Duolingo English Test score vs. IELTS band score comparison

In today's globalised world, being able to display and authenticate proficiency in the English language is essential for academic and professional pursuits abroad. Among the various assessments available for international candidates, the Duolingo English Test (DET) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) stand out.

Both tests evaluate English skills but differ in their formats and scoring systems. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for choosing the assessment that best aligns with your goals.

Join us as we explore the intricacies of the Duolingo English Test and IELTS band scores, uncovering how these assessments can shape your future endeavours.

The Duolingo English Test (DET) has gained popularity as a convenient and accessible option for assessing English language proficiency. Unlike traditional standardised tests, the DET offers flexibility with its online format and quick turnaround for results, making it a favoured choice for many test-takers.

DET scores are broken down into four subscores assessing English proficiency in the areas of Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, and Production. An overall score averaging out these four results will also be provided. These scores are reported on a scale of 10-160, with 10 being the lowest score and 160 being the highest.

DET exam scores remain valid for up to two years. Test-takers will no longer be able to share their result or view their certificate after the two years have passed, although they can view the expired results within the DET website.

Duolingo English Test scoring system

The four skills being assessed during the Duolingo English Test are reading, writing, listening, and speaking, with each subscore assessing the following skills, respectively:

• Literacy: reading and writing

• Comprehension: reading and listening

• Conversation: listening and speaking

• Production: writing and speaking

Unlike traditional English proficiency tests such as the IELTS or PTE, which measure just one skill per subscore, DET scores look at how multiple skills are used simultaneously to gauge natural and effective English use and communication.

Subscores of the Duolingo English Test

The official Duolingo English Test certificate doesn’t just display a single number for the overall score or four subscores. Instead, it will display the test-taker’s score (e.g. 125 for the overall score) and score range (e.g. 120-130), as well as some simple descriptions of the test-taker’s abilities and proficiencies.

This will give institutions a better idea of the test-taker’s range of abilities beyond a number, affirming their overall English proficiency.

How much is considered a good Duolingo English Test score?

Understanding what constitutes a good Duolingo English Test score depends largely on your academic or professional goals. Generally, scores above 120 are considered strong and indicative of advanced English proficiency. Scores between 90 and 119 are considered passing and typically sufficient for academic admissions, while scores below 90 may require additional language support or preparation.

According to Duolingo’s own technical manual for the DET, the top 25% of scores per subscore (between May 2023 to May 2024) begin from:

• Overall: minimum of 125

• Literacy: minimum of 125

• Comprehension: minimum of 130

• Conversation: minimum of 115

• Production: minimum of 105

Test-takers intending to excel in the DET can aim for these as benchmarks for higher performers.

If you’re applying to an institution or organisation that accepts DET scores, it’s always best to reach out to them directly to find out about their updated DET score criteria.

Additionally, as the DET is still relatively new compared to other English proficiency tests, institutions and organisations may require additional English proficiency results to accompany DET scores. In these situations, it may be useful to aim for a DET score equivalent to the desired score of the other test.

Compared to the relatively new Duolingo English Test, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is renowned worldwide for its reliability and standardisation in assessing English proficiency. Recognised by universities, employers, and immigration authorities globally, IELTS band scores provide a comprehensive evaluation of English language skills across four language skills—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

Breakdown of each IELTS band score

IELTS band scores range from 0 to 9, reflecting different levels of English proficiency:

• Band 9: Expert user

• Band 8: Very good user

• Band 7: Good user

• Band 6: Competent user

• Band 5: Modest user

• Band 4: Limited user

• Band 3: Extremely limited user

• Band 2: Intermittent user

• Band 1: Non-user

• Band 0: Did not attempt the test

Each band score correlates with specific descriptors for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking skills, offering a detailed breakdown of the test-taker’s language abilities.

For example, a band score 6 descriptor in Cambodia may describe the test-taker having “effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings”, whereas a band score 9 descriptor would indicate “fully operational command of the language”.

While Duolingo English Test scores range from 10 to 160, IELTS band scores range from 0 to 9. Although conversion charts exist to estimate equivalence, it's essential to note that each test assesses skills differently, making direct comparisons challenging.

According to Duolingo, the current score comparison chart for DET versus IELTS Academic is as follows:

This comparison is based on official score reports, self-reported data, and statistical techniques, and may be subject to change.

While Duolingo English Test results are increasingly accepted by institutions worldwide, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on testing accessibility, IELTS remains the preferred choice for many institutions and employers seeking reliable English language proficiency assessment.

Additionally, due to DET’s relative newness compared to IELTS and other English proficiency tests, some institutions may require additional documentation on top of DET scores, which may be inconvenient for the applicant to procure.

In comparison, more than 12,000 universities, organisations, and employers worldwide widely accept IELTS band scores due to their standardised evaluation and global recognition. This makes it likely that, should the test-taker have a certified IELTS score, that should be sufficient recognition of their English proficiency for admission.

Furthermore, IELTS band scores are interpreted based on a standardised criteria agreed upon by test makers and invigilators, ensuring that scores are consistent across countries and locales. This makes IELTS scores transparent and easy to understand for institutions that accept them, easing the application or admissions process for both institution and candidate.