Duolingo English Test Guide: Format, Scores, Fees and Who Accepts It
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a one-hour, at-home, adaptive English test that costs about US$70 and reports a score from 10 to 160, usually within about two days. It is accepted for admission by thousands of universities worldwide, but rarely for visas. Take it when your university accepts it and cost or a tight deadline rules out IELTS, TOEFL or PTE.
Key takeaways
- At home, about 1 hour, results in about 2 days, about US$70.
- Adaptive: questions adjust to your level as you go.
- Your score report includes an unscored video interview and writing sample that universities can watch and read.
- It’s an admissions test. Do not rely on it for a visa.
- Strict room and behaviour rules. Most failed attempts are proctoring violations, not English.
What is the Duolingo English Test format?
The DET is computer-adaptive and mixes short, fast task types rather than long sections. Typical task types include:
| Task type | Skill | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Read and complete | Reading | Fill missing letters in a paragraph |
| Read and select | Vocabulary | Choose the real English words from a list |
| Listen and type | Listening | Type a sentence you hear |
| Read aloud | Speaking | Read a sentence into the microphone |
| Write about the photo | Writing | Describe an image in writing |
| Speak about the photo | Speaking | Describe an image aloud |
| Interactive reading and listening | Integrated | Answer several questions about a passage or conversation |
| Writing sample and speaking sample | Unscored | Shared with institutions with your result |
Task types are updated periodically. Use Duolingo’s free official practice test to see the current set.
How is the Duolingo English Test scored?
You receive an overall score from 10 to 160, in 5-point steps, plus subscores that combine skills (for example Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation and Production). Duolingo publishes broad proficiency bands:
| Score | Proficiency |
|---|---|
| 10–55 | Beginner |
| 60–85 | Intermediate |
| 90–115 | Upper-intermediate |
| 120–160 | Advanced |
To compare with other tests, use the official DET concordance with IELTS and TOEFL, and the institution’s own equivalence table. Our CEFR levels explained guide covers the framework underneath.
Who accepts the Duolingo English Test?
Thousands of universities and programmes accept the DET for admission, especially in the US, Canada and parts of Europe and Asia. Acceptance is decided programme by programme, so the business school at a university may accept it while the medical school does not.
Where it usually is not accepted:
- Most visa and immigration routes
- Many professional registration bodies (nursing, medicine, teaching)
- Some highly selective programmes that name specific tests
If you need a score for a visa and a university, choose IELTS, TOEFL or PTE instead. Which English test should I take? walks through the decision.
How to prepare for the Duolingo English Test
- Take the free official practice test to learn the task types and get a rough score.
- Build typing speed and spelling. Several tasks reward fast, accurate typing.
- Practise the “Read and complete” task daily. It rewards wide vocabulary and an eye for word forms.
- Rehearse speaking to a camera. Fill the full response time with clear, organised speech.
- Prepare your room. Read the official rules on lighting, headphones, looking away from the screen and background noise. A clean attempt is half the battle.
Most people need 2–4 weeks of focused practice if their English is already near the required level, and longer if it is not. See how long to prepare for an English test.
Planning DET preparation?
Tutopiya is planning a short live Duolingo English Test prep cohort aimed at a 120+ score: drills on the adaptive task types and realistic timed practice. It is not running yet. Register interest in Duolingo test prep with nothing to pay, and you will be told first if it opens.
Sources
- Duolingo English Test: official site and practice test
- Duolingo English Test: score interpretation guide
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Duolingo English Test cost? +
The Duolingo English Test costs about US$70 per attempt. Check the official site for the current price in your country and any bundle offers.
What is a good Duolingo English Test score? +
Scores run from 10 to 160. Many universities ask for something in the 100 to 125 range for undergraduate entry, and higher for competitive programmes. Check each institution's published minimum.
Is the Duolingo English Test accepted for visas? +
Generally not. Most immigration systems, including the UK's and Australia's, do not list it as an approved visa test. It is mainly an admissions test, accepted at the discretion of each institution.
How long does the Duolingo English Test take? +
About one hour, including a short setup, the adaptive test and a video interview and writing sample that are sent to institutions with your score.
Can I take the Duolingo English Test at home? +
Yes. It is taken online at home on a computer with a webcam, microphone and stable internet, under strict proctoring rules.
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