Duolingo has been around for over 10 years but has already revolutionised how people all around the world learn languages.
It’s an app that offers 100 total courses across 41 languages (including Klingon from Star Trek and High Valerian from Game of Thrones) and has more than 500 million registered users.
With such a reputation for languages, it’s no surprise that in 2016 Duolingo branched out into providing English Tests
There’s plenty of competition from the likes of the Pearson Test of English (PTE) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) but its name recognition amongst app users means it’s a tempting option.
Like the PTE tests, the Duolingo English Test (DET) is an online test that you can take anywhere at any time.
It’s accepted by thousands of universities around the world as an accepted measure of proficiency in English.
The test includes an English proficiency score, video interview, and writing sample. But what about the results?
Here’s your guide to Duolingo English Test results!
Duolingo English Test results explained
Duolingo test results
When you take the Duolingo English Test your results come within 48 hours. They are reported on a scale of 10 to 160, going up in multiples of 5. The scores are designed to be aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference international standard of language proficiency.
Break down of Duolingo English Test scores
Proficiency level | DET Scores | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | 10-55 | Demonstrates a basic understanding of the English language and an ability to express yourself in a familiar context. |
| Intermediate | 60-85 | Getting this score means that you would be able to accomplish routine tasks at work and school in English. |
| Upper-Intermediate | 90-115 | This means that you can speak about unfamiliar topics in English and understand abstract ideas. |
| Advanced | 125-160 | Getting this score means that you would be an advanced student with an excellent command over the English language in any situation. |
Duolingo Score Report
When you get your results it comes in the form of the Duolingo English Test Score Report. This can be used to demonstrate your English proficiency and to understand where you need to improve if you need to take a retest.
This not only gives you your Duolingo English Test results as an overall score out of 160 but also breaks it down into sub-scores based on specific skills, which are also marked out of 160.
These are:
- Literacy - This sub-score assesses your ability to read and write.
- Comprehension - This section is all about listening, reading and understanding.
- Conversation - Here you will be assessed on both listening and speaking to see how you can hold a conversation in English from a 10-minute video interview.
- Production - Finally, this sub-score is all about what you can produce in both writing and speech.
What is a good Duolingo english test score?
Proficiency level | DET Scores |
|---|---|
| Basic | 10-55 |
| Intermediate | 60-85 |
| Upper-Intermediate | 90-115 |
| Advanced | 125-160 |
A good Duolingo English Test (DET) score is 110 and above. This is considered an upper-intermediate level of English proficiency. A score of 120 or above is considered excellent. The DET is scored on a scale of 10 to 160. The average score is 100. A score of 110 or above is considered an upper-intermediate level of English proficiency.
Also read: Duolingo to IELTS Score Conversion
Duolingo English Test validity
The report shows where you are on the scale for each section of the test as well as your overall score. The report includes what date you took the test with a unique URL to prove the Duolingo English Test validity. This is useful when you submit your results to the institutions you are applying to.
You can use your Score Report as proof of your proficiency in English for up to two years before you would need to retake it.
It is also a good idea to check before booking your test that the institution you wish to attend will accept the Duolingo English Test, otherwise, you may need additional evidence of your proficiency before you will be accepted.
Also Read: Duolingo to IELTS Score Conversion
How do Duolingo English Test Results compare to IELTS?
Duolingo Score | IELTS Score | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 155-160 | 9 | Advanced You can understand a variety of demanding written and spoken language including some specialized language use situations and use language flexibly and effectively for most social, academic and professional purposes. |
| 145-150 | 8.5 | |
| 135-140 | 8 | |
| 125-130 | 7.5 | |
| 115-120 | 7 | Upper Intermediate You can fulfill most communication goals, and understand the main ideas of both concrete and abstract writing. |
| 105-110 | 6.5 | |
| 95-100 | 6 | |
| 85-90 | 5.5 | |
| 75-80 | 5 | Intermediate You can understand the main points of speech or writing on routine matters such as work and school and describe experiences, ambitions, opinions and plans. |
| 65-70 | 4.5 | |
| 55-60 | 4 | |
| 45-50 | 3.5 | Basic This means you can understand only very basic English words and phrases and can understand straightforward information and express yourself in familiar contexts. |
| 30-40 | 3 | |
| 20-25 | 2.5 | |
| 15 | 2 | |
| 10 | 1.5 |
While you prepare for the Duolingo test, get started on your application!
Related to Duolingo Topics
FAQs: Duolingo English Test Score and results
How to improve Duolingo English Test scores?
Practice makes perfect, so the more you work on your English, the better chance you’ll have of getting the score you need on the test.
Having an understanding of what you will be assessed on will help you be more focused on which skills you need to master, like reading, listening, writing and speaking.
If you have taken the test and not achieved the score you need, you can use the feedback on the Score Report to identify which areas you need to work on.
How do I submit Duolingo English Test results to institutions?
Once you’ve received your test results, it’s simple to send them to the institutions you want to try and attend. There’s a Send Results button on the Duolingo English Test website page for your results and you can select the institution in the following way:
Select whether you’re applying to a university, secondary school or other type of institution.
Start typing the name of the institution in the search box and select your choice or choices by checking them. You can select up to 40, so if you need more you will need to contact Duolingo for help with this.
If you have been sent an Application ID by the institution, include it here. Don’t forget, you also need to actually apply to that institution to be on the course.
How long does it take to get Duolingo results?
It takes approximately 48 hours to receive your results after taking the Duolingo English Test.
Is 95 a good score Duolingo?
A score of 95 on Duolingo is a very good score and indicates a high level of proficiency in the language being tested.
