An occupational phenomenon, not an illness
The World Health Organization classifies burnout, in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), as an occupational phenomenon resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed — explicitly not as an illness in itself. This nuance matters: a high score on the test above signals real exhaustion worth taking seriously, but it is not a medical diagnosis.
The 3 dimensions measured by the CBI
The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), used in the tool above, distinguishes 3 dimensions of exhaustion: personal burnout (physical and psychological fatigue, regardless of work context), work-related burnout (fatigue specifically tied to one's job), and burnout related to working with people (fatigue linked to working with others — patients, students, clients, colleagues, service users, depending on the occupation). A high score on a single dimension may point to a more localized issue, while a high score across all 3 dimensions at once is more concerning.
Why the CBI rather than the MBI
The MBI (Maslach Burnout Inventory) is the best-known tool for assessing burnout, but it is under a paid license: it cannot be reproduced on this site without purchase. The CBI, developed by Kristensen and colleagues in 2005, is explicitly in the public domain, free to use, and validated in many countries — it is the most widely used freely available reference in occupational medicine.
Where to find help
Your workplace's occupational health service can assess your situation confidentially, without your employer being informed of the content of the discussion. Your doctor can also refer you, if needed, to suitable psychological support. Talking about exhaustion early, before it worsens, generally makes support easier.
