Duolingo English Test (DET) is a new, convenient, and cheap alternative to the old English proficiency tests such as IELTS or TOEFL.It evaluates your reading, writing, listening and speaking competencies in the form of an adaptive online test which you can do at any time and anywhere.
The Duolingo exam is a flexible test that is becoming popular in recognition by thousands of universities across the globe due to its fast results. Many universities, including top institutions in the US, Canada, Australia and UK accept Duolingo English Test scores.
In this guide, you’ll read more about the Duolingo English test pattern and syllabus, scoring system, registration process, and preparation tips. You’ll also learn how to interpret your scores and compare Duolingo with other major English tests.
What is the Duolingo Exam?
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an online language proficiency exam designed to assess a candidate’s ability to read, write, listen, and speak in English. It uses an adaptive testing method, meaning the difficulty of questions adjusts based on previous responses.
Key Features:
Full Form: Duolingo English Test (DET)
Conducted By: Duolingo
Mode: Online, available anytime
Acceptance: Recognized by over 4,000 universities worldwide
Duration: 60 minutes
Scoring: 10-160 scale
Why Choose Duolingo English Test?
Convenience: The test is conducted remotely without the need for a test center.
Quick Results: Scores are available within 48 hours.
Widely Accepted: The exam results are accepted in accredited institutions all over the world.
AI-Powered Assessment: Uses artificial intelligence to evaluate test performance accurately.
Who is Eligible for the Duolingo English Test?
One of the most attractive aspects of the Duolingo English Test is its open eligibility criteria. Unlike some standardized exams, the Duolingo English Test does not have strict rules regarding qualifications or age limits.
Eligibility Criteria:
No Age Restriction: Anyone can take the test.
No Educational Prerequisites: Suitable for students and professionals alike.
Recommended for Non-Native English Speakers: Especially for those applying to universities abroad.
Technical Requirements: A computer with a webcam, microphone, and a stable internet connection is necessary.
The Duolingo exam pattern is adaptive in nature, which means that the test will change the level of difficulty according to your responses.When you get the questions right, they become harder and when you find it hard, they become easier.This will guarantee an accurate assessment of your fluency in the English language within a shorter period compared to other tests.
The Duolingo Exam pattern is designed in three sections, and the entire test takes approximately 60 minutes.The Introduction will take approximately 5 minutes, the Adaptive Test will take 45 minutes, and the last 10 minutes will be spent on the Writing and Speaking Sample.
The test evaluates four main skills of the English language including Reading, writing, listening, and speaking.The Writing and Speaking Sample is not graded, but they are forwarded to institutions.
Sections: Question Types:
The test features a mix of integrated skill-based questions, such as:
Fill in the blanks (missing letters in words).
Listen and type (transcribe spoken sentences).
Read and speak (repeat or answer a question aloud).
Describe an image (explain what you see in detail).
Write short and long answers (respond to prompts in written format).
Scoring:
The Duolingo English Test is scored on a scale of 10 to 160, in 5-point increments.
A score of 120+ is typically considered strong, while many universities require 105-120 for admissions.
The final score is based on Comprehension, Literacy, Conversation, and Production skills.
Because the test is adaptive, there’s no fixed number of each question type; you may see more of some and fewer of others depending on how well you perform.
What to Expect in the Writing & Speaking Sample Section?
You’ll need a working camera, microphone, and stable internet in order to complete this section of the exam.
This is the final section, lasting 10 minutes.
You’ll get a prompt and have to write for 3–5 minutes.
Then you’ll speak - 1–3 minutes per prompt.
Though this part is not scored, universities see these samples. So clarity, fluency, coherence , they all count. When you understand the Duolingo exam pattern, you can practice in conditions that mirror the real test. That helps you feel confident on exam day.
Duolingo Exam Fee
The English test of Duolingo is a low-priced substitute to conventional language proficiency tests.The Duolingo English test booking fee is USD 59 (and any local taxes) globally, and that is equivalent to INR 5.2k in India.
Duolingo has a number of pricing options based on test-takers' needs:
Option
Price
Specification
Single test
USD 59 (₹5.2k)
Basic, standard attempt
Test bundle (2 tests)
USD 100 (approx. USD 50 per test)
You purchase two credits and use both in sequence
Faster results (within ~12 hours)
Standard fee + USD 40 extra
This is an optional add-on to get quicker result delivery
Duolingo exam fee for Score Sending, Rescheduling & Cancellation
Sending scores to universities is free. Duolingo allows you to share your results with as many institutions as you like without extra charges.
Rescheduling is allowed at no extra cost, provided you do it within 21 days of registering. If you don’t take the test within 21 days of registering, the attempt is automatically cancelled and you lose your paid credit.
Cancellation / refunds: If you cancel, you won’t get a refund. Once the Duolingo Exam fee is paid, it’s non-refundable.
Furthermore, in case you are seeking other help to cover the Duolingo Exam fee, the exam committee has an Access Program to consider that provides waiver of the Duolingo Exam fee to up to 10,000 students each year who have a hard time meeting their financial obligations.
The first thing to mention is that you cannot just apply directly - to raise a request via the portal of the Access Program you will have to use a university counsellor or an education partner. If approved, you may be allowed to take the Duolingo exam without paying the full fee.
Unlike IELTS or TOEFL, the Duolingo English Test booking is done completely online, meaning there are no physical test centers and no need to schedule weeks in advance.
Key Details:
Location: Take the test from the comfort of your home.
Availability:24/7, there are no fixed test dates; you can take the exam anytime.
How to Book: Simply create an account on the Duolingo website, complete the system check, and start your test whenever you're ready.
Test Results & Validity:
Results Time: Scores are available within 48 hours after taking the test.
Score Validity: The Duolingo English Test score is valid for two years from the date of the test.
Retake Policy: If you're not satisfied with your score, you can retake the test twice in a 30-day period (purchasing new attempts as needed).
Duolingo English Test Sample Questions and Answers
Here are a few Duolingo english test sample questions and answers, so you know what to expect in the exam. These cover reading, listening, speaking, and writing. Feel free to try them yourself first, then check the answers.
Sample Questions
Type
Question
Time / Instructions
Read & Complete
“The sun rises in the ____.”
Fill the blank.
Listen & Type
You hear: “She went to the market yesterday.” Type what you hear.
Short audio clip.
Read Aloud
“Learning a new language opens doors.”
You read this sentence aloud.
Write About the Photo
Picture: a busy marketplace. Prompt: “Describe what is happening in this scene.”
Write 30–60 seconds.
Speaking Prompt
“Talk about your last holiday and why it was memorable.”
Speak for ~ 30–60 seconds.
Sample Answers / Model Responses
Read & Complete “The sun rises in the east.”
Listen & Type Typed answer: “She went to the market yesterday.”
Read Aloud (You would read) “Learning a new language opens doors.”
Write About the Photo “In this scene, many people are walking through a crowded market. There are vendors in small stalls selling fruits and vegetables. A child holds a balloon while a woman examines fresh produce. The air feels lively, with shoppers moving between stalls under colorful umbrellas.”
Speaking Prompt “Last year I visited my hometown after many years. It was memorable because I reconnected with old friends and walked through places I had only seen in photos. I noticed small changes in the streets and shops. At night, we had traditional food and shared stories. It reminded me of my roots and the warmth of home.”
The Duolingo English Test assesses English proficiency in an integrated format, meaning multiple skills are tested simultaneously.
Key Areas of Focus:
Reading:
Identifying correct words
Understanding short and long passages
Writing:
Typing spoken words
Writing answers based on images or prompts
Listening:
Listening to sentences and transcribing them
Identifying spoken words
Speaking:
Speaking on a given topic
Reading and pronouncing words correctly
Tips for Studying Efficiently:
Read English articles and books daily.
Listen to English podcasts and news.
Practice writing essays and emails. For writing specifically, aim to include a mix of descriptive words, connections, and coherence rather than just listing.
Engage in conversations to improve fluency.
How to Register for the Duolingo English Test?
Registering for the Duolingo English Test (DET) is a simple and fully online process. Unlike traditional exams, there are no physical test centers or complex scheduling requirements, you can take the test anytime from home.
Step-by-Step Registration Process:
Visit the Official Website – Go to the Duolingo English Test website.
Create an Account – Sign up using an email ID or your existing Duolingo account.
Check Technical Requirements – Ensure you have:
A computer (Windows/macOS) with a webcam and microphone.
A stable internet connection.
A quiet, well-lit room to take the test.
Pay the Duolingo Exam Fee – The test costs $59 (INR 5.2K) (may vary by location). The Duolingo Test Bundle (two attempts) costs $100 (INR 8.8k).
Start the Test – You can begin immediately after payment or schedule it for later.
Additional Registration Tips:
Ensure your photo ID (passport, driver’s license, or government-issued ID) is valid and ready.
Complete a system check before starting to avoid technical issues.
The test must be taken in one sitting, so choose a time when you're fully prepared.
The structure of the plan is that, when you are about to take up the Duolingo English Test, you need to develop skills progressively and not get into panic at the final moment.Here is a Preparation Timeline that you can modify, based on the amount of time you have to prepare:
Preparation Timeline: 1-Month Plan
Week
Focus Area
Daily Plan (Key Tasks)
Week 1
Understand format & build basics
Day 1–2: Inspect the Duolingo English test sample questions and answers along with the test sections.
Day 3–4: Practice Read & Complete and Read Aloud tasks.
Day 5: Listen to short English clips and repeat aloud.
Day 6: Write short paragraphs describing pictures.
Day 7: Take one mini mock test and review results.
Week 2
Strengthen listening & reading
Day 8–9: Practice Listen & Type and Read & Select.
Day 10–11: Read news or blogs; summarize in two lines.
Day 12: Review vocabulary lists; note unfamiliar words.
Day 13: Take short adaptive quizzes.
Day 14: Full-length mock under timed conditions.
Week 3
Improve writing & speaking
Day 15–16: Practice Write About the Photo and Speak About a Topic.
Day 17–18: Record your answers, then self-assess clarity.
Day 19: Focus on grammar, transitions, and connectors.
Day 20: Write 2 short essays (50–100 words each).
Day 21: Mock test + review your weakest section.
Week 4
Final review & simulation
Day 22–23: Practice every question type once.
Day 24–25: Take 2 timed mock tests back-to-back.
Day 26–27: Analyze all mistakes; note patterns.
Day 28: Light review, focus on pronunciation, clarity, and pacing.
Day 29–30: Rest well, revise notes, and take the official test confidently.
Preparation Timeline: 3-Month Plan
Month
Focus
Approach
Month 1
Build foundation
Strengthen grammar, expand vocabulary, and practice basic listening/reading tasks.
Month 2
Practice & apply
Take timed practice sets, focus on writing and speaking improvement.
Month 3
Perfect & simulate
Attempt 4–5 full mocks, refine weak areas, and practice under real test conditions.
Duolingo Exam Preparation tips and Study Resources:
Dedicate at least 1–1.5 hours daily for focused prep.
Use official Duolingo practice tests for realistic experience.
Use Online Study Resources such as the Duolingo App and BBC Learning English. For focused preparation for the writing section, use Grammarly and QuillBot.
Record yourself speaking to track fluency and pronunciation.
Keep a mistake journal ; review it every weekend.
Stay relaxed; consistency matters more than intensity.
Duolingo Exam Results and Validity
The Duolingo English Test provides a comprehensive score breakdown, helping universities assess a candidate’s language proficiency effectively.
The Duolingo English Test is an excellent option for students and professionals seeking a flexible, affordable, and widely accepted English proficiency test. With its adaptive AI-based testing, quick results, and global recognition, the DET is revolutionizing English language assessment. If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to prove your English skills, this is the test for you!
What types of identification are accepted for the Duolingo test?
You can use a valid passport, driver’s license, or government-issued photo ID. The ID must be original, unexpired, and clearly display your photo and full name.
How many times can I attempt the Duolingo English Test?
You can take the test up to three times within a 30-day period, but you’ll need to purchase a new attempt each time.
What happens if I lose internet connection during the test?
If your connection drops temporarily, the test automatically pauses. However, if the interruption is too long or the system detects inconsistencies, your test may be invalidated, and you’ll need to retake it.
Is there negative marking in the Duolingo English Test?
No, there is no negative marking. Each question contributes positively to your final score depending on your accuracy and consistency.
Can I pause or restart the test once it begins?
No, the test must be completed in one sitting without breaks. Once you start, the timer continues until the test ends.
Are Duolingo test scores comparable to IELTS or TOEFL?
Yes. For example, a Duolingo score of 120 roughly corresponds to an IELTS band of 7.5 or a TOEFL iBT score of 95–100. However, each university sets its own equivalence.
How long does it take for universities to receive my Duolingo results?
Once your results are certified (within 48 hours), they are immediately available to universities you’ve shared them with.
Are Duolingo English Test scores accepted for postgraduate or MBA programs?
Yes. Many postgraduate and MBA programs in the US, Canada, and Europe accept Duolingo scores, though some may have higher minimum requirements than undergraduate programs.
Can I appeal or request a re-evaluation of my Duolingo test score?
Currently, Duolingo does not offer a re-evaluation or rescoring option. If you believe there was a technical issue, you can contact their support for review, but retaking the test is usually the best option.
Can I review or skip questions during the test?
No, once you move to the next question, you can’t go back. The test is adaptive, so skipping or reviewing isn’t possible
Are there any scholarships that accept Duolingo English Test scores?
Yes, several international scholarships, such as university-specific merit scholarships in the US, Canada, and Germany, accept DET as proof of English proficiency.
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Neha Uppal is a passionate content creator and editor. She carries 7.5+ years of experience working with leading edutech companies where she worked as a Faculty, Community Manager, and Content Markete...
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