The most effective way to cite tests, scales, or inventories is by referencing the associated literature, such as the test manual or the journal article in which it was originally published.
If literature support is unavailable, citing the test directly or referring to a database record for the test is appropriate.
When mentioning the title of a test or scale, capitalize it using title case capitalization.
MANUAL FOR A TEST OR SCALE
Beck, A. T., Brown, G. K., & Steer, R. A. (1996). Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II): Technical manual. Pearson.
THE TEST, SCALE, OR INVENTORY ON ITS OWN
Only cite the test itself if no supporting literature (manual or journal article which published the test) is available.
Weathers, F. W., Litz, B. T., Keane, T. M., Palmieri, P. A., Marx, B. P., & Schnurr, P. P. (2013.). The PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). https://www.ptsd.va.gov/
DATABASE RECORD FOR A TEST
Database entries, such as those found in PsycTESTS, typically offer descriptive and administrative details about a test. If you incorporate this information, acknowledge the database record in your citation. In the absence of database information, cite the supporting literature of the test, such as the manual or the journal article in which it was originally published, if accessible.
Levin, M. E., Krafft, J., Pistorello, J., & Seeley, J. R. (2019). Acceptance and Action Questionnaire for University Students (AAQ-US)
[Database record]. PsycTESTS. https://doi.org/10.1037/t73237-000