Duolingo English Test
TheDuolingo English Test (DET) is a modern, fast, and affordable language proficiency test accepted by over4,500 universities and institutions worldwide. Developed by Duolingo—the company behind the popular language-learning app—the DET has quickly gained traction among students due to itsfully online, on-demand format.
Unlike traditional English tests that require in-person appointments at test centers, the DET allows students to take the exam from thecomfort of their homes—using only a computer, internet connection, and webcam. This makes it a highly flexible option, especially for students in remote locations or those needing quick results for admissions.
Many universities in theU.S., Canada, Ireland, UK, Germany, and Australia accept DET scores either fully or conditionally. While not a universal replacement for IELTS or TOEFL, it is ideal for early applicants, backup planning, or short-deadline situations.
Ethos Education provides complete guidance on DET acceptance, preparation resources, and tech-readiness to ensure smooth performance and submission.
The Duolingo English Test isadaptive and AI-driven, meaning the difficulty level adjusts based on your answers. The test takes approximately1 hour, including setup time, and evaluates four core skills—Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking—through integrated question formats.
| Duolingo English Test - Section Breakdown | |||
| Section | Time | Skills Tested | Task Types |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adaptive Test | 45 minutes | All 4 skills combined | Read aloud, write, speak, listen, describe, highlight, etc. |
| Writing Sample | 5 minutes | Writing (Extended) | Write a response to an open-ended prompt |
| Video Interview | 10 minutes | Speaking (Extended) | Speak on 1–2 topics with video recording |
| Total Test Time: ~1 hour | |||
The DET doesn’t follow traditional section-wise structures. Instead, it mixes questions that assess multiple skills simultaneously. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be tested on:
The test doesn’t allow you to skip questions or go back. Each response contributes to your final score in an adaptive manner.
One of the biggest advantages of the Duolingo English Test is itssimple and quick registration. Unlike other English exams, you don’t need to book a slot at a test center. The entire process—from account creation to result submission—can be completed online within a few days.
| DET Registration Steps | |
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Visit DET Website | Go to www.englishtest.duolingo.com |
| Create an Account | Sign up with your email ID and personal details |
| Check Tech Requirements | Ensure your device meets camera, microphone, and browser standards |
| Make Payment | Pay via international debit/credit card |
| Take Practice Test | Free sample test available before the real test |
| Start the Test | Begin at your convenience—no need to schedule in advance |
| DET Fee Structure | |
| Component | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Test Fee | $59 |
| Score Reports | First 40 universities: Free |
| Retake Eligibility | After 48 hours, if needed |
Unlike traditional exams, the Duolingo English Testdoes not require booking slots in advance. The test ison-demand, which means you can take it anytime—day or night—within21 days of purchase.
| DET Test Process | |
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Purchase Test | Buy the test online from the official DET website |
| Test Availability | Available 24x7—no need to wait for specific dates |
| Check System Readiness | Run a quick system diagnostic test before starting |
| Start Anytime | Begin the test when you are ready (within 21 days of purchase) |
| Submit for Review | AI + human proctors verify the recording before scoring |
| Receive Results | Get scores within 48 hours |
| English Test Comparison | ||||
| Feature | Duolingo English Test | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT | IELTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Form | — | Pearson Test of English Academic | Test of English as a Foreign Language | International English Language Testing System |
| Test Type | Online, at home | Computer-based | Internet-based | Paper or Computer-based |
| Duration | ~1 hour | ~2 hours | ~2 hours | ~2 hours 45 mins |
| Scoring | 10–160 | 10–90 | 0–120 | Band score 0–9 |
| Accepted By | 4,000+ institutions | 3,000+ institutions | 11,000+ institutions | 11,000+ institutions |
| Speaking Section | Recorded responses | Recorded responses | Recorded responses (via mic) | Live interview with examiner |
| Result Time | 2 days | 1–2 days | 4–6 days | 3–5 days (computer); 13 days (paper) |
| Test Mode | At home only | Test centers or home | Test centers or home (TOEFL iBT Home Edition) | Test centers (some at-home options) |
| Cost (USD) | ~$59 | ~$180–$220 | ~$190–$250 | ~$190–$250 |