Free tool

English level test

Find your CEFR level — from A1 to C2 — with a quick adaptive test, and see the Duolingo English Test score it maps to. About 12 questions, three minutes, no sign-up.

  • Adaptive: difficulty tracks your answers, the same engine as our full mocks
  • Get your CEFR level and a matching DET score band
  • Three minutes, no account — retake it any time to track progress
Take a full DET mock

A quick adaptive check of your vocabulary and reading — about 12 questions in 3 minutes. You get an estimated CEFR level and a Duolingo English Test score band.

No sign-up. Estimate only — reading and vocabulary.

What it measures

What this English level test tells you

This test estimates your English level on the CEFR scale — the international A1-to-C2 standard universities and employers use — and maps it to a Duolingo English Test score band, so a single result speaks both languages. It is adaptive: each question is chosen to be most informative at your current estimated level, so it reaches a reliable estimate in about a dozen questions instead of a long fixed quiz.

It covers vocabulary and reading, which can be measured instantly in your browser. To check grammar specifically — tenses, articles, prepositions, agreement — use the free English grammar test. It does not test listening, writing or speaking — those need audio and rubric grading, which is what a full DET mock provides, returning all eight subscores.

The levels

The CEFR levels, and the DET score each maps to

CEFRMeaningDET score (approx.)
A1–A2Basic user10–55
B1Intermediate60–85
B2Upper-intermediate — common university minimum90–120
C1Advanced — competitive & postgraduate125–150
C2Proficient — near-native155–160

These bands follow Duolingo's published DET-to-CEFR alignment. For the full picture of how the DET score is built, see how the DET is scored, and to place a score against IELTS and TOEFL, use the score comparison.

Next

From an estimate to a real score

A level estimate tells you where you stand. To turn it into a plan, take a full-length DET mock — it mirrors the real exam, measures all four skills, and shows exactly which subscore is holding your overall back. Then the preparation guide shows what to do about it.

FAQ

Questions people ask

What is my English level?
Your English level is usually described on the CEFR scale, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient). The quickest way to find yours is to take the adaptive test above: about 12 questions gives you an estimated CEFR level and a matching Duolingo English Test score band, free and with no sign-up.
What is the CEFR scale?
The CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) is the international standard for describing language ability. It has six levels — A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2 — from basic to mastery. Universities, employers and English tests all map their requirements to CEFR levels.
How accurate is this English level test?
It gives a reliable estimate of your reading and vocabulary level using the same adaptive engine as our full mock tests, which adjusts difficulty to your answers. It does not measure listening, writing or speaking, so treat it as a fast indicator — take a full mock test for a complete four-skill result.
How does the CEFR scale map to Duolingo English Test scores?
Roughly: A2 is around DET 40–55, B1 is 60–85, B2 is 90–120, C1 is 125–150 and C2 is 155–160. Duolingo publishes the official alignment, and our test estimates both your CEFR level and the matching DET band at once.
What CEFR level do I need for university?
Most undergraduate courses want at least B2 (around DET 95–120); competitive and postgraduate programmes often ask for C1 (around DET 120–140). Always check the specific requirement your programme publishes, as it varies by institution and course.
Is this English level test free?
Yes. The test is free, takes about three minutes, and needs no account. You can retake it as often as you like to track your progress.
How long does the English level test take?
About three minutes. It is adaptive, so it reaches an estimate in roughly 12 questions rather than making you answer a long fixed set — harder questions follow correct answers, easier ones follow mistakes.
What is a good CEFR level?
It depends on your goal. B2 is the common threshold for university study and skilled work in English; C1 signals strong, confident use; C2 is near-native mastery. For most academic and professional purposes, B2 or above is considered a good level.
Does this test measure speaking and writing?
No. This quick test covers vocabulary and reading only, because those can be checked instantly in the browser. Speaking and writing need a microphone and rubric grading — our full mock tests include both and return all eight subscores.
How is my level calculated?
Each answer updates an ability estimate using item-response theory, the same statistical model behind adaptive exams. The engine picks each next question to be most informative at your current estimated level, then converts the final ability to a CEFR level and a DET score.
Can I use this to prepare for the Duolingo English Test?
Yes — as a starting point. It tells you roughly where you stand and which DET band to aim from. To prepare properly, follow it with a full DET mock test, which mirrors the real exam and shows exactly which subscore to work on.
What does B2 level mean?
B2 is upper-intermediate: you can understand the main ideas of complex text, interact fairly fluently, and produce clear, detailed writing on a range of topics. On the Duolingo English Test that is roughly a 90–120 score, and it is the level most universities require.
What is the difference between B1 and B2?
B1 (intermediate) handles familiar, everyday language and can cope with most travel and work situations. B2 (upper-intermediate) manages complex and abstract topics, follows detailed arguments, and writes and speaks with noticeably more range and accuracy. The jump from B1 to B2 is the one most university applicants are working on.
Can my English level go down?
Language ability fades without use, so an unused second language can slip over time. Regular reading, listening and practice hold and raise your level. Retaking this test every few weeks is a simple way to see whether you are moving up.
How do I improve my English level?
Read and listen to English slightly above your current level every day, learn vocabulary in context rather than as isolated word lists, and practise producing language, not just recognising it. Our English words with meaning list and one word substitution list are efficient ways to widen vocabulary in context. For a DET-specific plan, our preparation guide shows which subscore to target first.

Quick reference: English levels at a glance

QuestionAnswer
What scale is used?CEFR — six levels from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient).
How long is the test?About 3 minutes, roughly 12 adaptive questions.
What does it measure?Vocabulary and reading. Not listening, writing or speaking.
B2 in DET terms?About 90–120, the common university minimum.
C1 in DET terms?About 125–150, for competitive and postgraduate entry.
Is it free?Yes, no sign-up, retake any time.
How is it scored?Item-response theory — the same adaptive model as a real mock.
What next?Take a full DET mock for a four-skill, eight-subscore result.

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SCORE REPORT 155 C2 of 160 Reading 160 Listening 160 Writing 150 Speaking 150 FEEDBACK 8 SUBSCORES