Free OCD Test (OCI-R)
Screen for OCD symptoms — free, anonymous, and instant. Takes about 7 minutes.
The OCI-R — Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory, Revised (Foa et al., 2002)
OCI-R — Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory, Revised
The OCI-R is a scientifically validated OCD screener developed by Foa, Huppert, Leiberg, et al. (2002). It measures 18 items across 6 OCD dimensions: washing, checking, ordering, obsessing, hoarding, and neutralising. The clinical cut-off is 21.
- 18 clinically validated questions across 6 OCD dimensions
- Takes about 7 minutes to complete
- 100% free and anonymous — no email or account required
- Instant results with breakdown across all 6 dimensions
- Validated clinical cut-off (≥21) for further assessment
- OCD affects approximately 2-3% of the population
About the online OCD test
The OCI-R is one of the most widely used OCD screening tools in research and clinical practice. It identifies whether obsessive-compulsive symptoms reach a level that warrants professional assessment, and which dimensions of OCD are most pronounced.
You read each statement and rate how much it has bothered or distressed you over the last month, on a 5-point scale from "Not at all" to "Extremely". Results show your total score, severity, and a breakdown across the 6 OCD dimensions.
Time
7 minutes
Questions
18 questions
Score range
0-72 (cut-off ≥21)
Validation
Foa et al. (2002)
Important: This test is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. OCD is highly treatable — the first-line UK treatment is CBT with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), available through NHS Talking Therapies and private practice.
Why take the OCI-R?
Identify which OCD dimensions affect you
See your scores across all 6 OCD dimensions
Validated clinical cut-off
Score ≥21 suggests OCD is likely and warrants assessment
Track changes during treatment
Useful for monitoring whether ERP therapy is helping
Personalised guidance
UK-specific next steps including NHS pathway
What does the OCI-R measure?
Six dimensions of OCD, each with 3 questions.
Washing / cleaning
Concerns about contamination and excessive washing/cleaning
Checking
Repeated checking of doors, appliances, locks etc.
Ordering / symmetry
Need for order, symmetry and perfect arrangement
Obsessive thoughts
Intrusive, unwanted, distressing thoughts
Hoarding
Difficulty discarding items and excessive accumulation
Neutralising
Mental rituals, counting, and "undoing" thoughts
Example questions from the OCI-R
Here are 6 of the 18 questions in the OCI-R.
I have saved up so many things that they get in the way
I check things more often than necessary
I find it difficult to touch an object knowing it has been touched by strangers
I find it difficult to control my own thoughts
I get upset if others change the way I have arranged things
I feel I have to repeat certain numbers
How the OCI-R score is interpreted
The total score ranges from 0 to 72. The clinical cut-off is 21.
What does this test NOT measure?
The OCI-R is NOT:
- ✕An anxiety disorder diagnostic — try the GAD-7 for general anxiety
- ✕A formal OCD diagnosis — diagnosis requires a clinical assessment
- ✕A measure of perfectionism alone — it focuses on clinical symptoms
- ✕A replacement for professional support — it's a starting point
OCD is treatable
OCD is highly treatable. CBT with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold-standard treatment, available through NHS Talking Therapies (IAPT) and registered private therapists. SSRI medication can also help, especially in moderate-to-severe cases.
Find an OCD-specialist therapistFrequently asked questions about the OCD test
What is the OCI-R OCD test?
The OCI-R (Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory - Revised) is a scientifically validated 18-item OCD screening tool developed by Foa et al. (2002). It measures symptoms across 6 dimensions: washing, checking, ordering, obsessing, hoarding, and neutralising.
How long does the OCD test take?
The OCI-R takes about 7 minutes. The 18 questions ask how much each statement bothered you over the last month, on a 5-point scale.
Is the OCD test free and anonymous?
Yes — 100% free and anonymous. No name, email, or personal data needed to view your results.
How is the OCI-R score interpreted?
The total score ranges from 0 to 72. The clinical cut-off is 21 — scores at or above this level suggest possible OCD and warrant a professional assessment. You also see a breakdown across the 6 dimensions to identify which symptoms are most pronounced.
What's the difference between perfectionism and OCD?
Perfectionism is a personality style that involves striving for high standards. OCD is a clinical condition where intrusive thoughts (obsessions) cause significant distress and lead to repetitive behaviours (compulsions) intended to neutralise the distress. The OCI-R helps tell whether your symptoms cross the clinical threshold.
Can the OCI-R diagnose OCD?
No — the OCI-R is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. An OCD diagnosis requires a full clinical assessment by a mental health professional registered with HCPC, BACP, BPS or UKCP. Your GP can refer you to NHS services or you can find a private specialist.
How is OCD treated in the UK?
OCD is highly treatable. The first-line treatment is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with Exposure and Response Prevention (CBT-ERP), available through NHS Talking Therapies (IAPT) and private practice. SSRI medication can also be effective, often in combination with therapy. NICE guidelines recommend stepped care based on severity.
What should I do if I score high on the OCD test?
If your score is 21 or above, we recommend speaking to a mental health professional. Your GP can refer you to NHS Talking Therapies (free) or you can find a private therapist. On MatchyMatch you can find verified UK therapists who specialise in OCD and ERP, with the first 15-minute discovery call free.
Should I retake the OCI-R over time?
Yes — the OCI-R is well-suited to repeat use. Many people retake it monthly to monitor symptoms, especially while working with a therapist on ERP exercises. A drop in score indicates symptoms are improving.
Ready to check for OCD symptoms?
Start the OCI-R now and get instant results with personalised guidance.
Start the OCD testRelated psychological tests
OCD is highly treatable. Speak to your GP for an NHS referral, find a private therapist with ERP training, or connect with a verified UK specialist on MatchyMatch — first 15-minute discovery call is free.