All you need to know about the Duolingo English test

Unlike other English language tests, there is no need to attend a physical test centre and no special equipment is provided to take the Duolingo English Test at home. 

This makes it the most accessible English language test, particularly for those from underserved communities with low historical access to higher education.

To access the test, create a candidate account on the official website.

Make sure you satisfy the technical requirements (desktop/laptop computer with a front-facing camera, microphone, speakers and stable internet connection). You'll also need to provide a valid form of government-issued ID (e.g. passport, driver's licence).

One of the benefits of the Duolingo English Test is flexibility. You can take the test from a quiet, private room at home (or another approved setting) at a time that suits you.

The test itself involves an introductory set-up of about five minutes, followed by a 45-minute adaptive test and a writing or speaking interview (around 10 minutes long).

Check out the below video for a walkthrough of the Duolingo English Test so you know what to expect.

The setup

The first stage is a quick five-minute set-up which allows you to try the test before buying. When you’ve decided you’re ready to take the test, you’ll receive instructions on how to download the app onto your computer.

You’ll then be required to go through a few preparation processes such as testing to see if your microphone and camera work and submitting your ID. Duolingo will then walk you through the test rules and requirements.

The adaptive test

Once you start the exam, you’ll be asked to complete an adaptive test. This is a graded section of the test that evaluates your reading, listening, writing and speaking skills.

In this section, you’ll face a variety of interactive question types: filling in missing words, re-ordering sentences, listening and typing responses, speaking or writing short responses.

The test is primarily computer scored; however, a human reviewer will watch a recording of your test after you’ve completed it. 

Once you’ve completed the test, you’ll receive a score ranging from 10-160 within 48 hours, as well as a full breakdown of your score by section.

Even though the test is adaptive and you receive different questions than other students, the scores are comparable and designed to meaningfully reflect your English proficiency.

The speaking and writing test

After you finish the adaptive parts, there is typically a short section where you record speaking responses and/or type a writing response. This gives institutions a sample of your production (spoken/written) beyond just comprehension.

Adoption of the Duolingo English Test by universities has grown rapidly. Over 6,000 institutions worldwide accept the DET across more than 50 countries.

As a prospective student, you should check the official admissions or language requirements page of each university you're considering and confirm whether they list the DET (sometimes they call it "Duolingo English Test" explicitly).

If you need the test for visa purposes (in countries where immigration/visa authorities recognise a specific exam), check whether the DET is accepted for that purpose.

While talent is equally distributed around the world, opportunities are not. Sometimes the biggest obstacle to achieving your academic goals is as simple as where you live. 

In recognition of this, the Duolingo English Test Access programme offers over 40,000 fee waivers to low-income students every year. More information about this can be found on their website.

Additionally, a partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees has helped over 70 refugee scholars benefit from one-on-one guidance and assistance with their university application.