Duolingo English Test Validity: Important Details

If Duolingo English test validity is something that is stopping you from taking the DET (Duolingo English Test), fret not. This English proficiency test is taken by numerous non-native and native English speakers worldwide to assess their English language skills. Its popularity can be deciphered from the fact that the DET scores are accepted by over 5000 institutions across the globe.

This article aims to provide answers to more queries regarding the acceptance of Duolingo English test. Read on as we explore the topic in detail.

About Duolingo English Test

Like other conventional English proficiency tests like TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE, this test examines a candidate’s four language skills: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. The difficulty level of the test increases with every correct answer and decreases if your answers are wrong. 

If you compare the Duolingo English Test to other language tests, Duolingo offers a fast, affordable, and convenient alternative. The test integrates the latest assessment science and AI to provide test-takers with accurate results, thereby reshaping the future of English proficiency tests.

While more and more countries are now accepting this test, Duolingo English test validity is something that would be crucial for universities to look into before making the final decision to accept their test as an official English proficiency exam. 

If you want to study abroad and need to take an English proficiency test, Duolingo might be your best option. Unlike other English proficiency tests, candidates don't need to visit test centers to appear for the exam; candidates can take the test from their homes at their convenience at an affordable price of $65 (nearly INR 5400*).

Which Countries Accept Duolingo English Test

The Duolingo English test is accepted by most of the countries all over the world. Some of them are:

1. United States of America 
2. Russia
3. United Kingdom
4. France
5. Canada
6. Germany
7. Australia 
8. China
9. Singapore
10. Japan
11. Ireland 
12. Uzbekistan 
13. Kazakhstan 
14. Italy
15. Turkey
16. Ukraine

How Long Is A Duolingo English Test Result Valid For?

The Duolingo English Test certificate is valid for two years. After two years, your DET certificate will expire, and you will have to retake it if you wish to reassess your proficiency. Even if residing in the US, non-native English speakers may need to retake it. 

You must remember to check your chosen university’s official website to know the DET validity they accept.

How Many Times Can I Attempt Duolingo Test

You may take this test as many times as you like, but there is a limit on how many times you can fail the exam. The only condition is that one cannot take the DET more than thrice in 30 days. All you need to keep in mind is that you can apply to retake the Duolingo exam only after the results of the previous one have been declared.

Since it is a self-paced test, you can retake it quickly when you feel your language skills have improved.

Is 120 A Good Score In Duolingo?

Often you hear from people that 120 is a good score on the Duolingo language test. This is wrong, because it doesn't mean anything for the test apart from being a mere "passing" of the exam. It does not prove you have high-level proficiency in the English language. If one takes the DET, then this is just a passing grade and doesn't say anything about one's ability to speak English. Hence, if you wish to study abroad, you must aim to get a higher score than this.

Score Interpretation of Duolingo English Test

Score	Description
10 – 55	Can understand basic English words but has difficulty understanding what is said or written to them.
60 – 85	Can understand simple English sentences but has difficulty following what is said or written. Has some understanding of numbers.
90 – 115	Can understand a wide range of simple and complex spoken and written language. Can communicate in simple and regular routines.
120 -  160	Can communicate with a wide range of vocabulary and grammar structures, both spoken and written. Has a good grasp of language structure, including writing academic texts.

Is Duolingo A Better Test of English Than IELTS?

In terms of difficulty, Duolingo is not more complex than the IELTS tests, as most of the questions on Duolingo are close to the ones on IELTS. But the Duolingo exam is often considered easier than the IELTS in terms of structure, question types, and difficulty level.

However, if you compare the scores and how far apart they are from each other, Duolingo does not seem to have an excellent score range for exam purposes. There are so many factors that go into scoring, like the topics covered and passage length, which makes it difficult to compare these tests. If you pick a relatively small number of topics, then scores will be significantly further apart.

If you look at the scores for IELTS and Duolingo, it is easy to see that the number of points IELTS required to obtain a passing grade is much higher than Duolingo.

Here is an Interesting Read on Duolingo Accepted Universities in Canada

Conclusion:

The Duolingo English Test can be an excellent way to assess and prove your level of English proficiency. The DET is relatively new in terms of testing English language proficiency but is fast gaining validity across various countries. So, if you have taken or are planning to take the DTE, you can be strongly positive that the Duolingo English Test will be valid at your preferred institution.

*INR conversion as of June 2024