Duolingo English Test or DET is an easy and handy way to show your English skills for academic and professional purposes.
The test is becoming more popular than the traditional English tests because it is more affordable and simpler to use.
Ready to learn more?
Lume Test will help you find out the format, how to register, and tips on preparing well for the exam.
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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 |
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.
| 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 |
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 |
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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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
The Duolingo English Test (DET) proficiency test comes in different purchases to fit different needs.
One type of test costs $59.
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 a package for two tests at $98.
This brings the price of each test to $49.
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.
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.
The Duolingo English test (DET) is a convenient and affordable way to prove your English proficiency.
Whether for academic, professional, or personal purposes, Duolingo is the way to go.
Its flexible test format and adaptive questions make it more and more popular worldwide.
Follow Lume Test for more tips about preparation!
(Read our Vietnamese version here)
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Want to ACE the Duolingo English Test (DET) And Reach Your Goals? Get Your FREE Lume Account Today to Unlock… ✅ 10,000+ PRACTICE QUESTIONS with detailed answers ✅ FREE MOCK TESTS with fast & accurate AI scoring ✅ Get BETTER SCORES with a PERSONALIZED study plan (Limited seats available!) |
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