Items 1–5): Unwanted memories, nightmares, flashbacks, and reactivity.
  2. Criterion C: Avoidance (Items 6–7): Avoidance of internal and external reminders.
  3. Criterion D: Negative Cognitions & Mood (Items 8–14): Negative beliefs, emotional numbing, and loss of interest.
  4. Criterion E: Arousal & Reactivity (Items 15–20): Irritability, hypervigilance, and sleep disturbance.

Each item is rated 0 (Not at all) to 4 (Extremely) based on the past month.

How do you give the PCL-5?

  • Time: 5–10 minutes.
  • Index Trauma: Ideally, identify a specific index trauma (Criterion A) with the client before rating symptoms.
  • Diagnosis: A full clinical evaluation requires verification of Criterion A trauma exposure and a structured interview like the CAPS-5.
  • Integration: Often administered with the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 as depression frequently co-occurs with PTSD.

How do you score and interpret the PCL-5?

Total scores range from 0 to 80.

  • Provisional PTSD threshold: in veterans, scores of 31 to 33 were optimally efficient against the CAPS-5 [2], and the National Center for PTSD treats 31–33 as indicative of probable PTSD [3]. The scorer on this page uses 33 or higher.
  • Symptom-Count Method: Probable PTSD is also supported if at least one item per cluster (B and C) and two items per cluster (D and E) are rated ≥2 ("Moderately").

Monitoring progress: the National Center for PTSD suggests a 10-point decrease as an indicator of treatment response, while noting that evidence on clinically meaningful improvement is limited [3].

DSM-5-TR Cluster Criteria (Symptom-Count Approach)

For provisional DSM-5-TR symptom-count analysis, items scored ≥2 (Moderately) are treated as endorsed. The following minimum endorsements are required across all four clusters:

  • Criterion B (Intrusion, Items 1–5): at least 1 item rated ≥2.
  • Criterion C (Avoidance, Items 6–7): at least 1 item rated ≥2.
  • Criterion D (Negative Cognitions & Mood, Items 8–14): at least 2 items rated ≥2.
  • Criterion E (Arousal & Reactivity, Items 15–20): at least 2 items rated ≥2.

A cluster threshold is "met" when the minimum number of items listed above for that cluster score ≥2 (Moderately). Meeting all four cluster thresholds and a total score ≥33 supports a provisional PTSD determination; full clinical evaluation requires a structured clinical interview.

A formal PTSD diagnosis requires meeting Criterion A (trauma exposure) in addition to the above cluster thresholds. The PCL-5 does not assess Criterion A. Clinicians should confirm trauma exposure through a structured interview or the Life Events Checklist for DSM-5-TR (LEC-5).

Documenting PCL-5 scores in clinical notes

PCL-5 total and cluster scores belong in the Objective section of a SOAP note.

Psychometric properties

  • Development study (trauma-exposed college students, N = 278): strong internal consistency (α = .94), test-retest reliability (r = .82), convergent validity (rs = .74 to .85) and discriminant validity (rs = .31 to .60). A second study (N = 558) showed similarly strong reliability and validity [1].
  • Veterans (N = 468): internal consistency α = .96, test-retest reliability r = .84, and good convergent and discriminant validity. Against the CAPS-5, scores of 31 to 33 were optimally efficient for diagnosing PTSD [2].
  • Factor structure: in the development study the data fit the DSM-5 four-factor model adequately, with better fit for six- and seven-factor models [1]; in veterans, a six-factor anhedonia model and a seven-factor hybrid model fit best [2].
  • Sensitivity: Highly responsive to trauma-focused treatments (e.g., CPT, PE).

Limitations

  • Does not assess Criterion A (trauma exposure) directly.
  • Self-report may be influenced by avoidance or limited insight into arousal symptoms.

For individuals: This page is a clinical reference, not a diagnostic tool. If you have concerns about your own symptoms, bring this information to a qualified mental health professional.

FAQ

  • What is the PCL-5?

    The PCL-5 is a 20-item self-report PTSD severity scale aligned with DSM-5-TR criteria, scoring 0 to 80 across the past month. Each item maps to one of the 20 DSM-5-TR PTSD symptoms organized into four clusters: intrusion, avoidance, negative cognitions and mood, and arousal and reactivity. Developed by Weathers et al. (2013) at the National Center for PTSD.

  • How do you score the PCL-5?

    Each of the 20 items is rated 0 (not at all) to 4 (extremely) based on how much the symptom bothered the respondent in the past month. Item scores are summed for a total ranging from 0 to 80. Cluster subscores can also be calculated: intrusion (items 1-5), avoidance (items 6-7), negative cognitions and mood (items 8-14), and arousal and reactivity (items 15-20).

  • What PCL-5 score indicates PTSD?

    In veterans, PCL-5 totals of 31 to 33 were optimally efficient for diagnosing PTSD, and the National Center for PTSD treats 31 to 33 as indicative of probable PTSD; 33 or higher is the cutoff used on this page. A symptom-count method also supports probable PTSD when at least one item per cluster B and C and two items per cluster D and E are rated 2 (moderately) or higher. A clinician-administered structured interview such as the CAPS-5 is required for full clinical evaluation.

  • Is the PCL-5 free?

    Yes. The National Center for PTSD states that the PCL-5 is in the public domain and not copyrighted; it is intended for use by qualified health professionals and researchers. It is published by the National Center for PTSD (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) and replaces the older PCL-C and PCL-M with a single DSM-5-TR-aligned scale.

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