How Many Times Can You Take The Duolingo English Test (DET)?

Taking the Duolingo English Test (DET) multiple times isn’t as simple as retaking a practice quiz.

Certified results, expired credits, and violations can instantly end your chances.

So, how many times can you take the Duolingo English Test (DET) exactly?

Let LUME give you a comprehensive guide on the number of tests you can take based on your specific situation!

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Key Takeaways

• You can buy a maximum of three Duolingo English Test (DET) credits in 30 days.
• Each credit gives you three chances to take the test, but only one certified result is accepted.
• The number of tests you can take also depends on the problem you might come across during the test.

How Many Times Can You Take The Duolingo English Test (DET)?

You can purchase 3 Duolingo English Tests (DET) in 30 days. 

You can’t save up tests because Duolingo requires you to take them within 21 days after the date of purchase.

Each purchase is equivalent to one credit, which gives you three attempts to take the test.

Therefore, the maximum tests you can take in 30 days are nine.

However, with each credit, you can only get one certified result.

You are not allowed to try the second or third time when the first or second result is uncertified.

So, when is it uncertified?

• There is a technical error. For example, internet cuts, equipment malfunctions, or problems with the Duolingo system.
• There is a minor rule violation, such as turning away from the screen too often.

If the result is certified, the remaining attempts of that credit, if any, will become invalid.

Real-life Example

Here’s an example to help you understand better:

Suppose Amanda purchases a Duolingo English Test (DET) on December 1st.

• Scenario 1: She takes the test on December 3rd, but the score (certified) is lower than her target. Then, she has to buy another test if she wants higher scores. 
• Scenario 2: She takes the test on December 3rd, but it’s lagging due to an interrupted internet connection (uncertified). Then, she can try the second time without paying.
• Scenario 3: She forgets to take the test and only remembers it on December 25th. Then, she has to buy a new test because it has expired.
• Scenario 4: She fails on the first try and buys two more credits on December 10th and 15th. But she isn’t satisfied with the result, either. Then, she has to wait until December 31st to buy another credit.

Note: Test-takers have to wait 48 hours between each attempt.

How Many Times Can You Take The Duolingo English Test (DET) When A Problem Happens?

The number of Duolingo English Tests (DET) you can take also depends on the problem you encounter during the test.

Technical Errors

Suppose a technical error occurs during the test, such as an interrupted internet connection, a software glitch, or an unclear ID scan.

And your test can’t be saved or certified by the system.

In this case, you can retake the test for free.

The number of free retakes is the number of remaining attempts for that credit.

ID Problem

If there’s something wrong with your ID and Duolingo doesn’t accept it, you can still take the test as normal.

You can resubmit the ID after the test finishes for verification.

This problem doesn’t affect the times you can take the test.

So, you still have three tries for each credit.

Minor Rule Violation

Let’s say you break one minor rule during the test, like looking away from the screen for over 3 seconds.

Then, you can retake the test at no extra cost.

This means you can take the test as many times as the number of remaining attempts for that credit.

Possible Misconduct

There are two cases of possible misconduct.

If Duolingo notices that you commit two minor rule violations on two consecutive attempts, the credit will expire immediately.

Even when there’s still one remaining try, you are not allowed to take it.

In this case, you are also not permitted to send an appeal because Duolingo has already given you two chances.

The only choice to sit for a new exam is to buy a new credit.

Another case is when you are flagged as “possible misconduct” or “rule violations” in many tests within 365 days.

Then, you might be suspended for one year, starting from the earliest test date when you broke the rule.

Once your account is suspended, your current credit becomes invalid.

And you can’t take any test during the time of suspension.

Evident Misconduct

Evident misconduct, such as having someone else take the test for you, is the most serious violation.

If Duolingo detects this issue, it will block your account permanently.

You will receive an email about this punishment.

In this case, your credit will immediately expire, and you are not allowed to take any test in the future.

FAQs

Do I have to pay for each time retaking the Duolingo English Test (DET)?

It depends. 

If your result is uncertified, you can retake the test at no extra cost.

But if the result is certified, you have to purchase a new credit.

Does retaking the test affect my application?

No, retaking the test won’t affect your application.

You have the choice to send the best score you get.

The institutions don’t know if the result is the first, second, or third attempt.

How to avoid retakes?

To avoid retakes, you should:

• Understand the test formats and the test rules so as not to violate even the minor ones.
• Practice with mock tests and question banks on free websites like LUME.
• Focus more on your weak skills based on the test result breakdown.

Conclusion

How many times can you take the Duolingo English Test (DET)?

The exact answer depends on your remaining attempts, your account’s status, and more.

But in general, you can only buy three credits in 30 days, each equivalent to one certified result.

To minimize retakes, don’t forget to practice as much as possible on trusted platforms like LUME!

Related practice resources

• Duolingo English Test Vocabulary List: 500+ Essential Words and Scoring Secrets
• Duolingo English Test (DET) Writing Sample Questions and Examples
• The Ultimate Duolingo English Test Cheat Sheet : Tips, Templates and Test-Day Strategy

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 GET YOUR FREE ACCOUNT NOW (Limited seats available!)