All about the Duolingo English Test

Are you tired of the traditional English proficiency exams that are expensive, time-consuming, and stressful? Let me tell you about the Duolingo English Test! This test can be taken anytime, and almost anywhere.

Not only is the cost a fraction of traditional exams, but you will also receive your results within 48 hours, making it an ideal option for those who are in a hurry. Keep reading to learn more about how the Duolingo English Test might be the best choice for you.

What Is the Duolingo English Test?

The Duolingo English Test is an English language test that is used by many universities and employers to evaluate the language skills of non-native English speakers. There are reading, listening, writing, and speaking tasks on the test.

The Duolingo English Test is taken online from anywhere with a computer and an internet connection. The test is scored on a scale from 10 to 160. The higher the score, the better!

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is quickly becoming a popular alternative to TOEFL and IELTS.

When Did the Duolingo English Test Start?

The Duolingo English Test first launched in 2016.

Is the Duolingo English Test Free?

The Duolingo English Test is not free. As of writing, the test is about $49 USD (plus tax in some countries.) DET is a more affordable option when compared to IELTS or TOEFL, which can cost more than $200 USD.

Why Take the Duolingo English Test?

There are a few reasons why you might want to take the Duolingo English Test. The most common reason is to show universities or companies that you can speak and understand English well. Many schools and jobs want to see that people who are not native English speakers can use the language effectively before accepting them. The Duolingo English Test is a convenient way to do this. 

Another common reason people take the Duolingo English Test is to track their learning progress. The test can help English learners understand their strengths and weaknesses. And, because the DET is less expensive and easier to schedule than some of the other English language proficiency tests, some people choose to take it regularly. 

For English learners who like to regularly do the TOEIC test, why not try the DET? The Duolingo English Test will also check your speaking and writing, whereas the standard TOEIC test doesn’t!

Where Is the Duolingo English Test Accepted?

A lot of schools and jobs around the world are starting to accept the Duolingo English Test. Currently, there are more than 2,000 universities around the world! You can look on the Duolingo website to see a list of places that accept it. 

It’s also a good idea to check with the schools or companies you want to apply to to see if they accept the Duolingo English Test as proof of your English skills. 

As of writing, no countries seem to accept the DET for immigration purposes. IELTS is still the most common English language test for that.

What Does the Duolingo English Test Consist of?

Like most English language proficiency tests, the Duolingo English Test consists of tasks that test the four main language skills: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. 

The main part of the Duolingo test is reading and listening questions that adapt to your skill level. This part of the test is about 45 minutes long. There are about 10 different types of questions or “tasks” including multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, matching pairs, and reading out loud.

On the speaking and writing part, you will describe pictures, answer questions, and speak and write about different topics.

You can see the different types of tasks on the DET website here.

How Long Is the Duolingo English Test?

The Duolingo English Test takes about an hour to complete. The first 5 minutes of the test are an introduction. Then, there is a 45-minute section of questions that adapt to the level of your English. The last 10 minutes of the test are used for writing and speaking.

Where Can I Take the Duolingo English Test?

From home! The Duolingo English Test can be taken anywhere with a computer and a stable internet connection. You’ll also need a webcam and microphone to do the test. 

Duolingo says that you have to do the test in a bright, private room with no background noise. Your webcam and microphone will be on during the test to make sure that you follow the rules. If Duolingo notices that someone enters your room or there are sounds in the background, they will void your test results! 

You can read more about the rules here.

How Does the Duolingo English Test Work?

To take the Duolingo English Test, you will need to create an account on the Duolingo website and schedule a time to take the test. You will need to provide some personal information and pay the test fee of about $49 USD (plus tax in some countries) to complete the registration process.

When it’s time to take the test, log into your Duolingo English Test account. You’ll have to show a passport or official government ID. Duolingo will confirm your identity using the webcam. They’ll also “check” where you’re taking the test to make sure you’re alone.

After, there’s a 5-minute introduction about the test in which they explain how to complete the tasks. Then, it’s test time!

You should receive your test results about 48 hours after completing the DET.

How Is the Duolingo English Test Marked?

The Duolingo English Test uses advanced machine learning algorithms to evaluate your answers. The amount of time you spend on each question does not affect your score. 

Also, skipping a question and answering a question incorrectly are marked the same on most parts of the test. However, for questions where you have to listen and write down what you hear, you will get a lower score if you leave out a word than if you spell the word incorrectly. So, on this test, it’s best to just try every question!

You can look at a sample of the test results here.

Is the Duolingo English Test Hard?

It is difficult to say whether the Duolingo English Test is hard, as it depends on your English language skills and how well you prepare for the test. Some people may find the test to be relatively easy, while others may find it more challenging. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the format and the content of the test before you take it, and to practice your English language skills as much as possible.

That being said, the format of DET is much more engaging and “fun” than TOEFL, IELTS, TOEIC, and similar tests. Some say that the test feels more like a game.

I highly recommend doing the free test first!

Can You Retake the Duolingo English Test?

Yes, you can! After you finish and submit the test, you have to wait for your scores before you can take the test again. You can buy three tests within a 30-day time period. The 30 days start on the day you buy your first test.

You have to pay for each test you do.

Can I Take the Duolingo English Test without a Passport?

You can take the Duolingo English Test without a passport, but you will need to provide some form of government-issued identification to verify your identity. You can find more information about the specific types of identification that are accepted on the Duolingo website.

Duolingo English Test Scores Compared to TOEFL and IELTS

The Duolingo English Test is a reliable and easy way to check your English skills. However, the content of the DET is somewhat different from IELTS and very different from TOEFL, so any comparison is not exact. 

For the IELTS test, a score of 7 is average and is about equal to a score of 130 – 135 on DET. As for TOEFL, a score of 90 is around average and equal to about 120 on the DET.

You can find a more direct comparison on the DET website here.

Here’s a comparison of Duolingo English Test scores with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR):

• CEFR C2 = DET 155 – 160
• CEFR C1 = DET 130 – 150
• CEFR B2 = DET 100 – 125
• CEFR B1 = DET 60 – 95
• CEFR A1/A2 = DET 10 – 55