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Free Online PTSD Test & Personalised Recommendations

Take this 3-minute test to check your PTSD symptoms & get personalized recommendations
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Key takeaways
  • 3-minute PTSD test with instant score
  • Screens core PTSD symptoms across four clusters
  • Notes features linked to complex PTSD
  • Clear next steps for mental health support and self-help
  • Not a diagnosis; prompts action if needed
  • Retake to monitor change over time

Disclaimer

This is a screening and education tool, not medical advice or a diagnosis. If symptoms persist, worsen, or you feel unsafe, contact a qualified professional, your local emergency number, or a mental health helpline.

About This Test

This free online PTSD test is for adults who want a quick check of PTSD symptoms after distressing events. In under three minutes, you’ll answer brief questions about re-experiencing (flashbacks, nightmares), avoidance, negative mood and cognition, and arousal (hypervigilance, startle). Your score highlights likely severity and the key signs of PTSD that can affect work, study, relationships and daily life.

Use your result as a practical starting point. If your score is higher, consider evidence-based mental health support, self-help strategies, and a full PTSD assessment. If it’s lower, small steps—routine, sleep hygiene, grounding skills—can still help. Because post traumatic stress disorder can look different across people (including complex PTSD features like emotional dysregulation and negative self-concept), your guidance explains which pattern your answers most resemble. This tool cannot diagnose a condition; only a qualified professional can. It gives you a clear snapshot of your PTSD symptoms so you can decide whether to seek an evaluation, start self-care, or retake the PTSD quiz to track progress over time.

How the test works

You rate how often re-experiencing, avoidance, negative mood/cognitions, and arousal symptoms occur. Scores map to severity bands and suggest next steps: self-help strategies, therapy options, and when to seek a full PTSD assessment. You can retake the PTSD checklist to track progress.

Scientific basis

Items mirror validated PTSD screeners (e.g., PCL-5), which assess the 20 DSM-5 symptoms and are used for screening and monitoring; diagnosis requires a structured clinical interview such as CAPS-5. DSM-5 criteria require symptom duration >1 month with distress or impairment.

Test Author

Dr. Christy A. Blevins (PhD), Prof. Frank W. Weathers (PhD), Dr. Margaret T. Davis (PhD), Prof. Tracy K. Witte (PhD) and Dr. Jessica L. Domino (PhD).

FAQ:

What does my score mean?

It reflects how often PTSD symptoms occur and suggests next steps.

Is this a diagnosis?

No. It’s a self-assessment; only a clinician can diagnose PTSD.

PTSD vs complex PTSD?

Both involve trauma; complex PTSD also includes problems with emotion regulation, self-concept and relationships.

How often should I retake it?

Every few weeks, especially after starting self-help or therapy, to monitor change.

What if I’m in a crisis?

Call your local emergency number or a mental health helpline immediately.
Last Updated: 7 October 2025

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