Duolingo English Test (DET) is a short and easiest form of language proficiency test, launched in the year 2016. It is a fully online adaptive test that evolved over a period of time as a necessary tool to evaluate the English language skills of non-English natives.
DET is an affordable, convenient, and accessible alternative to other traditional proficiency tests, such as IELTS and TOEFL. In this blog, we have discussed this test comprehensively, including the pattern, syllabus, registration process, fees, and more.
Table of Contents
What is the Duolingo English Test (DET)?
- Duolingo English Test (DET) is a fully online English language proficiency test to assess your ability to understand and communicate effectively in English.
- The whole test process takes around 1 hour during which all four key skills e.g. reading, writing, speaking, and listening are assessed on a computer screen.
- The results are declared in about 12-48 hours.
- The DET is conducted by Duolingo, a language learning platform.
- It was launched in 2016 and became popular over a period of time, especially during the COVID era because it provides an affordable and convenient option to other traditional tests such as TOEFL and IELTS.
Why Should You Attempt the Duolingo English Test?
The top 3 reasons why you should attempt the Duolingo English test are elaborated below.
Convenient & Accessible: The Duolingo English test can be attempted online without any prior appointment, offering significant advantages to many test takers seeking flexibility.
Affordable: The Duolingo English Test (DET) is considerably more affordable than traditional proficiency tests like TOEFL and IELTS, with a fee of just USD 65 (approximately INR 5,110/-). Applicants coming from low-income families can also apply for a fee waiver.
Instant Results: Duolingo test results are available within 12 to 48 hours after completion, whereas IELTS and TOEFL typically take around 8 to 12 days to deliver results.
Overview of the Duolingo English Test
Below, we have tabulated the overview of the Duolingo English Test (DET).
| Conducted By | Duolingo |
|---|---|
| Purpose | English language proficiency test for higher study abroad |
| Test Format | Fully Online Test |
| Sections | Introduction and Onboarding Adaptive Test (Reading & Listening) Writing & Speaking Test |
| Duration | 1 Hour |
| Scoring | 10-160 |
| Test Availability | All year round |
| Price | Rs. 5,110/- per registration |
| Result Time | Within 2 Days |
| Validity | 2 Years |
Eligibility, Fees & Validity of the Duolingo English Test
- The Duolingo English Test (DET) is intended for those who want to study or work in an English-speaking environment, particularly foreign countries.
- There are no eligibility criteria to attempt the Duolingo English test as anyone aged 13 or above can attempt the test, regardless of their educational background.
- Test takers are only required to have a computer system, microphone, and a stable internet connection to attempt the test smoothly.
- The Duolingo exam fee is around INR 5,110/- per applicant and the test score remains valid for 2 years from the date of results.
Duolingo Exam Dates for 2025
Unlike other English language proficiency tests, the Duolingo English test does not have a fixed schedule or test dates as it has no fixed schedule or test dates, allowing test takers to attempt it anytime, anywhere at their convenience.
Who Accepts the Duolingo English Test Scores?
The Duolingo English test scores are used as proof of English language proficiency by 5,000 institutions of higher education and employment in over 100 countries in the world for admissions, placements, progress, etc.
Duolingo English Test Pattern & Structure
- The DET consists of 4 sections- adaptive test, writing sample, speaking sample, and introduction video.
- First, test takers are required to introduce themselves through an unscripted video for about 5 minutes.
- The Adaptive Test is the core scoring section in which the skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking are assessed simultaneously.
- It consists of a variable number of questions and lasts approximately 45 minutes.
- Writing and speaking samples are the non-scoring sections where candidates are required to write and speak on the given prompts. They provide qualitative insights for institutions.
| Section | Duration | Number of Questions | Marks | Tasks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction Video | 5 Minutes | - | Unscored | Candidates need to introduce themselves |
| Adaptive Test | 45 Minutes | Varies (AI-driven) | 10-160 | Assess the reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills |
| Writing Sample | 5 Minutes | 1 prompt | Unscored | Write a short essay on a given prompt |
| Speaking Sample | 5 Minutes | 1 prompt | Unscored | Speak on a given prompt |
How is the Test Set Up?
After beginning the test, candidates are navigated through these 3 steps.
Introduction & Onboarding
- Test takers are required to introduce themselves through video recording for about 5 minutes.
- It also allows candidates to go through all the rules, requirements, and structure of the test.
- Candidates are required to ensure their computer’s camera, speaker, and microphone are functioning properly.
- They are also required to submit their ID card before proceeding to the test.
- This phase is designed to ensure a fair and accurate testing environment.
Adaptive Test
- The adaptive part of the Duolingo English Test assesses the candidates’ reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills simultaneously, through a series of different question types.
- The difficulty of the section changes with questions, depending on the performance of the candidate.
- The number of questions also varies and lasts approximately 45 minutes.
- Following are the question types that appear in the adaptive test
- Read & select
- Fill in the blanks
- Read & complete
- Read aloud
- Listen & type
- Interactive reading
- Interactive listening
- Write about the photo
- Interactive writing
- Listen, then speak
- Speak about the photo
- Read, then speak
Writing & Speaking Samples
- In this, test takers are provided with 2 different prompts on which they have to write and speak separately.
- The duration of this section is 10 minutes.
- The writing sample allows for a 3-5 minute response and the speaking sample allows for a 1-3 minute response.
- After the conclusion of the test, candidates are able to review their responses to these samples.
- The prompt topic can vary depending on the algorithm.
Duolingo English Test Requirements
In the following section, we have mentioned some of the key requirements that test takers should take care of before beginning the Duolingo Exam at home.
- Candidates should keep 1 government ID proof handy. This could be a passport or driving license. No other documents are valid except these.
- The test room should be quiet and well-lit
- Candidates should be ready to get free for 60 minutes uninterruptedly.
- They also should have a computer, internet connection, speakers, microphone, and front-facing camera.
Duolingo English Test Scoring System
- After 48 hours of completion of the test, candidates can log in to their account at the Duolingo portal to access the report.
- On their score report, candidates see both overall scores and subscores.
- The overall score is a holistic score on a scale from 10-160 in 5-point increments.
- The score scale is aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)
- There are 2 types of subscores- independent subscores and integrated subscores.
- Independent subscores refer to the individual scores assigned to each of the four skills: speaking, writing, reading, and listening.
- Integrated subscores refer to the assessment of language proficiency that combines 2 language skills. It reflects real-world language use.
| Integrated Subscores | Skills Evaluated |
|---|---|
| Production | Ability to speak and write |
| Literacy | Ability to write and read |
| Comprehension | Ability to read and listen |
| Conversion | Ability to listen and speak |
How are DET Scores Calculated?
- The individual subscores are calculated based on performance on the test.
- The average of the individual subscores, rounded to the nearest 5, will equal the overall score.
- Each of the integrated subscores is an average of the two individual subscores that comprise it.
How to Register for the Duolingo English Test?
- To register for the Duolingo English Test, visit the official website of DET.
- To book the test, click on ‘Buy Now’ under the ‘My Test’ section.
- Select the test quantity.
- Now, choose when you want to receive the result.
- For same-day result delivery, an extra charge of USD 33 or INR 2,800 will apply.
- Next, enter your payment details and proceed to pay and schedule the test.
- You will have the option to attempt the test within 21 days of booking.
Preparation Tips for the Duolingo English Test
Below, we have provided some important preparation tips for the Duolingo English test.
- Familiarise yourself with the official Duolingo practice test materials to understand the requirements of each section.
- Record yourself speaking English and review your fluency, pronunciation, and grammar.
- Practice writing different types of essays and summarising texts within time limits.
- Read academic and news articles frequently.
- Practice picking out main points, summarising information, and answering comprehension questions.
- Listen to podcasts, audiobooks, and English news broadcasts.
- Concentrate on understanding different accents, restating information, and following lectures.
- Practise completing tasks within the time given for each section. Also, develop strategies to ensure you can easily attempt all the questions.
Key Takeaways by Smart Academy
The Duolingo English Test (DET) offers a fast, flexible, and affordable way to prove your English proficiency. With no fixed schedule or test dates, you can take it anytime from the comfort of your home. The test takes about 1 hour, assessing your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills through an adaptive format.
Results are delivered swiftly within 12 to 48 hours, far quicker than traditional tests. Whether you’re applying to universities or seeking professional opportunities, the DET combines convenience with reliability, making it a smart choice for modern test-takers.
FAQs
How often can I take the Duolingo English Test?
You can take the DET up to 3 times within a 30-day period. For example, if you take your first test on 01st April, you can take 2 more tests until 1st May.
How long are my Duolingo English test results valid?
The Duolingo English test results are valid for 2 years from the result date.
What happens if I encounter any technical problems during the test?
If you experience technical issues during the test, you should report the problem to Duolingo within 24 hours.
What are the consequences of violating the test’s rules?
Violating the Duolingo English test can result in your test being invalidated, and you may be prohibited from retaking the test.
Is the overall score an average of the sub-scores?
No, the overall score is not an average of the sub-scores. Each section is scored individually, and the overall score reflects your general English proficiency.
