Duolingo English Test

Overview

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an online English proficiency test used mainly for university admissions. Unlike IELTS or TOEFL, it is taken entirely at home on a computer, is computer-adaptive (questions get easier or harder based on how a test taker is doing), and is scored with the help of AI rather than at a physical test centre. The whole test takes about one hour, far shorter than the half-day or multi-day process of a centre-based English test, and there is no fixed exam date — test takers can buy and start the test whenever they choose.

Exam pattern

The test is taken on the test taker's own computer, using the Duolingo English Test desktop app plus a smartphone as a second camera. Before starting, the app walks through identity verification, a scan of the room and testing setup, and an audio check, so that the test session can later be reviewed for rule violations.

The roughly one-hour session breaks down as:

The adaptive assessment draws on several short task types rather than long, fixed sections: reading tasks such as interactive reading passages, C-tests and vocabulary-in-context items; listening tasks such as dictation (typing a sentence heard once or twice) and interactive listening on spoken academic content; and an interactive speaking task, where responses are transcribed and scored automatically, with follow-up questions chosen based on how the test taker is performing. Because the test is adaptive, no two test takers necessarily see the same set of questions.

Marking and results

Scores are reported on a 10–160 scale, in 5-point increments. Alongside the overall score, the DET reports four skill subscores (Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation and Production, each built from combinations of reading, writing, listening and speaking performance). Reading and listening items with a definite correct answer are scored automatically; the open-ended speaking and writing tasks are scored by AI models trained on expert-rated sample responses.

Every test session is reviewed twice before a score is certified: first by an automated system that checks the recording for signs of rule-breaking, then by a trained human proctor who makes the final certification decision. Results are typically ready within 48 hours of finishing the test. A DET certificate is valid for two years from the test date, after which it can no longer be shared with institutions.

Fees

As of 2026, the standard DET fee is USD 70, paid online when booking the test. Duolingo also runs an Access Program that gives free or discounted tests to eligible candidates in certain countries; test takers should check the official site for current eligibility.

How to apply

Test takers create a free account on the Duolingo English Test website, then pay for and schedule the test from that account — there is no fixed test date to register for, and no test centre to book. Before the test, the site walks through system and camera checks. On test day, a valid passport, driver's licence or other government-issued photo ID is required for identity verification. Once a score is certified, test takers can share their official DET certificate with as many institutions as they choose directly from their account.

Preparation tips

Duolingo publishes a free, full-length adaptive practice test on its own site, which can be retaken (with a new set of items each time) to get used to the question formats and to see an estimated score range before paying for the real test. Because the real test is adaptive and time-limited per item, practising under similar time pressure, and reading through the official guide to question types, is more useful than general English study alone.