When preparing for an English proficiency test, it's important to understand what your scores mean in a global context. The DET uses the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) as a guide to measure and report English language skills. But why is the CEFR important, and how does it relate to your DET score?
What is the CEFR, and why does it matter?
The CEFR provides a standardized way to describe language ability, making it easier for test takers to understand how their scores match real-world language skills. Whether you're applying to universities or for a visa, the CEFR is widely recognized as the international standard for describing language proficiency.
The CEFR provides a standardized scale across different proficiency levels—ranging from basic (A1) to proficient (C2). At Duolingo, we’ve adopted the CEFR as the foundation for aligning the Duolingo English Test with global standards. This means that DET scores aligned with the CEFR help institutions and employers worldwide accurately interpret your level of English proficiency.
Validating the DET's CEFR alignment
To ensure that the DET adheres to CEFR standards, Duolingo conducted an external validation study in 2023. This study was designed to verify the accuracy of the test’s CEFR alignment.
We collaborated with Chad Buckendahl and Kelley Stethen of ACS Ventures LLC, an independent psychometric company; and enlisted the expertise of Dr. Anthony Green, Director of the Centre for Research in English Language Learning and Assessment (CRELLA) at the University of Bedfordshire. Additionally, the methodology of this study was reviewed and approved by the Chartered Institute of Linguists (CIOL), the UK’s Royal Charter body for language practitioners.
The study focused on three key areas:
- Content Coverage: Ensuring that the DET accurately reflects the language activities and competencies described in the CEFR global scale.
- Representativeness of Scores: Examining how well the DET’s score ranges align with CEFR language activities and descriptors.
- Reliability and Validity: Evaluating the consistency and trustworthiness of DET scores in relation to CEFR expectations.
How was the study conducted?
A panel of twelve subject matter experts was assembled to review various aspects of the DET. These experts, representing diverse linguistic backgrounds, nationalities, and geographical locations, had extensive experience in both English language teaching and assessment. With an average of 13.2 years in language assessment, the panelists were well-equipped to evaluate the test's content and difficulty levels.
The expert panel thoroughly reviewed DET test-taker responses, linguistic characteristics of test items, and task difficulty across different CEFR levels. Their goal was to ensure that the DET score range aligned accurately with CEFR thresholds, providing a reliable proof of English skills for high-stakes purposes, such as immigration, visa applications, and university admissions.
The results: DET's CEFR alignment confirmed!
The expert panel validated the DET’s alignment to the CEFR, confirming that the following score ranges align with specific CEFR levels:
- B1 Level: DET score range 60-95
- B2 Level: DET score range 100-125
- C1 Level: DET score range 130-150
- C2 Level: DET score range 155-160
These results matched the findings from a previous concordance study conducted by Duolingo (Cardwell et al., 2024), further reinforcing the accuracy of the DET-CEFR alignment.
Why is this important?
The external validation of the DET’s CEFR alignment provides assurance to universities, governments, and other stakeholders that the DET meets rigorous international standards. Institutions can confidently accept DET scores, knowing that they accurately reflect a test taker’s English proficiency in line with globally recognized CEFR levels.
For students, this means that their DET scores are portable and can be used to apply for programs and opportunities that require CEFR-aligned English proficiency levels.
Continuous improvement in testing standards
At Duolingo, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of reliability and validity in the DET. As part of this ongoing commitment, we will continue to conduct regular external validations to ensure that the DET remains aligned with the CEFR and continues to be a trusted measure of English proficiency.
For more details about our validation studies and other research publications, check out the Duolingo English Test Research & Publications page.