Short Answer
There's no single universal "passing score" on the DET — the score you need is set by whichever institution you're applying to, and it varies significantly by school and program level. That said, most accepting institutions set their minimum somewhere in the 100–130 range on the DET's 10–160 scale.
Typical Minimum Scores by Institution Type
| Institution Type | Typical Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| Community colleges | 85–95 |
| State universities (undergraduate) | 100–110 |
| Competitive universities | 115–125 |
| Top-tier / highly selective universities | 125–135+ |
| Graduate programs | 110–130 (varies widely by field) |
These are general ranges, not guarantees — always check your specific target institution's published requirement, since some programs set stricter thresholds than their university's general minimum.
Overall Score vs. Subscores
Some programs care about more than just your overall number. The DET also reports four subscores — Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, and Production — and certain departments (particularly ones with heavy discussion or presentation components) may set a separate minimum for one or more subscores in addition to the overall score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 120 a good score?
120 is generally strong enough for admission to a wide range of universities that accept the DET, though "good" ultimately depends on your specific target school's stated minimum.
Does a higher score always help?
Beyond your target school's minimum, a higher score mainly matters if you're applying to multiple institutions with different thresholds, or to competitive programs that use score as one factor among several.
Aiming Higher?
If you already know your target score, our guide to scoring 130+ on the DET breaks down exactly which subscores to prioritize and how.