These are some commonly used scales and tools for assessing trauma (and PTSD) for adults. The first two were developed by the Veterans Administration. Click the tool name to view information on administration, scoring, as well as sensitivity and specificity for each.
PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5): The PCL-5 is a 20-item self-report measure that assesses the 20 DSM-5 symptoms of PTSD. Weathers, F.W., Litz, B.T., Keane, T.M., Palmieri, P.A., Marx, B.P., & Schnurr, P.P. (2013). Scale available from the National Center for PTSD.
Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale for DSM-5 (CAPS-5): The CAPS is the gold standard in PTSD assessment composed of a 30-item structured interview. Weathers, F.W., Blake, D.D., Schnurr, P.P., Kaloupek, D.G., Marx, B.P., & Keane, T.M. (2013). Scale available from the National Center for PTSD.
PTSD Symptom Scale (PSS): The PSS assesses for trauma history as well as current symptoms of trauma response.
Foa, E. B., Riggs, D. S., Dancu, C. V., & Rothbaum, B. O. (1993). Reliability and validity of a brief instrument for assessing post-traumatic stress disorder. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 6(4), 459–473.