A good Duolingo English Test score can increase the chance of getting admission to your dream university. Several universities around the accept DET scores as an alternative to traditional English Proficiency Tests like TOEFL or IELTS exams.
For students aspiring to study abroad, proficiency in the English language is a crucial requirement. The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a popular English proficiency test accepted by over 5000+ universities across the world for assessing English language skills due to its convenience and accessibility. However, understanding what qualifies as a good DET score is important for students taking the test.
Candidates can book DET exam according to their convenience and take the test anytime from anywhere. We have mentioned a breakdown of what makes a good DET score and what factors can influence your performance.
- What is Good DET Score?
- Understanding the Duolingo Score Range
- Interpreting Your Duolingo Score
- Factors Affecting Your Duolingo English Test Score
What is Good DET Score?
A “good” Duolingo English Test score depends on the requirement of the university you are applying for admission. However, any score equal to or above 120 is considered as good DET score. It increases the chances of getting admission in your desired university. It clearly shows that the applicant is proficient enough to speak, understand and write English language.
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Understanding the Duolingo Score Range
The DET score ranges from 10 to 160, with 5-point increments. Each section (Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking) is scored out of 30 points. The overall score is a combination of these section scores, aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for easier comparison with other English proficiency tests like TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic.
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Here's how DET scores align with TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic scores:
Duolingo English Test |
TOEFL iBT |
IELTS Academic |
---|---|---|
160 |
120 |
8.5-9 |
155 |
119 |
8 |
150 |
117-118 |
|
145 |
113-116 |
7.5 |
140 |
109-112 |
|
135 |
104-108 |
7 |
130 |
98-103 |
|
125 |
93-97 |
6.5 |
120 |
87-92 |
|
115 |
82-86 |
6 |
110 |
76-81 |
|
105 |
70-75 |
|
100 |
65-69 |
5.5 |
95 |
59-64 |
|
90 |
53-58 |
5 |
85 |
47-52 |
|
80 |
41-46 |
|
75 |
35-40 |
4.5 |
70 |
30-34 |
|
65 |
24-29 |
|
60-10 |
0-23 |
0-4 |
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Interpreting Your Duolingo Score
A good DET score largely depends on the requirements of the institution or program you are applying to. Generally, a DET score of around 120 or more is considered good for most leading universities and programs.
Once your examination is evaluated, you will receive your scores via email in the next 48 hours. For a comprehensive report, simply sign in to your online account. An advantage of taking the DET compared to other tests is that you can share your certified scores with multiple institutions without extra charges. The validity of the Duolingo English Test score is two years.
You can purchase the test again if you decide to retake it, however, you can only purchase three tests within a 30-day timeframe.
Factors Affecting Your Duolingo English Test Score
Here are important factors that affect score of your Duolingo English Test.
- Preparation: Adequate preparation significantly impacts your performance. Take the DET practice test on the website and familiarize yourself with the test.
- Test-taking Strategies: Understand the test format and employ effective strategies, like time management and careful reading.
- Test Anxiety: Manage stress through relaxation techniques and mental preparation.
A good DET score can open doors to various opportunities, including admission to prestigious universities and colleges, scholarship opportunities, and employment prospects. Many institutions use DET scores as part of their admissions criteria, and a higher score can strengthen your application.
Candidates looking for assistance with university admissions can get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors on our website.
About the Author
The Duolingo English Test is a modern English proficiency assessment for today’s international students and institutions. The test is available online, on demand. You don’t have to make an appointment or travel to a test centre—you can take the test from your home via a computer and webcam. The test is administered using computer adaptive technology, meaning that the question difficulty adapts to each test taker. The test also integrates a video interview and writing sample, which are sent to an institution along with your proficiency score when you send your results. The entire test experience takes just under an hour. Test results are certified within two days, and they can be shared with an unlimited number of institutions.
Duolingo English Test registration fee is USD 70 for one test in 2025. Also, you can pay USD 118 for a two-test package, which is USD 59 for each DET test.
You can take two tests and send the best result for university admission.
The English language test score required at the Univerisyt of South Wales are mentioned in the table below for the international applicants whose first language is not English
Exam | Minimum Scores |
---|---|
IELTS | 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each band |
TOEFL | 72 overall and a minimum of 18 in reading, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing |
PTE | a score of 59 overall and 59 in each component. |
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If you are slightly proficient in English then with a focused approach, this is achievable.
Let me be clear: preparing for the Duolingo English Test in two days from scratch is impossible for someone who does not have good fluency.