MBI-Style Assessment
Work Burnout Test
Measure your work exhaustion, cynicism, and professional efficacy using the three-dimensional framework from Maslach's burnout research.
Free adaptation · Not the official MBI instrument
The MBI Three-Factor Model
The Maslach Burnout Inventory framework measures burnout across three distinct dimensions. This test scores each one separately to give you a complete picture.
WHO Definition: Burnout is an occupational phenomenon resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed.
World Health Organization, ICD-11 (2019)
How to answer: Think about your current job and how you've been feeling over the past few weeks. For each statement, select how often you experience that feeling. There are no right or wrong answers.
Your Burnout Profile
Based on the MBI three-factor framework
Detailed Results
What You Can Do
- Three separate scores: The MBI framework doesn't combine dimensions into one number. The pattern across exhaustion, cynicism, and efficacy matters more than any single score.
- No diagnostic threshold: Even the original MBI authors note there's no official "burnout = yes/no" cutoff. These scores indicate tendencies, not a diagnosis.
- Burnout is reversible: With the right changes (personal and organizational), people often reduce these symptoms significantly.
- Work context matters: Scores can fluctuate based on current projects, seasons, or life circumstances.
The Research Behind the MBI
From the Research
"Burnout is a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment that can occur among individuals who work with people in some capacity."
— Maslach, C., Jackson, S. E., & Leiter, M. P. (1996). Maslach Burnout Inventory Manual . Mind Garden, Inc.
The MBI's Three Dimensions
Emotional Exhaustion is the feeling of being emotionally overextended and depleted of your emotional resources. It's often the first sign of burnout and can manifest as feeling drained, tired, or unable to face another day at work.
Cynicism (Depersonalization) refers to a negative, callous, or detached response to various aspects of work. People experiencing this dimension often become disengaged, indifferent, or develop a distant attitude toward their job.
Reduced Professional Efficacy involves feelings of incompetence and lack of achievement at work. This includes feeling like you're not making a difference or that your work doesn't matter.
From the Research
"Burnout is included in the ICD-11 as an occupational phenomenon. It is not classified as a medical condition."
— World Health Organization (2019). ICD-11 Definition of Burnout .
From the Research
"Across 45 studies, the Emotional Exhaustion subscale showed an average reliability of .88, while Depersonalization and Personal Accomplishment were .71 and .78, respectively."
— Aguayo, R. et al. (2011). A meta-analytic reliability generalization study of the Maslach Burnout Inventory . International Journal of Clinical and Health Psychology.
Key Findings from Burnout Research
- Burnout has been studied extensively for over 40 years, with the Maslach Burnout Inventory being the most widely used measure in research
- The three-factor structure (exhaustion, cynicism, efficacy) has been consistently replicated across cultures and occupations
- Burnout is distinct from depression, though they can co-occur. Burnout tends to improve when away from work, while depression persists
- Job demands (workload, time pressure) predict exhaustion, while lack of resources (autonomy, support) predicts cynicism and reduced efficacy
From the Research
"The MBI was developed as a research instrument to assess burnout as a continuum... It is challenging to translate the continuous scores into a dichotomous burnout classification. As of now, diagnostic criteria have not been well-specified."
— Mind Garden (2018). The Problem with Cut-Offs for the MBI .
How This Assessment Was Built
This assessment is inspired by the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) research framework. We created original questions that measure the same three dimensions while respecting intellectual property. Our items draw from published burnout symptom descriptions, the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory concepts, and general burnout literature.
Important: This is not the official Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). The MBI is a proprietary instrument published by Mind Garden, Inc. We use original question wording based on the published scientific framework, designed for free educational self-reflection.
Scoring Method
- 15 items total: 5 for Exhaustion, 5 for Cynicism, 5 for Professional Efficacy
- Each item uses a 7-point frequency scale (0 = Never to 6 = Every day), consistent with the original MBI format
- Three efficacy items are positively worded and reverse-scored so that higher scores always indicate more burnout
- Each subscale score ranges from 0 to 30
- Results are presented as three separate scores, not a combined total
Score Interpretation Ranges
We use approximate ranges based on published research, though the original authors caution that rigid cut-offs are not diagnostically valid. These ranges provide general guidance only:
Sources We Drew From
- Maslach, C., Jackson, S. E., & Leiter, M. P. (1996). Maslach Burnout Inventory Manual
- Kristensen, T. S. et al. (2005). The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory
- Schaufeli, W. B. et al. (2020). Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT)
- WHO ICD-11 (2019) definition of burnout as an occupational phenomenon
Frequently Asked Questions
No, though they share some symptoms. Burnout is specifically tied to work and tends to improve when you're away from the workplace. Depression is a clinical condition that persists across all life areas. However, severe burnout can increase the risk of developing depression. If you're experiencing persistent hopelessness or loss of interest in all activities (not just work), consider speaking with a mental health professional.
High scores suggest you're experiencing significant work-related strain. Consider: (1) talking to your manager about workload or support, (2) prioritizing recovery time outside work, (3) seeking support from colleagues, friends, or a counselor, (4) evaluating whether your current role aligns with your values and capacity. Burnout is often a signal that something in the work environment needs to change, whether that's your boundaries, workload, or the job itself.
Yes. Research shows burnout is responsive to both individual and organizational interventions. At the individual level, recovery activities, boundary-setting, and stress management help. At the organizational level, reasonable workloads, autonomy, fairness, and supportive leadership make a significant difference. The most effective approach usually combines both. Taking a vacation alone won't fix burnout if you return to the same conditions that caused it.
About This Assessment
What This Tool Is
This is a free educational self-reflection tool inspired by the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) research framework developed by Maslach, Jackson, and Leiter. We created original question wording that measures the same three burnout dimensions described in the scientific literature. This allows anyone to explore their burnout levels for personal insight.
What This Tool Is Not
- Not the official MBI: The Maslach Burnout Inventory is a proprietary instrument published by Mind Garden, Inc. Our questions are original adaptations based on published burnout research, not reproduced MBI items. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by Mind Garden or the original authors.
- Not a clinical diagnosis: Burnout is classified by WHO as an occupational phenomenon, not a medical condition. This tool cannot diagnose burnout, depression, or any mental health condition.
- Not a substitute for professional help: If you're experiencing severe distress, persistent hopelessness, or thoughts of self-harm, please contact a mental health professional or crisis line immediately.
If You're Concerned
High scores indicate you're experiencing significant work-related strain. Consider discussing your situation with a healthcare provider, counselor, or employee assistance program. Burnout is common and treatable, and seeking support is a sign of strength.