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Latest Updates for Duolingo English Test Score 2026
The 2026 update to the Duolingo English language test now includes:
- Individual sub-scores (Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening)
- Integrated sub-scores (Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, and Production)
This enhanced scoring system helps universities compare a candidate’s language skills directly with IELTS and TOEFL benchmarks.
Additionally, the Duolingo exam fees in 2026 remain at USD 59 (approximately ₹5,228) - making it one of the most affordable options among global English proficiency exams.
What is a Duolingo Test Score?
A Duolingo English Test score evaluates your proficiency across four language skills - Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking - and measures how well you can use them together.
Here’s how proficiency is determined based on your overall Duolingo score:
Proficiency | Score Range | Description |
| Basic | 10 – 55 | Tests understanding of basic English words and phrases. |
| Intermediate | 60 – 95 | Suitable for learners with everyday English communication skills. |
| Upper Intermediate | 100 – 125 | Evaluates comfort with unfamiliar and academic topics. |
| Advanced | 130 – 160 | Reflects fluent command over complex and professional English. |
What is a Good Duolingo English Test Score?
A Duolingo test score of 120 is generally considered good and is equivalent to a 6.5 band in IELTS.
Most universities accept a minimum Duolingo English Test score of 120, but top-tier institutions may require 125–130 or higher depending on the program.
Understand Duolingo English Test Subscores
The Duolingo proficiency exam in English measures your language ability through individual and integrated subscores.
Individual Subscores
Evaluate your four key communication skills:
- Speaking - Measures fluency and clarity in spoken English.
- Writing - Tests your ability to structure ideas coherently.
- Reading - Assesses comprehension and vocabulary recognition.
- Listening - Checks how well you understand spoken English
Integrated Subscores
Show how your skills work together in real situations:
- Production - Writing + Speaking
- Literacy - Reading + Writing
- Comprehension - Listening + Reading
- Conversation - Speaking + Listening
Note: The overall Duolingo test score and sub-scores are calculated independently your total score isn’t an average of the four sections.
DET Score Report
Your Duolingo English Test score report includes:
- Overall Score (10-160 scale)
- Subscores for individual and integrated skills
Duolingo English Test Certificate
The Duolingo English Language Test provides an official, verified certificate accessible online. Each test has a unique URL ensuring authenticity.
Your certificate includes:
- Name
- Test date
- Overall and Sub-scores
- Skill descriptions
You can easily download, print, or share your results with universities.
Sample Duolingo English Scorecard
Below is a sample Duolingo scorecard showing details like CEFR level, overall and individual sub-scores, and integrated sub-scores.
Note: Individual sub-scores were introduced in July 2024. Students who took earlier tests can download an updated certificate reflecting these scores.
You can also watch this official video to understand the DET scorecard better.
Duolingo English Score CEFR
The Duolingo proficiency test aligns with the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference), a global standard for English language proficiency.
Duolingo Score | CEFR Level | Interpretation |
| 10 - 55 | A1 - A2 | Understands basic English words and expressions. |
| 60 - 95 | B1 | Can describe experiences and opinions with some fluency. |
| 100 - 125 | B2 | Understands main ideas of complex texts or conversations. |
| 130 - 160 | C1 | Uses advanced and academic English confidently. |
| 155 - 160 | C2 | Demonstrates near-native fluency with idiomatic language. |
Example: If a university requires CEFR B2, you’ll need a Duolingo English Test score above 100.
What can Institutions view in the Score Report?
When you share your Duolingo English test score with a university, they can view:
- Overall score and sub-scores
- Test date (validity: 2 years)
- Speaking & writing samples
- Score sharing log
Duolingo English Test score comparison with TOEFL iBT
Here’s how Duolingo Test Scores compare with TOEFL iBT results:
Duolingo English Test Score | TOEFL iBT |
| 160 | 120 |
| 150-155 | 117-119 |
| 140-145 | 109-116 |
| 130-135 | 98-108 |
| 120-125 | 87-97 |
| 110-115 | 76-86 |
| 100-105 | 65-75 |
| 90-95 | 53-64 |
| 80-85 | 41-52 |
| 65-75 | 24-40 |
| 10-60 | 0-23 |
Duolingo English Test score comparison with IELTS
This comparison helps you understand Duolingo vs IELTS equivalence:
Duolingo English Test Score | IELTS Equivalent |
| 160 | 8.5 - 9 |
| 150 - 155 | 8 |
| 140 - 145 | 7.5 |
| 130 - 135 | 7 |
| 120 - 125 | 6.5 |
| 105 - 115 | 6 |
| 95 - 100 | 5.5 |
| 80 - 90 | 5 |
| 65 - 75 | 4.5 |
| 60 | 4 |
| 10 - 55 | 0 - 3.5 |
Below is a comparison of Duolingo sub-scores with IELTS skills:
Duolingo English Test Score | IELTS Speaking | IELTS Writing | IELTS Reading | IELTS Listening |
| 160 | 8.5-9 | 7.5-9 | 9 | 9 |
| 150-155 | 8 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 8.5 |
| 140-145 | 7-7.5 | 6.5-7 | 7.5 | 8 |
| 130-135 | 7 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 |
| 120-125 | 6.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 |
| 105-115 | 6 | 5.5-6 | 6 | 6 |
| 95-100 | 5.5 | 5-5.5 | 5 | 5.5 |
| 80-90 | 5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| 65-75 | 4-4.5 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 10-60 | 1-4 | 1-4 | 1-4 | 1-4 |
Duolingo Test Score Validity
Your certified Duolingo English Test score remains valid for two years from the test date.
You can send your Duolingo language test results to unlimited universities for free within this period.
Conclusion
Your Duolingo score is not just a number, it reflects your readiness to study and communicate effectively in a global academic environment. With the right DET preparation strategy, you can boost your performance and achieve a score that aligns with your dream university’s requirements.
Need personalised guidance for your DET preparation and university applications? Connect with LeapScholar’s expert counsellors today to get free, one-on-one support and start your study abroad journey with confidence.
