A Duolingo English Test score of 70 is a CEFR B1 (intermediate) level. On Duolingo’s official comparison table it is roughly IELTS 4.5 and TOEFL iBT 30 – 34. Among the 1001 institutions that publish a DET minimum on their website, 17 (2%) ask for 70 or lower, and 6 list exactly 70.
Score 70 compared with nearby scores
| DET | CEFR | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | Institutions listing this minimum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 80 | B1 | 5 | 41 – 46 | 33 |
| 75 | B1 | 4.5 | 35 – 40 | 14 |
| 70 | B1 | 4.5 | 30 – 34 | 6 |
| 65 | B1 | 4.5 | 24 – 29 | 6 |
| 60 | A2 | 4 | under 24 | 5 |
Institutions that list 70 as their minimum DET score
Minimum taken from each institution’s own website; programs may differ and requirements change — confirm before you book.
- Qatar: Carnegie Mellon University
- Rwanda: Carnegie Mellon University
- United States: Bellevue Christian School · Bennington College · Carnegie Mellon University · Harper College · The First Academy (Orlando, FL) · University of Colorado Denver
Is 70 a good Duolingo score?
70 is below the range most universities ask for (usually 95–125): only 2% of institutions with a published minimum accept 70 or lower, mainly language programs, pathway courses and some colleges. Plan on reaching at least 100–110.
How to go from 70 to 75 or higher
- Below 100 the fastest gains come from vocabulary: learn the 2,000 most common English words and practise Read and Select every day.
- In Listen and Type, write every word you hear even if you are unsure of the spelling — partial credit counts.
- Use the free typing trainer: typing faster gives you more time to think in the writing tasks.
Start with the free level test to estimate your current score, train your typing with the typing trainer, and prepare properly with the Duolingo English Test course.
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Last updated: November 2026