Free Burnout Test (BAT-12)
Check your burnout level — free, anonymous, and instant. Takes about 5 minutes.
The BAT-12 — scientifically validated by KU Leuven (Schaufeli et al.)
BAT — Burnout Assessment Tool
The BAT (Burnout Assessment Tool) is a scientifically validated burnout screener developed at KU Leuven (Schaufeli, De Witte & Desart). The 12-item short form (BAT-12) measures the 4 core dimensions of burnout: exhaustion, mental distance, cognitive impairment, and emotional impairment. Scores from 1 to 5 indicate increasing burnout risk.
- 12 clinically validated questions across 4 dimensions of burnout
- Takes about 5 minutes to complete
- 100% free and anonymous — no email or account required
- Instant results with breakdown across all 4 dimensions
- WHO recognises burnout as an occupational phenomenon (ICD-11)
- Used widely by occupational health teams and HR consultants
About the online burnout test
The BAT (Burnout Assessment Tool) is one of the newest and most rigorous burnout instruments available, replacing the older Maslach Burnout Inventory in many organisations. It captures burnout as a multidimensional condition — not just exhaustion.
This free version uses the BAT-12, the 12-item short form. You answer how often each symptom has applied to you over the last few weeks at work, and you get a score on each of the 4 burnout dimensions plus an overall average.
Time
5 minutes
Questions
12 questions
Scale
1-5 (Never to Always)
Validation
KU Leuven
Important: This test does not provide a diagnosis. It is a screening tool that helps you understand whether burnout might be affecting you and where it shows up most.
Why take the BAT-12?
A clear picture of your burnout
See not just whether you have burnout, but which dimensions are affected most
Instant, anonymous result
No email, no waiting, no account
Personalised guidance
Concrete next steps based on your score
Track changes over time
Useful when changing jobs or recovering from a difficult period
What does the BAT-12 measure?
The BAT-12 captures burnout across 4 core dimensions.
Exhaustion
A sense of physical and mental exhaustion caused by work
Mental distance
Emotional detachment and cynicism about your work
Cognitive impairment
Difficulty concentrating and thinking clearly
Emotional impairment
Difficulty controlling and managing emotions
Example questions from the burnout test
Here are 6 of the 12 questions in the BAT-12.
At work, I feel mentally exhausted
Everything I do at work requires a great deal of effort
I can't find any enthusiasm for my work
At work, I struggle to stay focused
At work, I feel unable to control my emotions
I am forgetful and easily distracted at work
How the BAT-12 score is interpreted
The average score ranges from 1 to 5. Higher scores indicate higher burnout risk.
What does this test NOT measure?
The BAT-12 is NOT:
- ✕A depression diagnostic — try the PHQ-9 if you have low mood outside work
- ✕An anxiety screener — try the GAD-7 if you struggle with worry
- ✕A general life-satisfaction measure — it specifically targets work burnout
- ✕A replacement for professional assessment — it's a starting point
Burnout is treatable
The good news: burnout responds well to a combination of professional support, workload adjustment, and rest. Many UK therapists specialise in burnout recovery, and CBT for stress is offered through NHS Talking Therapies (IAPT).
Learn more about burnout recoveryFrequently asked questions about the burnout test
What is the BAT-12 burnout test?
The BAT (Burnout Assessment Tool) is a scientifically validated burnout questionnaire developed by Schaufeli, De Witte and Desart at KU Leuven. The BAT-12 is the 12-item short form that measures four core dimensions of burnout: exhaustion, mental distance, cognitive impairment, and emotional impairment.
How long does the burnout test take?
The BAT-12 takes about 5 minutes. The questions ask how often you have experienced each symptom at work, on a 5-point scale from "Never" to "Always". Results are shown instantly.
Is the burnout test free and anonymous?
Yes — the test is 100% free and anonymous. We do not ask for your name, email or any personal data to show you your results.
How is the BAT-12 score interpreted?
You get an average score from 1 to 5: 1.00-1.50 = very low, 1.51-2.00 = low, 2.01-2.50 = average, 2.51-3.00 = moderate, 3.01-3.50 = high, 3.51+ = very high. You also see a breakdown across the 4 dimensions so you can see which areas of burnout are most pronounced.
What's the difference between burnout, stress, and depression?
Stress is a normal short-term response to demands. Burnout is the result of chronic, unmanaged work stress and is mainly tied to your job. Depression is a clinical condition that affects all areas of life, not just work. The BAT-12 is specifically designed to measure work burnout — but if you also have low mood and energy outside of work, the PHQ-9 depression test may be useful too.
Can the BAT-12 diagnose burnout?
No — the BAT-12 is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. The WHO recognises burnout as an "occupational phenomenon" (ICD-11) rather than a medical condition. A psychologist or psychotherapist registered with HCPC, BACP, BPS or UKCP can do a full assessment.
What should I do if I score high on the burnout test?
If your score is 'high' or 'very high', we recommend speaking to a mental health professional. Talking to your GP is a good first step — they can refer you to NHS Talking Therapies (free) or you can find a private therapist. You may also want to discuss workload and support with your manager or HR. On MatchyMatch you can find verified UK therapists who specialise in burnout and book a free 15-minute discovery call.
Should I retake the BAT-12 over time?
Yes — the BAT-12 is designed to be repeated. Many people retake it monthly to monitor their burnout level, especially when changing jobs, taking on a new project, or recovering from a difficult period at work.
Is burnout the same as depression?
No, but they overlap. Burnout is mainly about your relationship with work; depression is broader and pervasive. Many people who have burnout also develop low mood and may meet criteria for depression. If you're worried about depression specifically, take the PHQ-9 alongside the BAT-12.
Ready to check your burnout level?
Start the BAT-12 now and get instant results across all 4 burnout dimensions.
Start the burnout testRelated psychological tests
Burnout often appears alongside depression and anxiety. These tests can help build a fuller picture.
Burnout is treatable. If your test result indicates moderate, high, or very high burnout, please consider speaking with your GP, a registered UK therapist (HCPC, BACP, BPS or UKCP), or — in a crisis — calling 116 123 (Samaritans, free, 24/7).