PCL-5 scoring
Use the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) to support your clinical assessment. Enter the client’s responses below to calculate the total and the four DSM-5 cluster scores. This tool is for clinicians and supports, rather than replaces, a clinical interview.
In the past month, how much were you bothered by:
Answered 0 of 20
Running total: 0 / 80
Answer every scored item to see the result and copy it.
Answers stay in this browser. Nothing is saved or sent.
How to score the PCL-5
- Ask the client to keep their worst stressful experience in mind and rate how much each of the 20 problems bothered them in the past month.
- Assign each answer its points: Not at all (0), A little bit (1), Moderately (2), Quite a bit (3), Extremely (4).
- Add all 20 items for a total symptom severity score from 0 to 80.
- For DSM-5 cluster scores, add the items in each cluster: B (items 1 to 5), C (items 6 and 7), D (items 8 to 14) and E (items 15 to 20).
- For a provisional diagnosis by the DSM-5 rule, count each item rated 2 (Moderately) or higher as a symptom endorsed. The rule needs at least 1 B item, 1 C item, 2 D items and 2 E items.
PCL-5 cut-off
| Total score | Result |
|---|---|
| 0 to 30 | below the suggested cut-off of 31 to 33 |
| 31 to 33 | within the suggested cut-off of 31 to 33 |
| 34 to 80 | above the suggested cut-off of 31 to 33 |
What the score means and what it does not
Initial research suggests that a total of 31 to 33 indicates probable PTSD across samples. The National Center for PTSD encourages choosing a cut-off with the population and the purpose in mind: a lower cut-off finds more possible cases, and a higher one reduces false positives. There are no empirically derived severity ranges for the PCL-5, and it should not be used as a stand-alone diagnostic tool. If a client meets a provisional diagnosis, confirm it with further assessment, such as the CAPS-5 structured interview. In general, a cut-off score gives more reliable results than the DSM-5 rule.
Using the PCL-5 over time
The PCL-5 covers the past month. The National Center for PTSD suggests a 10-point decrease as an indicator of response to treatment, and one study found that a total below 28 can indicate clinically significant change. If scores show little movement or get worse during treatment, explore this with the client and consider consultation. Versions with other time frames, such as the past week, have not been validated, and changing the time frame may alter its psychometric properties.
Frequently asked questions
What is the PCL-5 cut-off score?
Initial research suggests that a total of 31 to 33 indicates probable PTSD. Choose a cut-off with your population and purpose in mind, and confirm a provisional diagnosis with further assessment.
How do I score the PCL-5 clusters?
Add the items in each DSM-5 cluster: B is items 1 to 5, C is items 6 and 7, D is items 8 to 14 and E is items 15 to 20.
Can the PCL-5 diagnose PTSD?
No. It can support a provisional diagnosis, by cut-off score or by the DSM-5 rule, but a diagnosis needs further assessment, such as the CAPS-5 structured interview.
Are there PCL-5 severity ranges?
No. The National Center for PTSD states that there are no empirically derived severity ranges for the PCL-5. Use the total to compare with the cut-off and to track change.
How much change on the PCL-5 is meaningful?
A 10-point decrease is suggested as an indicator of response to treatment. One study found that a total below 28 can indicate clinically significant change.
How long does the PCL-5 take?
About 5 to 10 minutes. Clients can complete it themselves before or at the start of a session, or it can be read to them in person or by phone.
Sources
PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). National Center for PTSD, US Department of Veterans Affairs.
Using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). National Center for PTSD.
The PCL-5 was developed by Weathers, Litz, Keane, Palmieri, Marx and Schnurr (2013) at the US Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD. It is in the public domain and not copyrighted, and is intended for use by qualified health professionals and researchers.