What Is the Duolingo English Test (DET)? Format Guide

The DET has 13 question types and eight scores. See counts, timings, subscores and the official IELTS and TOEFL conversion table.

Lume Test

Jan 5, 2025

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5 min read

What Is the Duolingo English Test (DET)? Format Guide

Key Takeaways

The DET has 13 question types and eight scores.
See counts, timings, subscores and the official IELTS and TOEFL conversion table.

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an online English test with 13 current question types and eight scores. This guide lists every question type with counts and timings, explains the subscores, and shows the official IELTS and TOEFL conversion table.

The test is becoming more popular than the traditional English tests because it is more affordable and simpler to use.

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All 13 current question types, with counts and timings

The Duolingo English Test takes about an hour: roughly 5 minutes of onboarding, a 45-minute adaptive section, then about 10 minutes of Writing and Speaking Samples. These are the question types in the current format.

Question type	How many	Time	Feeds which subscore
Read and Select	15–18	5 sec each	Reading
Fill in the Blanks	6–9	20 sec each	Reading
Read and Complete	3–6	3 min each	Reading
Listen and Type	6–9	1 min each	Listening
Interactive Reading	2 sets of 6	7–8 min per set	Reading, feeding Literacy
Interactive Listening	2 sets of 8–10	6:30 plus 1:15 to summarise = 7:45 per set	Listening; the summary also feeds Writing
Write About the Photo	3	1 min each	Writing
Interactive Writing	1 set of 2	5 min plus 3 min = 8 min	Writing
Speak About the Photo	1	1:30	Speaking
Read, Then Speak	1	1:30	Speaking
Interactive Speaking	6–8 questions	35 sec each, 3:30–4:40 total	Speaking
Writing Sample	1	3–5 min, capped at 5:00	Writing
Speaking Sample	1	1–3 min, capped at 3:00	Speaking

Interactive Reading contains five sub-tasks: Complete the Sentences, Complete the Passage, Highlight the Answer, Identify the Idea and Title the Passage. Interactive Listening contains three: Listen and Complete, Listen and Respond, and Summarize the Conversation, which now exists only inside Interactive Listening rather than as a standalone type.

Two question types were removed on 1 July 2025

Duolingo removed Read Aloud and replaced Listen, Then Speak with the new Interactive Speaking format, a simulated conversation with an animated character. If you are practising Read Aloud for the certified test, it is no longer part of it.

You receive eight scores, not four

Group	Score	Combined from
Four primary skills	Speaking, Writing, Reading, Listening	—
Four integrated scores	Literacy	Reading plus Writing
	Conversation	Speaking plus Listening
	Comprehension	Reading plus Listening
	Production	Speaking plus Writing

All scores use the same 10 to 160 scale in steps of 5. The overall score is an average of the four subscores, rounded up to the nearest 5. Automated items carry partial credit, and Duolingo states you are not penalised more for a wrong answer than for skipping.

Duolingo score compared with IELTS and TOEFL

This is Duolingo’s own published comparison, from its Scoring Guide for Teachers.

CEFR	Duolingo	IELTS	TOEFL iBT
C2	160	8.5–9	120
C2	155	8	119
C1	150	8	117–118
C1	145	7.5	113–116
C1	140	7.5	109–112
C1	135	7	104–108
C1	130	7	98–103
B2	125	6.5	93–97
B2	120	6.5	87–92
B2	115	6	82–86
B2	110	6	76–81
B2	105	6	70–75
B2	100	5.5	65–69
B1	95	5.5	59–64
B1	90	5	53–58
B1	85	5	47–52
B1	80	5	41–46
B1	75	4.5	35–40
B1	70	4.5	30–34
B1	65	4.5	24–29
B1	60	4	18–23
A1–A2	10–55	0–4	0–17

Source: Duolingo English Test Scoring Guide for Teachers, 2026. Results arrive within two days as standard, or 12 hours with Faster Results, and are valid for two years.

Key takeaways

The Duolingo English Test (DET) includes an introduction, an adaptive test, and a video/writing interview to evaluate language skills.
It assesses reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills through practical and adaptive tasks.
Registration involves creating an account, choosing a purpose, and completing a pre-test survey.
It’s best to prepare by practicing regularly, using practice tests, and setting up a quiet environment.

Related:

Duolingo English Test (DET) Overview: Format & Structure

Test Structure

How does the Duolingo English Test (DET) work?

Understanding the test’s structure is crucial for effective preparation, as it helps you know what to expect and how to approach each part of the exam. Basically, it has 3 parts: an introduction, an adaptive test, and a written and video interview.

Introduction and setup: First, the exam begins with a 5-minute introduction, where you’ll receive instructions and details about the test rules.
Adaptive test: The adaptive section is the bulk of the exam, taking 45 minutes.

It tests your reading, listening, writing, and speaking abilities through a variety of tasks.

These will become progressively more complex depending on the responses given.

Video interview: The last section of the exam is a 10-minute writing and video interview section where you will write on a given topic.

This section will really help check how well you can communicate and express ideas in both written and spoken English.

The test consists of multiple-choice questions and open-minded questions, with all answers being computer-scored.

Common Question Types

A Duolingo English Test (DET) pattern features a wide variety of test questions designed to assess practical language skills under strict time limits.

You may encounter ‘read and complete’ tasks, where you fill in the missing part—words or phrases—in sentences, as well as ‘missing letters’ exercises that require you to complete words by adding the correct letters. ‘Listen and type’ tasks test your listening and transcription skills by having you type exactly what you hear in audio recordings. In ‘read then speak’ tasks, you read a prompt and then respond verbally, while ‘write about the photo’ and ‘speak about the photo’ require you to describe or speak about an image in detail.

The test includes a ‘speaking sample’ and a ‘writing sample’, both of which are timed and require you to provide a detailed response to a prompt. ‘Interactive writing’ tasks involve responding to prompts in multiple parts, and ‘speaking write’ tasks integrate both speaking and writing skills. You’ll also read short passages and answer related questions to demonstrate your reading skills and comprehension skills.

Listening sections may ask you to select the best response or most appropriate response to continue a conversation, and you’ll often need to choose the correct word or best word to complete sentences accurately. Some reading tasks require you to highlight the answer in a passage, identify the main idea, or understand how ideas passage connect. You may also be asked to fill in the missing part in listening exercises.

Accuracy is crucial, so always aim for correct answers. The test will challenge you to distinguish real English words from fake ones and recognize common English words, both of which are essential for demonstrating your English vocabulary. Understanding the structure and format of these test questions is key to success.

To maximize your score, use your full speaking time in oral tasks and elaborate with a detailed response in both speaking and writing. Regularly reading news articles, novels, and blogs can help improve your reading skills, while consuming English media such as news articles, movies, and podcasts will enhance your vocabulary and comprehension skills. Practicing dictation by listening to podcasts or videos and writing down what you hear is also an effective way to boost your listening and writing skills.

Familiarize yourself with the Duolingo practice test to get used to the question types and simulate the actual test experience as closely as possible. This will help you manage time limits and improve your performance on the real exam.

Related:

Adaptive Test Features

One of the standout features of the Duolingo English Test is its computer adaptive test format. Unlike traditional English tests, the adaptive test adjusts the difficulty level of each question based on your previous answers. If you answer a question correctly, the next one may be more challenging; if you struggle, the test will present a slightly easier question. This approach ensures that every test taker receives a personalized assessment that accurately reflects their English language proficiency and skill level.

The adaptive test covers a wide range of question types designed to evaluate your English skills in real-world contexts. You might encounter fill in the blanks, reading comprehension passages, and speaking samples, all aimed at measuring your ability to understand and use English effectively. Because the test adapts to your responses, it provides a fair and efficient way to assess your language proficiency, making it a reliable choice for anyone looking to demonstrate their English skills.

Test Length and Timing

The entire exam is designed to be completed in about one hour, making it a convenient option for busy test takers. The adaptive test section, which forms the core of the Duolingo English Test, lasts approximately 45 minutes. After that, you’ll move on to the video interview, where you’ll be asked to speak for 1 to 3 minutes on prompts that match your speaking level. This section helps assess your ability to communicate clearly and confidently in English.

Time management is crucial during the test. Since each section is timed, it’s important to keep an eye on the clock and pace yourself so you can attempt all questions. Practicing with mock tests can help you get used to the timing and ensure you’re comfortable completing the entire exam within the allotted time.

How To Take The Duolingo English Test (DET)?

Test-takers can follow these 5 steps to take the Duolingo English Test (DET) exam:

Step 1: Create an account

First, you need to create an account on the Duolingo English Test (DET) website.

Fill in information like age and email address and create a password.

Then, hit “Next” to proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Choose your objective from the below options

Undergraduate university admissions
Graduate university admissions (MBA, PhD, etc.)
Middle or high school admissions
Applying for a job or promotion
None of the above

If you are taking the test for immigration purposes, make sure to check the specific immigration requirements for language proficiency set by the relevant authorities.

Next, click “Create account” to continue.

Step 3: Buy the test

After registering or creating your account, you need to purchase and pay for the examination. Test fees for the Duolingo English Test are generally lower compared to other English proficiency exams like IELTS or TOEFL, making it a more affordable option for many test takers.

Step 4: Fill out the Pre-test Survey

Once you have paid, you must complete the Pre-test Survey.

Step 5: Take the test

You have 90 days from the date of purchase to take the exam. Before starting, ensure you have a stable and reliable internet connection, as this is essential for taking the Duolingo English Test online and avoiding technical issues during the exam.

Institutions that Accept the Duolingo English Test

The Duolingo English Test is widely accepted by thousands of universities and institutions around the world. Many top universities, including MIT, Yale, and Brown University, recognize the Duolingo English Test as a valid measure of English proficiency for admission purposes. This makes the test a popular choice for international students seeking admission to prestigious programs.

Because the test is accepted by so many institutions, it offers flexibility and convenience for applicants. If you’re considering taking the Duolingo English Test, it’s a good idea to check the official Duolingo website for the most up-to-date list of universities and colleges that accept the test. This ensures that your English test score will be recognized by your chosen institution.

9 Tips To Prepare For The Duolingo English Test (DET)

Understand The Test Structure

Learning about the test format is the first important step you should take.

Watch video guides to see what kinds of questions there are.

You can read the official Duolingo guide to understand the scoring and structure.

Knowing how it is organized will help you feel more confident.

Practice Regularly Over Time

Take some time every day or every week to practice.

Only then will you get better and better over time.

You need to focus on reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Doing so will make you more comfortable with the language.

Take Advantage Of Practice Tests

Duolingo offers free practice tests, so take them regularly to understand the test format.

Practice tests show how you are improving and get used to the timing.

The more you practice, the better prepared you will be.

Boost Your Skills With Courses

You can also consider taking an online course to improve your English.

Lots of websites offer courses designed to help you improve in all aspects, including grammar, vocabulary, and speaking.

An organized course will prepare you, which can increase your skills and confidence.

Plan Ahead For Test Day

It’s important to prepare your test environment in advance.

Choose a quiet room with good lighting the best,

Besides, ensure that your computer, webcam, and internet are in good condition.

Most importantly, schedule the exam when you are most alert and focused.

Follow Test Rules Carefully

Duolingo has very strict rules that one has to comply with.

You need to have your face and ears in full view the entire time.

No mobile phones, notes, or textbooks are allowed during the exam.

Moreover, remember to keep your eyes on the screen and stay inside the test window.

Any violation of the above-mentioned rules might result in the invalidation of your exam.

Practice Speaking Aloud

The test has speaking parts.

So, practicing speaking English out loud can help you get better at speaking.

You can do this by reading out loud or talking with others in English.

This will help you feel more comfortable when answering questions.

Focus On Quality Over Quantity

Focus on truly learning the material.

It’s better to know key concepts well than to rush through a lot.

Take time to improve your grammar, vocabulary, and speaking abilities.

Remember that quality is more effective than cramming.

Stay Calm And Confident

On the test day, be calm and go through your answers before submission.

Trust your preparation, which will help you be more confident.

Also, take a deep breath.

If you are nervous, just focus on what you have to do.

How Much Does The Duolingo English Test (DET) Cost?

The Duolingo English Test (DET) proficiency test comes in different purchases to fit different needs.

One test costs $70, the price Duolingo quotes; the amount for your country is shown at checkout on englishtest.duolingo.com.

You have 21 days from the day of purchase to finish the exam.

Do you need to take the test again, or do you simply want more chances?

There is also a package of two tests at a discounted price.

Each test in the package costs less than a single test bought on its own.

You also have another 21 days to take the second exam after completing the first one.

Furthermore, you can purchase up to 3 tests within 30 days.

This configuration simplifies and saves money for users taking the tests more than once.

It is also more convenient for you to use and manage your time and expenses.

Test Results and Validity

After completing the Duolingo English Test, you’ll receive your results quickly—typically within 48 hours—via a personal URL. Your test score will be valid for two years, giving you plenty of time to use it for university applications or other purposes. The Duolingo English Test score ranges from 10 to 160, and each score corresponds to a CEFR level, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficient).

Your results will include a detailed breakdown of your performance in key areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. This helps you understand your strengths and identify areas for improvement. To prepare effectively and aim for a high score, it’s recommended to use mock tests, practice with sample questions, and focus on building your English skills—especially in writing and speaking. By doing so, you’ll be well-equipped to demonstrate your English language proficiency and boost your chances of admission to your desired institution.