Exam Name	Duolingo
DET Full form	Duolingo English Test
Official Website	https://englishtest.duolingo.com/
Most popular for	Studying, working, and migrating to English-speaking countries like USA and Canada
Also accepted by	UK, Australia, and New Zealand among others
Conducted by	Duolingo
Mode of Exam	Computer (Online)
Duolingo Test Fees in India	$59 (INR 4852)
Duration	45 minutes
Result	2 days

The Duolingo English Test is a computer-adaptive assessment, meaning the difficulty of the questions adjusts based on the test taker’s performance. Each question varies, providing a unique experience for every user, with no specific order to the question types. You can take the test multiple times, but it’s unlikely you’ll encounter the same question more than once. Although the test lasts only one hour, it effectively gauges the test taker’s ability through its adaptive question difficulty. Results are provided quickly, typically within two days. Duolingo continuously enhances the test to ensure security and accuracy, recently introducing a new section where candidates participate in a 10-minute video interview and record their answers to open-ended questions.

Duolingo English Test Updates

The Duolingo English Test has introduced new changes to improve the accuracy of proficiency evaluation. Key updates include:

Fill in the Blanks: This section will have 6 to 9 incomplete sentences with unfinished words. Students must fill in the words within a 20-second timeframe per sentence. It’s crucial to read the sentences and instructions carefully before answering.

Interactive Writing: Students will receive a prompt as a question and will need to write about it for 5 minutes. Following this, there will be a follow-up prompt allowing an additional 3 minutes to expand on the initial idea.

Read and Select: In this section, students will need to identify real English words presented one by one on the screen. This enhances test efficiency and accurately evaluates the test taker’s vocabulary size.

Duolingo English Test 2024 Duration

The total test duration is one hour, divided into two sections:

• Adaptive Section: Lasts 45 minutes
• Speaking and Writing Section: Takes 10 minutes to complete

DET Full Form

The full form of DET is Duolingo English Test. Often referred to simply as Duolingo, DET and Duolingo are used interchangeably. This exam assesses the English language proficiency of applicants applying to universities abroad. Those wishing to study in Australia or New Zealand can submit Duolingo scores to universities in these countries. Additionally, some universities in the USA also accept Duolingo English Test scores from international students.

Duolingo English Test Eligibility Criteria

No specific eligibility criteria have been set by Duolingo for international applicants taking the Duolingo English Test (DET). There are no required qualifications or academic prerequisites to appear for the DET. Anyone wishing to demonstrate their proficiency in English can take this test. It is typically taken by individuals planning to move to major English-speaking countries for higher education. The test can be taken anywhere and at any time, with no fixed location for the DET exam.

Duolingo English Test Age Limit

Similar to academic qualifications, there is no age limit for the Duolingo test.

However, candidates must meet certain test requirements set by Duolingo. You can appear for this exam if you need to submit proof of your English language proficiency for university applications abroad, regardless of your age. If you are under 13 years old, parental consent is required to take the test. This can be done by filling out an online form during the registration process.

How to Take the Duolingo English Test 2024

You can take the Duolingo English Test online from anywhere at any time. There is no need to travel to a test center; candidates can complete the test from the comfort of their homes. However, they must have the necessary equipment to take the test.

Since the test is taken from home, Duolingo enforces strict rules to maintain test integrity. Candidates must be alone in the room, and no one should talk to them during the test. Additionally, candidates cannot navigate away from the browser while taking the test. There are also other rules to follow, which will be provided by Duolingo.

Highlights

• The test can be completed in 1 hour, with results available within 2 days (48 hours), and they can be shared immediately.
• Accepted by over 4,000 institutions worldwide.
• The test costs only $59 (less than INR 4824).
• Candidates can send their Duolingo test score reports to as many institutions as they want for free.
• Necessary equipment and setup are required for registering for the test. Candidates can use a driving license, government ID, or passport for documentation during registration.

Duolingo English Test 2024 Registration

To appear for the Duolingo English Test (DET), you need to register on the official website. Creating an account is free and requires only your email address. Follow these steps to register for the DET exam:

1. Visit the official Duolingo English Test website.
2. Create an account using your email ID.
3. Click on the ‘Purchase a Test’ tab on the left-hand side of the screen.
4. Choose between purchasing one test for $59 or a bundle of two tests for $98.
5. Click ‘Add to Cart’ and proceed to checkout. You may pay an extra $40 for early results within 12 hours.
6. Enter your email ID, country, and state/union territory, and complete the payment.

Duolingo English Test Attempts

There is no limit to the number of times you can take the DET, but you cannot attempt it more than three times in a 30-day period. Once you purchase the test, you have 21 days to start it. To check if you can buy another test, review your purchase history for the past 30 days. If you fail the test more than once, you can retake it. However, if you do not see improvement after multiple attempts, consider trying a different method or test to enhance your language learning.

Duolingo English Test Fee 2024

The fee for the Duolingo English Test for Indian students is $65 (approximately INR 5,423). Previously, the cost was $59 per test. Despite this increase, the DET remains one of the most cost-effective English proficiency tests available for students aspiring to study abroad.

For those looking to maximise value, there is an option to book two tests together at a discounted rate. The combined fee for two tests is $110 (approximately INR 9,178), which amounts to $55 per test.

Duolingo English Test 2024 Dates

The Duolingo English Test does not have specific dates set by Duolingo. This flexibility allows candidates to take the test at any time throughout the year, offering a significant advantage over traditional standardised English exams that have fixed schedules. Test results are available within two days and include overall scores, sub-scores, as well as speaking and writing samples. These results can be sent to multiple universities or colleges at no additional cost.

DET 2024 Test Requirements

Hardware and Software Requirements:

• A supported browser (Chrome or Opera)
• A microphone
• A front-facing camera
• Speakers

Additional Requirements for the Duolingo English Test

• A passport, driver’s license, or government-issued ID
• A computer
• A well-lit room
• A stable internet connection

Duolingo English Test Pattern 2024

Here is the structure of the Duolingo English Test:

Section	Skills Tested	Duration
Introduction and Onboarding	Ensure your computer’s camera, speakers, and microphone are working properly. Submit your government-issued photo ID. Review test rules and requirements.	5 minutes
Adaptive Test	Assess your English skills through various question types such as Read and Complete, Read and Select, Listen and Select, etc.	45 minutes
Writing and Speaking Sample	Respond to a prompt with a detailed answer.	10 minutes

Duolingo English Test Question Types: New Updates

Students taking the Duolingo English Test will encounter updated question types designed to more accurately assess their English proficiency. Here’s an overview of the new question formats:

• Fill in the Blanks: This new question type requires students to complete sentences with the correct words. Each sentence must be completed within 20 seconds, and there will be 6 to 9 incomplete sentences.

• Interactive Writing: Replacing the previous “Read then Write” format, this section involves writing about a given topic for 5 minutes. After the initial response, students will receive a follow-up prompt and have an additional 3 minutes to expand on their answer.

• Read and Select: In this revised section, students will see English words displayed one by one on the screen. They must decide within 5 seconds whether each word is a real English word by selecting “yes” or “no.” Previously, students had to identify all real English words from a group.

Duolingo English Test Syllabus 2024

The Duolingo English Test 2024 does not have a fixed syllabus. The test assesses your proficiency in English across various skills, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Candidates will face tasks related to comprehension, audio-based questions, title generation for passages, filling in missing words, and speaking on prompts. To familiarise yourself with the types of questions and exercises, you can visit the official Duolingo website.

DET 2024 Results

You will receive your Duolingo English Test results within two days of completing the exam. You can then share your results with any number of institutions.

Duolingo English Test 2024 Scores

The Duolingo English Test evaluates practical language skills in Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking through a computer-based format. Scores are reported on a scale of 10-160, reflecting a comprehensive assessment of your English proficiency.

Upon completion of the test, you will receive a single holistic score ranging from 10 to 160, rather than individual section scores. Most top academic programs require a score above 120, but it’s advisable to verify the specific requirements of each program you’re interested in. You can compare DET scores with IELTS and TOEFL scores using the table below:

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

What Happens After the Duolingo English Test?

Once you complete the test, it is reviewed by the proctors, and you will receive an email indicating when your scores will be available (within 2 days). You will be notified by email when your scores are ready. Candidates are allowed to take up to two certified tests within a 30-day period. A certified test refers to the standard test you take to receive scores. Technical issues encountered during the exam do not count towards the two-test limit.

Duolingo English Test scores are valid for two years. After receiving your scores, you can send them directly to educational institutions from the results page, with no limit on the number of reports you can send, and this is done at no additional cost.

Why a New English Test?

Traditional English Language Proficiency tests can be challenging for students due to the need for extensive travel, long wait times for scheduling, and high costs. The Duolingo English Test (DET) leverages modern technology to enhance accessibility and affordability. The DET allows students to take the test from anywhere, removing the need for travel to a test center. It is also more budget-friendly, with a fee of $59 compared to several hundred dollars for tests like TOEFL or IELTS. Additionally, the DET simplifies the registration and score-sending process, enabling students to send their scores to multiple universities for free. Overall, the DET offers greater accessibility, affordability, and convenience, making English language proficiency testing more accessible to students worldwide.

How to Send Duolingo English Test Scores

Your scores will be available within 48 hours after completing the test. Once your scores are ready, you can send them directly to educational institutions from the results page. There is no limit on the number of score reports you can send, and you can forward them to as many schools as you wish at no additional cost.

Universities Accepting DET scores / B-schools

You can view the full list of programs that accept the Duolingo English Test on the official website. Currently, over 4,000 programs worldwide accept the DET. Additionally, 97 of the top 100 universities in the US, as ranked by U.S. News, accept DET scores, including prestigious institutions like Columbia University, the University of Chicago, Duke University, and Yale University.

Duolingo English Test Preparation Tips 2024

There are several effective ways to prepare for the Duolingo English Test. Focus on enhancing all areas of language proficiency, including reading, listening, speaking, and writing. You can listen to English podcasts, read articles from reputable magazines and newspapers, and engage in conversations with native English speakers to improve your skills. Additionally, practicing Duolingo speaking topics will help boost your speaking abilities.

To further prepare, consider taking a free practice test available on the Duolingo English Test website. This will help you become familiar with the question types and format of the real test. You can retake the sample test multiple times to simulate the actual exam experience.

Duolingo English Test (DET) vs. TOEFL

Both the Duolingo English Test (DET) and the TOEFL assess English language skills, but they differ in several key aspects.

• Test Format: The TOEFL is an internet-based test that must be taken at designated testing centers. In contrast, the DET is an online test that can be completed remotely from anywhere with a stable internet connection.

• Sections: The TOEFL comprises four sections—Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing—while the DET includes three sections: Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

• Scoring Scale: The TOEFL uses a scoring scale from 0 to 120, whereas the DET uses a scale from 10 to 160.

• Cost: The TOEFL is generally more expensive, with fees reaching several hundred dollars, while the DET costs US $59.

• Results Delivery: The DET provides results within 2 days, while TOEFL results may take up to 10 days.

Duolingo English Test (DET) vs. IELTS

The IELTS and the Duolingo English Test (DET) have several notable differences:

• Test Duration: The IELTS takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, whereas the DET is shorter, lasting about 1 hour.

• Testing Format: The IELTS is typically administered in person at designated testing centers, while the DET is an online test that can be taken remotely from any location with a computer and internet connection.

• Scoring Scale: IELTS scores range from 1 to 9, while the DET scores range from 10 to 160.

• Cost: The IELTS is generally more expensive, with fees reaching several hundred dollars depending on the country, while the DET costs $59.

• Results Delivery: The DET provides results within 2 days, whereas the IELTS results may take up to 13 days to be delivered.

 

1. What is the Duolingo English Test, and how does it work?

The Duolingo English Test is an online language proficiency exam that can be taken from your home. It assesses your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in English and is accepted by many universities and institutions worldwide.

2. How can I register for the Duolingo English Test?

You can register for the Duolingo English Test by visiting the official Duolingo website, creating an account, and following the instructions to book and pay for your test.

3. What are the eligibility criteria for the Duolingo English Test?

There are no specific eligibility criteria for the Duolingo English Test. Anyone who needs to prove their English proficiency for university admissions or other purposes can take the test.

4. What is the cost of the Duolingo English Test?

The Duolingo English Test costs $59, but prices may vary depending on your location. It is one of the most affordable English proficiency tests available.

5. What is the Duolingo English Test syllabus?

The Duolingo English Test does not have a fixed syllabus. It evaluates your general English proficiency through various tasks that test your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.

6. How can I prepare for the Duolingo English Test?

You can prepare for the Duolingo English Test by practicing your English skills daily, using Duolingo’s practice exercises, and reviewing sample questions available on the Duolingo website.

7. What is the exam pattern of the Duolingo English Test?

The Duolingo English Test consists of a series of questions that adapt to your skill level. It includes multiple-choice questions, cloze tests, and speaking and writing tasks.

8. How long does the Duolingo English Test take?

The Duolingo English Test takes about 1 hour to complete, with 45 minutes dedicated to the test itself and 10 minutes for the setup and introduction.

9. When will I receive my Duolingo English Test results?

You will receive your Duolingo English Test results within 48 hours of completing the exam. The results will be emailed to you and available in your Duolingo account.

10. How can I send my Duolingo English Test scores to universities?

You can send your Duolingo English Test scores directly to universities from your Duolingo account. Duolingo allows you to send your scores to as many institutions as you like for free.

11. What is the validity of Duolingo English Test scores?

Duolingo English Test scores are valid for two years from the date of the exam.

12. Can I retake the Duolingo English Test if I am not satisfied with my score?

Yes, you can retake the Duolingo English Test as many times as you like. However, you can only take the test twice within a 30-day period.

13. What are the technical requirements for taking the Duolingo English Test?

To take the Duolingo English Test, you need a computer with a reliable internet connection, a working webcam and microphone, and a government-issued ID for verification.

14. How does the Duolingo English Test compare to TOEFL and IELTS?

The Duolingo English Test is shorter, more affordable, and can be taken online from home, unlike TOEFL and IELTS, which are longer, more expensive, and require in-person attendance at a test centre.

15. What is the minimum Duolingo English Test score required by universities?

The minimum Duolingo English Test score required varies by university and program. Most universities require a score of at least 100-120, but you should check the specific requirements of the institutions you’re applying to.

16. Are there any official practice tests for the Duolingo English Test?

Yes, Duolingo offers official practice tests that you can take on their website. These practice tests give you an idea of the types of questions you will encounter on the actual test.

17. What types of questions are asked in the Duolingo English Test?

The Duolingo English Test includes a variety of question types, such as multiple-choice, cloze tests, sentence completion, and speaking and writing prompts.

18. How is the Duolingo English Test scored?

The Duolingo English Test is scored on a scale of 10-160, with individual scores for literacy, conversation, comprehension, and production. The overall score is an average of these four sections.

19. What should I do if I experience technical issues during the Duolingo English Test?

If you experience technical issues during the Duolingo English Test, you should contact Duolingo’s support team immediately. They can assist you in resolving the problem or arranging a retake if necessary.

20. Which universities accept the Duolingo English Test for MBA admissions?

Many universities accept the Duolingo English Test for MBA admissions, including top institutions like Stanford, Yale, and INSEAD. It’s important to check the specific requirements of each university before applying.