For lots of students, the Duolingo English Test is a really easy way to prove their English proficiency – but what about the Duolingo test score?
But, people always ask the same questions after taking the test, “What does my DET score mean?” and “How can I improve my Duolingo English Test score?”
That’s why it’s really important to understand your Duolingo test score. Especially if you’re going to use it for university, a job, or a visa.
In this article, we’ll look at everything you need to know about a Duolingo test score, how to boost yours, and see how it compares to other tests, like IELTS or TOEFL.
What Is the Duolingo English Test Score Range?
Understanding the Scoring System
Duolingo English Test scores go from 10 to 160. You’ve probably guessed – The higher your score, the better your English.
You’ll be tested in these four subscores:
- Literacy (reading and writing).
- Comprehension (listening and reading).
- Conversation (listening and speaking).
- Production (speaking and writing).
Duolingo gives you an overall score and subscores for each of these skill areas.
It also gives you a score for each of the 4 specific skills – Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.
How the Duolingo Test Score Compares to Other Exams (IELTS, TOEFL)
If you’ve been lying awake at night, wondering how Duolingo test score compares to other English tests, this should give you a good idea.
| Duolingo Score | IELTS Equivalent | TOEFL Equivalent |
| 120–160 | 7.5–9.0 | 100–120 |
| 90–115 | 6.0–7.0 | 79–99 |
| 60–85 | 5.0–5.5 | 46–78 |
| Below 60 | Below 4.5 | Below 45 |
This comparison isn’t exact, but at least you can get a feel for where your score fits with other well-known tests.
What Is a Good Score on the Duolingo English Test?
Minimum Scores for Universities and Institutions
What counts as a “good” score really depends on what and where you want to study.
Most universities require a minimum overall score of 90–120, depending on the program and level of study.
- Undergraduate Programs: Typically accept scores between 90–110.
- Graduate Programs: Often require scores of 115 or above.
Of course, you should always check with your chosen institution to make sure your score meets their standards. Sometimes they ask for a minimum result in a subscore too!
Duolingo English Test Max Score Explained
The highest score you can get on the Duolingo English Test is 160.
If you get close to this score, you’ll be showing you can speak English almost like a native speaker.
If you get this score, tell everyone! Especially on competitive applications.
And if you’re short on time and you need to prepare very quickly for the DET, here’s a great video to help you score 120 in just 1 week.
How Are Duolingo English Test Scores Calculated?
The Adaptive Testing System
The Duolingo English Test uses clever tech and AI called adaptive testing. This means the test changes the difficulty of the questions depending on how you’re doing.
If you get an answer right, the next question will be harder, but if you get it wrong, it’ll be easier.
This helps to quickly and accurately measure your English level – the whole test takes less than an hour!
Breakdown of Duolingo Test Subscores (Production, Literacy, Conversation, and Comprehension)
Your Duolingo Test score is always divided into four subscores.
Let’s have a closer look at what each subscore means:
- Production: How well you can speak and write.
- Conversation: Checks how well you understand spoken English and how you respond.
- Literacy: This is your ability to read and write effectively.
- Comprehension: Tests how well you understand English when you listen or read.
By looking at these subscores, you can see which areas you’re good at and which you need to improve.
Tips to Improve Your Duolingo Test Score
Strategies for Each Skill Area
Want to get a higher Duolingo test score? Get started with these quick tips for each skill:
- Improving Speaking and Writing (Production):
Practice speaking aloud to improve fluency and confidence.
Why not answer this prompt now? – “Describe a place you’ve visited and what made it special.”
Example Answer: “Last year, I visited Morocco, in North Africa. The long, sandy beaches with the perfect surfing waves were breathtaking, and the food was out of this world. It inspired me to buy a tagine!”
- Enhancing Listening and Reading (Comprehension):
To improve your listening, the best thing you can do is immerse yourself, so find some good quality English podcasts or videos to watch. Of course, I’d recommend some of the top-quality videos on the Last Minute English YouTube Channel!
For reading, it’s exactly the same. Start at a level you are comfortable reading, then practice summarising the main points.
Free Resources to Practice and Boost Your Score
You can find lots of free resources to help you practise:
- Official Practice Materials: These are available on the Duolingo website.
- YouTube Tutorials: Many people make videos with practice questions and tips.
- Last Minute English Resources: Head over to Last Minute English, we have everything you need to improve your production scores.
Frequently Asked Questions About Duolingo Scores
How Soon Can You Expect Your Results?
You’ll usually get your results within 48 hours after you finish the test.
Can You Retake the Test to Improve Your Score?
Yes, if you think you could do better, or you just love English tests, you can take the test as many times as you want (or as many times as you can afford to pay). You can purchase up to 3 tests in a 30-day period.
How Are Scores Sent to Institutions?
You can send your scores to as many places as you like for free, directly from the Duolingo English Test platform.
Duolingo English Test vs. Other Exams: Scoring Insights
Comparing Duolingo Scores to IELTS and TOEFL
One of the great things about Duolingo is how simple the scoring is.
Unlike IELTS or TOEFL, which have lots of different sections and take longer, Duolingo tests all your skills at once, so it’s quicker and gives you a more rounded score.
Why Duolingo’s Scoring System Stands Out
Duolingo’s scoring system is pretty cool:
- Adaptive testing makes sure your score is accurate.
- Giving you the subscores shows you exactly what your strengths and weaknesses are.
- Free score reporting saves you money compared to other tests.
What Happens If You’re Not Happy with Your Score?
Options for Retaking the Test
If you don’t get the Duolingo test score you wanted, don’t worry! You can always take some time to focus on weaker subscores and retake the test.
Strategies to Focus on Weak Areas Before Retaking
To get ready for your retake, it’s a good idea to try really targeted preparation.
Here’s how:
- Review your subscores to find your weaknesses:
- Which of your subscores was the lowest? Production, Comprehension, Literacy, or Conversation?
- Take a good look at these. Which ones are lower than you’d like? These are your target areas.
- Use targeted practice materials: Once you know your weak areas, find resources that focus on those specific skills.
- Production – Record yourself and listen back to check for clarity and fluency. When writing, work on specific grammar points or sentence structures you struggle with.
- Comprehension – Immerse yourself in English. Watch English films or TV shows without subtitles, or listen to English-language podcasts to improve your listening. Read a mix of English texts and try different reading exercises to boost your reading skills.
- Conversation – Speak with native English speakers every chance you get. Online language exchanges can be really helpful. Focus on understanding and answering questions.
- Literacy – Expand your vocabulary by reading widely and paying attention to how sentences are put together in different places. Practise both your writing and reading skills.
- Simulate test conditions: As you get ready to retake your test, practise under test-like conditions.
- Set aside an hour of uninterrupted time.
- Use a computer with a camera and microphone.
- Avoid any distractions.
- This will help you get used to the format and timing of the test, and reduce anxiety on test day.
- Don’t neglect your strengths: While it’s important to focus on weaker areas, don’t completely ignore your strengths. A little practice can help keep those skills sharp.
Ready to Achieve Your Target Duolingo Test Score?
At Last Minute English, we’re dedicated to helping students succeed on their English proficiency tests. Whether you’re aiming for a top score or need help understanding your results, we have the tools and resources to guide you.
We always want you to score 120 or higher, the first time you take the DET.
Check out our Duolingo English Test Complete Preparation Course for more details!
Final Thoughts
Your Duolingo Test Score is more than just a number – it sells you as a person by showing how much effort you’ve put in.
With the right preparation and understanding of how the scoring works, you will be in a great place, ready to get a top score and grab some exciting opportunities!
For questions about scores, how to prepare, or what resources are available, just leave a comment below. We’re here to help!
