What this test measures
Burnout is what happens when work keeps taking more energy than you get back, for long enough that recovery stops working. It shows in four ways: exhaustion (mental and physical, and slow to recover from), mental distance (less enthusiasm, dislike or cynicism about your work), trouble thinking clearly at work (attention that drifts, mistakes) and losing grip on your emotions at work (reactions that feel stronger than you, or not like you). This test asks how often twelve statements about those four are true for you, and adds them up to one score from 0 to 48.
Burnout is a work-related state, not a mental-health diagnosis. "Work" here includes paid work, study, running a business and caring for others. Exhaustion can also come from depression or a physical illness, which is why a doctor should look at severe or lasting exhaustion.
How it is built
The test follows the structure of the short version of a modern burnout tool developed at a European university, often called the BAT: twelve statements, three for each of the four core dimensions, answered on the same five-point frequency scale (never, rarely, sometimes, often, always). The tool reports the average answer and gives general-population orientation values for "at risk" and "very high risk". We add up the answers instead of averaging them and translate those values to our scale: 20 for at risk and 25 for very high risk, out of 48.
The wording of every statement is our own, and the four dimensions alternate through the test. It does not use, and is not based on, any other burnout questionnaire.
What your result contains
Your free result shows your risk level (low, at risk or very high risk) with a short summary, and the four dimensions as bars. The full report adds your exact score out of 48 and where it sits against the two risk levels, your score in each dimension, what your result tends to look like and what is still working, what to change at work and when to see a doctor, and a PDF to keep or to take to your doctor or occupational health service. The test is free; the full report is one payment, no subscription.
Not a diagnosis, and where to get support
A result in the at-risk or very-high-risk range is a signal to act, not a label. Recovery from burnout usually needs changes in the work itself (load, control, support) as well as rest, and it often helps to involve a doctor or your occupational health service early.
If you are struggling right now, these lines are free and confidential: Find a helpline in your country, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US (call or text 988), Samaritans in the UK and Ireland (116 123) and 113 Zelfmoordpreventie in the Netherlands (113 or 0800-0113). If you are in immediate danger, call your local emergency number.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about the Burnout Test.
How long does the Burnout Test take?
About two minutes. There are twelve statements, each with five answers.
What does the Burnout Test measure?
How often four core signs of burnout show up for you at work: exhaustion, mental distance, trouble thinking clearly and losing control of your emotions. Each answer scores 0 to 4; the total of 0 to 48 is read against the risk levels 20 and 25. Your risk level and a short summary are free; your exact score, the four dimension scores and the full report are one payment, no subscription.
Is this the BAT?
No. It follows the structure of the tool's twelve-item short version (four dimensions of three statements, the same frequency scale, its orientation values translated to our scale), but the wording of every statement is our own and it is not the official tool.
Is burnout the same as depression?
No, although they overlap. Burnout is tied to work and usually eases when work changes and recovery is possible; depression affects all of life and does not lift with a holiday. If low mood, loss of interest or hopelessness go beyond work, take the depression test too and talk to a doctor.
Is this a diagnosis?
No. Burnout is not a mental-health diagnosis, and this is a self-assessment of risk. Only a doctor can rule out other causes of exhaustion, such as depression, anaemia or thyroid problems.
Is my data private?
Yes. Your answers are scored in your browser. Results of this test are never shown on a share card: if you share the test, you share the test, not your result. We do not sell personal data and you can ask for export or deletion at any time.
Can I retake the Burnout Test?
Yes, as often as you like. Retaking it every month or after a change at work shows whether recovery is working.