Use HiBoop's interactive PCL-5 (PTSD Checklist for DSM-5-TR) preliminary assessment to score PTSD symptom severity. Aligned with DSM-5-TR criteria, yielding a total score from 0-80.

PCL-5 Preliminary Assessment

PTSD Checklist for DSM-5-TR

For educational and screening purposes only, not a diagnostic tool or substitute for professional care.In crisis? Get immediate help →

What is the PCL-5?

The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5-TR (PCL-5) is a widely-used, evidence-based screening tool for assessing post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Developed in alignment with DSM-5-TR criteria, it asks about 20 symptoms experienced over the past month.

Quick & Validated
Takes 5-7 minutes, clinically validated for accuracy
Evidence-Based
Aligned with DSM-5-TR PTSD diagnostic criteria
Clinical Standard
Used worldwide by trauma specialists
Preliminary Results
Automatic calculation with severity interpretation
Clinical Use:These results are intended to inform clinical decision-making in licensed practice. They do not replace evaluation by a qualified clinician.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a positive PCL-5 score?

A PCL-5 score of 31–33 or above is commonly used as a provisional PTSD diagnosis cutoff. The scale ranges from 0–80. A score of 33 has demonstrated good sensitivity and specificity for PTSD in civilian samples.

How many questions does the PCL-5 have?

The PCL-5 has 20 questions corresponding to the 20 DSM-5-TR PTSD symptoms across four clusters: intrusion, avoidance, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and alterations in arousal and reactivity.

What is the difference between PCL-5 and PCL-C?

The PCL-5 (2013) is aligned with DSM-5-TR criteria and contains 20 items. The PCL-C (Civilian version, 1994) was based on DSM-IV and had 17 items. The PCL-5 is the current standard for clinical and research use.

Who developed the PCL-5?

The PCL-5 was developed by the National Center for PTSD at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. It is freely available for clinical and research use.

Can the PCL-5 be used to track treatment progress?

Yes. A change of 10–20 points on the PCL-5 is considered a reliable and clinically meaningful change. It is commonly used in measurement-based care to monitor PTSD treatment response over time.

How do you interpret a PCL-5 score?

PCL-5 scores range from 0–80. A score of 31–33 or above is the recommended provisional cutoff for PTSD (National Center for PTSD). Scores below 20 suggest minimal symptoms; 21–32 is subthreshold; 33–49 indicates moderate PTSD symptoms warranting evaluation; 50–80 indicates severe symptoms.

What PCL-5 score indicates PTSD?

A PCL-5 total score of 33 or above meets the provisional threshold for PTSD in civilian populations. Military populations sometimes use a cutoff of 38. Any score in this range should be followed by a detailed clinical evaluation.

Can the PCL-5 be used… · How do you interpret a… · What PCL-5 score indicates PTSD
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Understanding your results

For clinicians

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For individuals

This tool provides a preliminary screen only, not a substitute for clinical evaluation. Share your results with a qualified mental health professional for proper follow-up.

Learn more about PTSD