summary  The development of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM, currently version IV) has stimulated the operationalisation of classification criteria assessment instruments. The instruments ('screeners' and interviews) are discussed that are available and most widely used in the Netherlands for assessing personality disorders according to the dsm. The use of a 'screener' (questionnaire relating to personality traits, Vragenlijst voor Kenmerken van de Persoonlijkheid, VKP) is recommended, followed by the use of some modules of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Personality Disorders (SCID-II).