Duolingo English Test Scoring Guide
How scores are calculated, what they mean, and how to reach your goal score.
Scoring Overview
Overall score 10–160. Sub-scores: Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, Production (each 10–160). Most universities require 110–120+ for admission. MIT/Harvard typically require 125+.
Score Scale
| Section | Duration | Max Score |
|---|---|---|
| Duolingo English | 60 min | 160 |
Section Breakdown
adaptive
Adaptive section — 45 minutes, scores your proficiency dynamically.
Read and Complete (fill-in letters)Read and Select (real vs made-up words)Listen and Type (dictation)Read Aloud (speaking)Write About the PhotoSpeak About the Topic
video interview
Video Interview — 10 minutes, not scored but sent with results.
2 open-ended questionsRecorded and sent to universitiesShows natural communication ability
writing speaking
Writing Sample and Speaking Sample — optional extended responses.
Written response (3–5 min prompt)Spoken response (1–3 min prompt)
Key Facts
- Duration
- ~1 hour total (45-min adaptive + interview)
- Score scale
- 10–160
- Cost
- $65 USD
- Results
- Within 2 days
- Valid
- 2 years
- Institutions
- 5,000+ accept DET
Study Tips
- 1.Use the official Duolingo practice test at englishtest.duolingo.com — identical format.
- 2.'Read and Select' tests vocabulary breadth — use Quizlet decks for academic word lists.
- 3.For 'Listen and Type', practice by transcribing English podcasts at 1x speed.
- 4.Speaking sections favor natural fluency over perfect grammar — aim for 4–5 complex sentences.
- 5.The video interview affects admissions decisions — prepare 2–3 personal anecdotes in English.
- 6.Score comparison: 110 ≈ IELTS 6.5, 120 ≈ IELTS 7.0, 135 ≈ IELTS 7.5.