Wellbeing self-assessment · Updated October 2026
Burnout assessment tool
Answer 19 questions to check your personal, work-related and client-related burnout. Based on the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, this free burnout test shows your scores as you go and suggests what to do next. It takes about five minutes.
This tool is for self-reflection, not diagnosis. Your answers are not saved or sent anywhere. If you are struggling, speak to your GP or call Samaritans on 116 123.
How to use the burnout assessment tool
- 1Choose who you work withPick residents, patients, pupils or another group so the questions fit your job.
- 2Answer honestlyThink about the past few weeks, not just today. Go with your first answer.
- 3Read your three scoresSee where your exhaustion comes from: you, your work, or the people you work with.
- 4Take the next stepUse the suggestions, copy your results, and talk to someone you trust.
What is burnout?
The World Health Organization describes burnout as an occupational phenomenon: a result of chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It is not classed as a medical condition, but it can seriously affect your health, relationships and work.
Exhaustion
Feeling drained of energy, physically and emotionally, even after rest.
Mental distance
Feeling negative, cynical or detached from your job and the people you work with.
Reduced effectiveness
Finding it harder to concentrate, make decisions or feel you are doing a good job.
How the burnout test is scored
This tool uses the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI). Each answer scores 0, 25, 50, 75 or 100, and each of the three scores is the average of its questions. One question, about having energy for family and friends, is scored in reverse. Your overall score is the average of the three.
Below the level usually linked to burnout.
Signs of burnout. Worth acting on now.
High burnout. Talk to your manager and GP.
The highest possible score. Seek support.
The three types of burnout measured
Personal burnout
General physical and emotional exhaustion, whatever the cause, including home life and health.
Work-related burnout
Exhaustion you link to your job, such as workload, hours or frustration at work.
Client-related burnout
Exhaustion from working with people: residents, patients, pupils or clients. Common in caring roles.
Signs of burnout to look out for
- Feeling tired or drained most of the time, even after a day off.
- Dreading work, or feeling detached from the people you care for or teach.
- Getting ill more often, or having headaches, poor sleep or changes in appetite.
- Feeling irritable, tearful or numb, and taking longer to recover from difficult days.
- Struggling to concentrate, or doubting that your work makes a difference.
What to do if your burnout score is high
Talk to someone
Share how you feel with a manager, supervisor, colleague or someone close to you.
Review your workload
Ask about shift patterns, breaks, overtime and what could be shared or paused.
Use workplace support
Many employers offer an Employee Assistance Programme, occupational health or wellbeing support.
Protect your recovery
Prioritise sleep, take your full breaks and annual leave, and make time for things you enjoy.
Speak to your GP
Especially if you have felt this way for more than a couple of weeks, or it is affecting daily life.
How employers can reduce staff burnout
- Keep staffing levels and workloads realistic, and plan rotas with enough rest between shifts.
- Offer regular supervision, team debriefs and reflective practice, especially after difficult events.
- Make wellbeing support easy to find, and train managers to spot the signs of burnout.
- Use anonymous team surveys to track wellbeing over time and act on what you find.
About this burnout assessment
- Questions are based on the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (Kristensen and colleagues, 2005), which is free to use.
- The “who you work with” option only changes the wording of the client-related questions.
- Scores are shown as you answer. They are most accurate when every question is answered.
- Score bands are a guide used in research, not a clinical cut-off.
- This tool is not a diagnosis and does not replace advice from a health professional.
Frequently asked questions about burnout
What is burnout?
The World Health Organization describes burnout as an occupational phenomenon caused by chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. It has three features: exhaustion, feeling mentally distant or cynical about your job, and feeling less effective at work.
Is this burnout test a diagnosis?
No. It is a self-assessment that helps you understand how exhausted you feel and where it comes from. Only a qualified professional can assess your health. If you are worried, speak to your GP.
What is the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory?
The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) is a 19-question burnout questionnaire developed by researchers in Denmark. It measures personal, work-related and client-related burnout, and is free to use.
What is a high burnout score?
Each score runs from 0 to 100. A score of 50 or more is often used to indicate burnout, 75 or more is high, and 100 is severe.
What is the difference between stress, burnout and depression?
Stress is usually a response to short-term pressure, and often eases when the pressure does. Burnout builds up over time and is linked to work. Depression affects every part of life, not just work. Symptoms can overlap, so talk to your GP if you are unsure.
Why are care, health and education workers at risk of burnout?
These roles combine high emotional demands with heavy workloads, staffing pressures and shift work. Caring for others every day can also lead to compassion fatigue.
Can I use this tool with my team?
Yes. Encourage staff to complete it privately and share only what they choose. For a team view, collect anonymous scores and look at averages rather than individual results.
How often should I check for burnout?
Every few months, or after a big change such as a new role, a rise in workload or a difficult period at work.
Is my data saved?
No. Your answers stay in your browser and are cleared when you leave the page. Nothing is sent or stored.