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Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Questionnaire

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

The ACE questionnaire is a simple screening tool that looks at difficult or traumatic experiences you may have faced during childhood, before age 18. Your answers help your healthcare provider understand how these early events might affect your long-term physical and emotional health, so you can receive the right support, preventive care, and resources.

Quick summary

{"ACE measures 10 types of childhood trauma including abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction","Higher ACE scores are linked to increased risks for heart disease, mental health conditions, and chronic illnesses","The test is a self-reported questionnaire, not a blood test","Results help healthcare providers understand potential health risks and provide appropriate support","Understanding your ACE score can lead to better preventive care and healing resources"}

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
82813-7
Short code
ACE
Synonyms
—
Category
cardiac
Sample
serum
Container
Not applicable - questionnaire-based assessment
Units
N/A
Ref low
0
Ref high
10
Critical range
— – 1000 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
≥ 18 years
Method
Self-administered questionnaire with structured interview format
CPT
96156 or 96167
SNOMED
40930008
Specimen volume
Not applicable - no specimen collected
Stability
Not applicable
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
24–72 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) questionnaire is a screening tool that measures exposure to potentially traumatic events that occur before age 18. These experiences include various forms of abuse (physical, emotional, sexual), neglect (physical, emotional), and household dysfunction (substance abuse, mental illness, domestic violence, incarceration, or parental separation/divorce). The test consists of questions about your childhood and family history, with scores ranging from 0 to 10 based on the number of different types of trauma experienced.

Why is this test important?

Research has shown that childhood adversity can have lasting effects on physical and mental health. The ACE study, originally conducted by the CDC and Kaiser Permanente, found strong connections between childhood trauma and long-term health outcomes. Understanding your ACE score helps your healthcare provider assess potential health risks and recommend appropriate interventions, preventive care, or counseling services.

How is the test performed?

This is a written questionnaire that you complete, typically with a healthcare provider or as part of a health assessment. The questionnaire asks about experiences during your first 18 years of life. There are no blood samples or physical tests required despite the serum sample type listed in some systems. Your responses are scored to calculate your ACE score, which represents the number of different types of adverse experiences you reported.

Reference range

0-10: Low risk (0), Moderate risk (1-3), High risk (4+) for ACE-associated health outcomesN/A

Specimen: serum

Patient completes the ACE questionnaire independently or with clinician assistance. Ensure private, comfortable setting. No special preparation required. Results should be reviewed by qualified healthcare provider in context of clinical assessment.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

The ACE score is clinically significant because research demonstrates a strong dose-response relationship between childhood adversity and negative health outcomes. Individuals with higher ACE scores have increased risk for cardiovascular disease (heart disease, stroke), autoimmune disorders, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, smoking, obesity, and early death. The ACE score helps healthcare providers identify patients who may benefit from early intervention, mental health support, trauma-informed care, and targeted preventive health measures to reduce long-term health risks.

Frequently asked questions

Does a high ACE score mean I will definitely get these health problems?
No, a high ACE score indicates increased risk, not a certainty. Many people with high ACE scores live healthy lives, especially with appropriate support, therapy, and healthy coping mechanisms. Understanding your ACE score helps you and your healthcare provider take preventive steps to protect your health.
Who can see my ACE score?
Your ACE score is part of your medical record and is protected by the same privacy laws as other health information. It is shared only with your healthcare team to help provide better care. You have control over whether to share this information with others.
Will my insurance company have access to this information?
Your ACE questionnaire results are part of your protected health information under HIPAA regulations. Insurance companies generally do not have access to specific questionnaire responses, though they may know that the test was performed.
What if I don't remember my childhood experiences accurately?
It's normal to have limited memory of childhood events, especially traumatic ones. Answer based on what you can recall and what feels true to your experience. If you're uncomfortable with any question, you can skip it. The test is designed to capture your current understanding of your history.
What happens after I complete the ACE questionnaire?
Your healthcare provider will discuss your score with you and explain what it means for your health. Depending on your score and circumstances, they may recommend counseling, support groups, therapy services, or specific health screenings. The goal is to provide supportive resources and preventive care, not to cause distress.
  1. 1
    CDC - About Adverse Childhood ExperiencesSource
  2. 2
    Kaiser Permanente - ACEs ScienceSource
  3. 3
    ACEs Connection - Understanding ACEsSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy