PCL-C: PTSD Checklist-Civilian

What is PCL-C?

PCL-C (PTSD Checklist-Civilian) is a validated clinical instrument used to assess 17-item civilian version of ptsd checklist based on dsm-iv.. It is most often used for 17-item civilian version of ptsd checklist based on dsm-iv.. The instrument contains 17 items. Typical administration time is ≈ 5 min.

Source / attribution: Free to use with citation

Clinical context: when PCL-C is used

17-item civilian version of PTSD Checklist based on DSM-IV. PCL-C is part of standard practice in this setting because it provides a structured, replicable assessment that can be tracked over time and compared across patients or visits.

Like all screening or assessment instruments, PCL-C is a structured aid — not a diagnostic test in isolation. Results should be interpreted alongside history, examination, and clinical context. Where a score crosses an actionable threshold, the next step is typically a more detailed clinical evaluation rather than a definitive diagnosis.

Score PCL-C

Each item is scored on a 5-point scale (1–5). Your score updates live as you answer.

All scoring runs in your browser. No data is sent anywhere — close the tab and the answers are gone.

How PCL-C is scored

Sum all 17 items scored 1-5. Total range 17-85. Score >= 50 suggests probable PTSD.

Scoring notes: Sum all 17 items scored 1-5. Total range 17-85. Score >= 50 suggests probable PTSD.

PCL-C score interpretation

The cutoffs below are drawn from the published validation literature. Always interpret in clinical context.

How to score PCL-C: a step-by-step worked example

This is an illustrative walkthrough, not a real patient. Follow the same four steps with your own answers — or use the live calculator at the top of this page.

Step 1 — Score each item

Read each question and choose the response that best fits. Each response has a number next to it — that number is the item's score. The example below uses illustrative answers.

Step 2 — Add up the scores

Add up all the item scores you noted in Step 1.

4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + … (items 9–17 sum to 36) = 68

Step 3 — Look up the band

Find the row in the interpretation table whose range contains your total:

Total = 68 falls between 50 and 85 → Probable PTSD

Step 4 — What does this mean clinically?

Probable PTSD. Further evaluation

A score is one input alongside history and examination. PCL-C supports clinical judgment — it does not replace it.

Score PCL-C with your own answers above →

PCL-C psychometric properties

• Internal consistency. Cronbach's α = 0.94 — acceptable to good.
• Test–retest reliability. r = 0.77 — stable across repeated administrations.
• Validity. Widely validated in veteran and civilian populations.

Psychometric figures are drawn from the validation literature and may vary across clinical populations and translations.

Limitations & common pitfalls

• Sum all 17 items scored 1-5. Total range 17-85. Score >= 50 suggests probable PTSD.
• Screening, not diagnosis. A positive PCL-C score is not equivalent to a diagnosis. Confirmatory clinical evaluation is required before treatment decisions.
• Population calibration. Cutoffs were derived from specific validation populations. Performance can differ in other age groups, languages, comorbid conditions, or clinical settings.
• Self-report bias. Patient-reported instruments are subject to under- and over-reporting; clinical context is essential.

How PCL-C compares to other trauma scales

If PCL-C doesn't fit your context, related instruments in trauma include:

Frequently asked questions about PCL-C

References & validation

PCL-C is supported by the following peer-reviewed sources:

• Weathers, F. W., Litz, B. T., Huska, J. A., & Keane, T. M. (1993). The PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version. National Center for PTSD. doi:10.1037/t02626-000 · PubMed