Literacy and reading tasks
Read and complete, read and select real words, interactive reading.
Tips
- Build vocabulary
- Work quickly — tasks are timed
Duolingo exam guide
Duolingo English Test: Online, 1-hour English test from home
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an online, adaptive English test you take from home in about an hour. It is affordable, fast and accepted by thousands of programs — but not by every university or visa authority, so check before you book.
- Take it from home
- About 1 hour
- Results in ~2 days
- Acceptance check
Plan your Duolingo and applications
Checklist and next steps on WhatsApp
At a glance
Duolingo exam: key facts
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducted by | Duolingo |
| Format | Online, adaptive, proctored at home |
| Duration | About 1 hour |
| Score scale | 10–160 overall, plus sub-scores |
| Fee | About US$70 (check the official site) |
| Results | Usually within 2 days |
| Validity | 2 years |
| Not accepted for | Australian student visa; UK SELT visa routes |
What is the Duolingo?
DET uses short, varied tasks that adapt to your level, including reading, listening, writing, speaking and interactive tasks, plus a short writing and speaking sample shared with universities.
Many US, Canadian, UK and European universities accept DET for admission. Always confirm both the university and the visa requirements.
Exam pattern
Duolingo exam pattern
| Part | Duration | Content | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Setup & introduction | About 5 minutes | ID check and rules | Quiet, well-lit room required |
| Adaptive test | About 45 minutes | Reading, listening, writing and speaking tasks | Difficulty adapts to answers |
| Writing & speaking sample | About 10 minutes | Unscored responses sent to universities | Universities may read/listen |
Section by section
Duolingo sections and preparation tips
Listening tasks
Listen and type, interactive listening.
Tips
- Use headphones as allowed
- Practise dictation
Writing and speaking
Write about a photo, read aloud, speak about a topic.
Tips
- Use full sentences
- Speak clearly and naturally
Scores
Duolingo scoring explained
Overall score from 10 to 160 with sub-scores for individual skills.
| DET score | Approx. IELTS |
|---|---|
| 130 – 160 | 7.5 – 9.0 |
| 120 – 125 | 7.0 |
| 110 – 115 | 6.5 |
| 100 – 105 | 6.0 |
| 90 – 95 | 5.5 |
What Duolingo score do you need?
Typical DET requirements.
| Destination / program | Typical requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Top US universities | 120 – 130+ | Where accepted |
| Most US master's | 105 – 120 | |
| Canada / UK universities | 105 – 120 | Check program |
| Australia | Not accepted for visa | Use IELTS/PTE/TOEFL |
Not sure which Duolingo score you need?
A 15-minute expert call sets your target score from your university shortlist and plans your test date around deadlines.
₹355 15 min₹755 30 min₹1,155 45–60 min
Booking
How to register for Duolingo
- 01
Check your equipment
Computer with camera, microphone and a supported browser.
- 02
Buy the test online
Take it any time within the purchase window.
- 03
Send scores
Share free with institutions after results.
Study plan
How to prepare for Duolingo
- 01
Set your target score
List the minimum overall and section scores for every university and the visa. Your target is the highest of these, plus a small buffer.
- 02
Take a diagnostic test
Sit a full timed practice test to find your starting level and weakest sections.
- 03
Build a weekly schedule
Plan 6–10 weeks of practice that covers every section, with more time for your weakest skill.
- 04
Practise under real timing
Do full mock tests in exam conditions at least once a week in the final month.
- 05
Review every mistake
Keep an error log — question type, why you got it wrong and the fix — and revisit it weekly.
- 06
Book with a buffer
Book your test early enough to retake once before your earliest application or visa deadline.
Avoid these
Common Duolingo mistakes
Not checking acceptance
Some universities and visas don't accept DET.
Breaking test rules
Looking away or noise can invalidate your result.
Popular searches
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FAQs
Duolingo: frequently asked questions
No. Use IELTS, PTE Academic or TOEFL iBT for Australia.
Many UK universities accept DET for admission to degree programs, but it is not a UKVI SELT for routes that require one.
There are limits on how many attempts you can take within a set period; check the current policy.
Yes — we check every university and the visa rules for your destination before you book.
Talk to an expert
Need help planning your Duolingo?
We set your target score from your university shortlist and plan your test date around application and visa deadlines.
Mon–Sat, 9 AM–6 PM IST