Your CBI results: what the three scores suggest and what to do next
A CBI result is three separate scores. Compare them: the pattern shows whether your exhaustion is tied to work, to clients, or to life in general. It is a description of your answers, not a diagnosis. [1]
What should I do after I get a result?
Look at which scale is highest. These are suggestions, based on how the scales are defined, not clinical advice. [1]
| If this stands out | It may suggest | A first step |
|---|---|---|
| Work-related is highest, personal is lower | Your exhaustion is concentrated in the job. | Look at the work causes. Try the workload audit and the manager conversation. |
| Personal is high, work-related is lower | Your tiredness may not be mainly about work. | Consider seeing a GP. Sleep, health, and life outside work may matter as much. |
| Client-related is highest | The people-facing part of your job is the draining part. | Talk to your manager about caseload, breaks, and support. Our colleague guide may help. |
| All three are high | Exhaustion reaches across your life and your work. | See a GP and talk to your manager. You do not need to wait. |
| All three are low | You are not reporting much exhaustion right now. | Keep an eye on it, and repeat it if things change. |
How does the online version word its results?
The Hong Kong Academy of Medicine version gives text in tiers: no scale scoring high, high burnout on one scale, or high levels on at least two scales. Each tier links to self-care tips or help-seeking resources. It states no numeric cut-off for "high" on its page. [2] Treat the wording as a prompt to reflect, not as a verdict.
Does a high score mean something is wrong with me?
No. A high score means you reported a lot of exhaustion, which is information, not a verdict. The document uses 50 or more to describe a high degree in its own study, and gives no diagnostic cut-off. [1] A high score is a reason to talk to someone, not a reason to be afraid.
Can a low score rule out burnout?
No. A low score says you reported little exhaustion in your answers. You can still be struggling, and the CBI does not cover mental distance or reduced efficacy. If you feel unwell despite a low score, speak to a doctor.
What could I bring to a conversation?
The pattern across the three scales. For example: "My exhaustion at work is much higher than my exhaustion in general, and it is affecting my days." HSE suggests talking to your manager, a colleague, or a GP if stress is hard to manage. [5]
Where can I find support?
In the UK, the NHS says to see a GP if you are struggling to cope with stress, and that adults can refer themselves to NHS talking therapies. [3] In the United States, NIMH lists 988 for immediate distress. [4] If you may harm yourself or cannot stay safe, call 999 in the UK or contact local emergency services. findahelpline.com lists services by country.
Common questions
What if my work-related score is my only high one?
Then the exhaustion may be concentrated in the job. Look at the causes at work: the workload audit and the manager conversation are good places to start.
Can I use my CBI result to ask for changes at work?
It is a self-report questionnaire, not a medical assessment. HSE suggests you talk to your manager early, and describe the cause of the pressure. [5]
Sources and further reading
These links open external research and health-information websites.
- Borritz and Kristensen (2004): Copenhagen Burnout Inventory. Normative data from a representative Danish population on personal burnout, and results from the PUMA study. National Institute of Occupational Health, Copenhagen (first edition, February 2004)
The inventory's own document, hosted by the Danish National Research Centre for the Working Environment: the three parts and their definitions, response categories, scoring, non-responder rules, Danish normative data, and PUMA results. Read on 2 November 2026. - Hong Kong Academy of Medicine: Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (online self-assessment)
An automated online version, made with the consent of the Danish centre. Three scales from 0 to 100, tiered result text, and a note that burnout is an occupational phenomenon in ICD-11. Read on 2 November 2026. - NHS: Get help with stress
Signs of stress, when to see a GP, urgent help routes in the UK, and self-referral to NHS talking therapies. - NIMH: I'm so stressed out! Fact sheet
When to seek professional help, and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. - HSE: Help for workers on stress at work
Who to talk to at work about stress, and the employer's duty in Great Britain.
This page is educational. A questionnaire score cannot establish a diagnosis or explain the cause of your symptoms. If you are struggling, speak with a doctor or mental health professional, whatever your score. Read when to get help for work stress or find a helpline in your country.