Are you familiar with Duolingo - the funny looking green bird? Did you know that Duolingo is currently one of the best places to receive language certifications and proficiency tests?
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is emerging as a strong alternative to traditional English proficiency tests like the TOEFL and IELTS. It offers a convenient, accessible, and affordable way for universities and institutions to assess the English language skills of international students, applicants, or employees.
Moreover, if you wish to know which universities accept the Duolingo English Test Scores, and wish to navigate your way through the application process to those universities, consider exploring the varied, personally curated Yocket Premium services - your one-stop solution to everything studying abroad! Click here to find out how Yocket can help you.
Check your eligibility at over 2000+ universities by connecting with our experts!
How to Take the Duolingo English Test - Highlights
To take the Duolingo English Test, candidates do not need to go to a centre. With the right tools, candidates can take the test whenever it's convenient for them, from the comfort of their own homes. Duolingo maintains very stringent rules regarding and during the test duration. Here are some highlights about DET:
- DET costs USD 59 / INR 4,890.
- The test takes 60 minutes to complete, and it is divided into three sections.
- Results are available within 2 days or 48 hours.
- There is no age limit or prerequisites you need to fulfill to take the DET.
- You cannot take the test more than 3 times in 30 days.
- The test scores are acknowledged by more than 4,000 universities globally.
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Duolingo English Test 2025 - Test Duration and Time
The Duolingo test measures four abilities of the test taker. They are literacy, or the ability to read and write; comprehension, the ability to listen and read; conversation, the ability to listen and speak proficiently; and production, or the ability to write and speak. The general pattern of the Duolingo English Test is tabulated below.
The format of the Duolingo English Test consists of three sections, scoring ranges between 10 and 160 points. Each of these sections is intended to track the candidate's overall English language proficiency level. The questions are not ranked in any specific order of difficulty. When the test begins, you'll be guided through three distinct sections:
|
Sections of the Duolingo English Test |
Exam Duration |
|---|---|
|
Introduction |
5 minutes |
|
Adaptive test (Graded) |
45 minutes |
|
Writing and speaking sample (Ungraded) |
10 minutes |
Now, let us elaborate on each of the sections of the DET in detail.
Check out our video on whether you should take Duolingo or TOEFL!
Suggested: Universities Accepting Duolingo English Test
Duolingo English Test Format 2025
The Duolingo English Test is divided into three sections: Introduction, Adaptive test (Graded), Writing and speaking sample (Ungraded) and the total time of the test is 60 minutes. Understand what each section asks of you by reading on.
Section 1: DET Introduction and Onboarding
This first section informs applicants of the guidelines and prerequisites for the Duolingo English Test. It lasts for five minutes. In this section, the candidate is debriefed and reminded to ensure the following:
- The microphone, speakers, and camera on your computer are operating correctly.
- Send in your picture ID from the government.
- Review the requirements and rules for the test.
Section 2: Adaptive Test
The 45-minute Duolingo Adaptive test evaluates a candidate's English language proficiency using various kinds of unusual question formats. The exam questions are given at random, and depending on how well you do, the questions' complexity will continue to change. This section will not have a set number of questions, and the test will end as soon as the grading system is happy with your performance.
The questions that will be asked in the adaptive test are included in the table below, along with the domains they measure and the time allotted to respond.
|
Questions Type |
Subscores |
Time limit |
|---|---|---|
|
Read and complete |
Literacy, Comprehension |
3 min |
|
Read and select |
Literacy, Comprehension |
1 min |
|
Listen and select |
Comprehension, Conversation |
1.5 min |
|
Listen and types |
Comprehension, Conversation |
1 min |
|
Read aloud |
Comprehension, Conversation |
20 sec |
|
Write about photo |
Production, Literacy |
1 min |
|
Speak about photo |
Production, Conversation |
1 - 1.5 min |
|
Read and write |
Conversation, Production |
0.5 - 1.5 min |
|
Listen and speak |
Conversation, Production |
0.5 - 1.5 min |
Section 3: Video Interview, Writing, and Speaking Test
The last section of the Duolingo English Test is a ten-minute video interview. Along with the test taker's score, open-ended prompts and writing and speaking samples are shared with the testing institutions. You must have a front-facing camera, a microphone, functional speakers, and a dependable internet connection, as requested by Duolingo. In this section, a candidate needs to do the following:
- Describe an image.
- Deliver their ideas on a topic for a few minutes.
How to book your slot or register for the DET? Find out in the next section.
How to Register for Duolingo English Test?
To appear for the Duolingo English Test (DET) exam, you need to register at the official website to proceed. Creating an account on the website is free; the only thing required for the same is your email address.
Follow the below-mentioned steps to register for the DET exam:
- Visit the official website of Duolingo English Test, and create an account.
- On the left-hand side of the screen click on the ‘Purchase a Test’ tab.
- You will see two options on the screen. You can either purchase one test for USD 59 / INR 4,990 or you may buy a test bundle of two tests for USD 98 / INR 8,120.
- Click on ‘Add to cart’ and checkout. Pay an extra USD 40 / INR 3,310 if you wish to obtain early results, i.e. within 12 hours.
- Put your email ID, country, state/union territory, and make the fee payment.
Note: There is an option to reschedule or cancel the Duolingo slot.
Duolingo Test Structure and Question Types
The Duolingo English Test (DET) aims to assess multiple subscores, including comprehension, conversation, literacy, and production. The test comprises various question types, each designed to evaluate specific language competencies. The frequency of these question types varies for each test taker, ensuring a customised testing experience. It is important to note that the number of questions of each type may differ between tests and test takers.
The table below provides an overview of the question types, allotted time, and resources accessed during the test, offering aspiring students valuable insights:
|
Question Type |
Time |
What it Measures |
Question type explained |
|
Read and Complete |
3 mins |
Literacy, Comprehension |
Fill in the blank, complete the passage
|
|
Read and Select |
1 min |
Literacy, Comprehension |
Identify real words (audio), yes/no vocabulary (audio)  |
|
Listen and Select |
1.5 min |
Conversation, Comprehension |
Identify real words (audio), yes/no vocabulary (audio)
|
|
Listen and Type |
1 min |
Conversation, Comprehension |
Write the statement you just heard
|
|
Read Aloud |
20 secs |
Conversation, Comprehension |
Speak the written statement
|
|
Write About the Photo |
1 min |
Literacy, Production |
Describe the image (written)
|
|
Speak About the Photo |
1.5 mins |
Conversation, Production |
Describe the image (aural)
|
|
Read, Then Write |
5 mins |
Literacy, Production |
Open-response writing
|
|
Read, Then Speak |
1.5 mins |
Conversation, Production |
Open-response speaking
|
|
Video Sample |
3 mins |
Reading, Speaking |
Extended speaking, video interview
|
|
Listen, Then Speak |
1.5 mins |
Conversation, Production |
Open-response speaking
|
|
Complete the Sentences |
7-8 mins |
Literacy, Comprehension |
Identify the correct word in the sentence passage
|
|
Complete the Passage |
7-8 mins |
Literacy, Comprehension |
Identify the correct sentence to complete the passage
|
|
Highlight the Answer |
7-8 mins |
Literacy, Comprehension |
Highlight the relevant text
|
|
Identify the Idea |
7-8 mins |
Literacy, Comprehension |
Find a main idea in the passage
|
|
Writing Sample |
7-8 mins |
Literacy, Production |
Extended writing
|
Preparation Tips for the Duolingo English Test
Here are some ways you can prepare to score exceptionally on the Duolingo English Test:
- Focus on improving your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills through various resources like books, online courses, or language learning apps.
- Duolingo offers a few practice tests to familiarize yourself with the question format and difficulty level, so take them regularly to prepare yourself.
- Immerse yourself in the language by reading English news articles, watching movies and shows in English, or engaging in conversations with native speakers.
Finally, let us discuss the varied questions that the DET entails so that you know how to prepare.
Read our blog on universities accepting Duolingo scores
From the Desk of Yocket
So, that was everything about the Duolingo English Test. Its time duration is 60 minutes, divided into three sections, and scored between 10 and 160. Similar to other infamous English proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL, Duolingo also assesses your English reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities. It is a much more flexible and convenient option for study-abroad aspirants, as it is home-based and for a shorter timeframe.
If you have any further queries about English proficiency tests and which universities accept which scores or require assistance on anything related to studying in international universities, reach out to our Yocket experts for end-to-end assistance!
