6CIT Score Calculator

6CIT scoring table

The 6CIT is reverse-scored: points are awarded for errors, so a higher score means greater impairment. The six items are weighted differently and total 0 to 28.

The address is given at the start of the test and recalled at the end — for example "John, Smith, 42, High Street, Bedford". Because the recall item carries up to 10 points, it dominates the total.

6CIT score interpretation

The commonly used primary-care cut-off treats 0–7 as normal and 8 or more as significant. Reported optimal cut-offs vary between 7 and 9 depending on the setting studied.

• 0–7Normal

  Significant cognitive impairment unlikely.

• 8–9Mild cognitive impairment

  Consider monitoring and repeat testing.

• 10–28Significant cognitive impairment

  Refer for further assessment, for example a memory clinic or ACE-III.

How to administer the 6CIT

1. 1Give the patient the five-element address at the start and ask them to remember it.
2. 2Ask the year, the month, and the approximate time — the time is correct if it is within one hour.
3. 3Ask the patient to count backwards from 20 to 1.
4. 4Ask the patient to say the months of the year in reverse, starting at December.
5. 5Ask for the address back, scoring 2 points for each element recalled incorrectly, then total all six items.

Common pitfalls

• Reading the score like an MMSE. The 6CIT is inverse-scored — a high score is the abnormal result.
• Testing during acute illness and calling the result dementia. Delirium, pain, infection, hearing loss and medication all depress performance; screen for delirium with the 4AT first.
• Using a shorter address. The Kingshill recall item assumes five elements, and using fewer changes the scoring.
• Using a single 6CIT result as a diagnosis. It is a screen that should be interpreted with the history, a collateral account and functional information.
• Applying it where language, education or sensory impairment make the items unreliable without adjustment.

Frequently asked questions

When should the 6CIT be used?

The 6CIT is a brief cognitive screening tool suitable for primary care, emergency departments, and inpatient settings. Use it when cognitive impairment is suspected, as a follow-up to 4AT screening, or as part of a comprehensive geriatric assessment. It takes approximately 3-5 minutes.

How do you interpret the 6CIT score?

A score of 0-7 is normal - significant cognitive impairment is unlikely. A score of 8-9 indicates mild cognitive impairment - consider monitoring and repeat testing. A score of 10 or more indicates significant cognitive impairment - refer for further assessment (e.g. memory clinic, ACE-III).

What is the maximum 6CIT score?

The maximum is 28. The year item scores up to 4, month up to 3, time up to 3, counting backwards up to 4, months in reverse up to 4, and the address recall item up to 10.

How is the 6CIT address recall scored?

The patient is given a five-element address to remember at the start of the test. At the end, 2 points are added for each element recalled incorrectly, so the item scores 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 or 10.

Is the 6CIT free to use?

The Kingshill Version 2000 of the 6CIT is copyrighted by the Kingshill Research Centre in Swindon, which permits free use by healthcare professionals. This is one reason it is often chosen over instruments with licensing restrictions.

Should the 6CIT or the 4AT be used first?

In an acutely unwell patient, screen for delirium with the 4AT first. The 6CIT assesses more stable cognitive impairment and is difficult to interpret while a patient is delirious.

Sources and further reading

• Six-item Cognitive Impairment Test (6CIT) — NHS Right Decisions
• Dementia: assessment, management and support (NG97) — NICE

This page is reference information for registered healthcare professionals. It is not medical advice and does not replace clinical judgement, local policy, or the current version of the source guidance. Always verify scores and thresholds against your own organisation's pathway before acting on them.