A Duolingo English Test score of 85 is a CEFR B1 (intermediate) level. On Duolingo’s official comparison table it is roughly IELTS 5 and TOEFL iBT 47 – 52. Among the 1001 institutions that publish a DET minimum on their website, 103 (10%) ask for 85 or lower, and 39 list exactly 85.
Score 85 compared with nearby scores
| DET | CEFR | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | Institutions listing this minimum |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 95 | B1 | 5.5 | 59 – 64 | 112 |
| 90 | B1 | 5 | 53 – 58 | 61 |
| 85 | B1 | 5 | 47 – 52 | 39 |
| 80 | B1 | 5 | 41 – 46 | 33 |
| 75 | B1 | 4.5 | 35 – 40 | 14 |
Institutions that list 85 as their minimum DET score
Minimum taken from each institution’s own website; programs may differ and requirements change — confirm before you book.
- Azerbaijan: ADA University
- Canada: IBT College · Trebas Institute
- Germany: SRH International College
- United Kingdom: University of Surrey
- United States: Andrew College · Austin Peay State University · Bluefield University · California Science and Technology University · Cañada College · Coffeyville Community College · Community Colleges of Spokane · Cowley College · Craven Community College · Emory & Henry College · Florida SouthWestern State College · Jacksonville College · Laramie County Community College · Lindenwood University · Michigan Lutheran High School · Neosho County Community College · Normandale Community College · North Hennepin Community College · Odessa College · Oklahoma Christian University · Oklahoma Panhandle State University · Palomar Community College District · Pratt Community College · Roosevelt University · Shoreline Community College · Skyline College · Southeast Technical College · St. Thomas University (Florida) · SUNY Genesee Community College · Tennessee Technological University · Terra State Community College · University of Mount Union · Western New Mexico University · Wilkes University
Is 85 a good Duolingo score?
85 is below the range most universities ask for (usually 95–125): only 10% of institutions with a published minimum accept 85 or lower, mainly language programs, pathway courses and some colleges. Plan on reaching at least 100–110.
How to go from 85 to 90 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