In today’s competitive academic environment, many students want to improve their academic prospects by studying at a prestigious international institution. For many international applicants, proving English proficiency is an important part of the admissions process.
International students can take the Duolingo English Test (DET), an online English proficiency test that assesses reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. The test is widely used by applicants because it can be taken online, does not require an appointment at a test center, and provides results quickly.
More than 6,000 programs and institutions around the world accept the Duolingo English Test as evidence of English proficiency. However, each university and program sets its own requirements, so students should always confirm the accepted tests and minimum scores on the official admissions page of the institution they are applying to.
What is Duolingo English Test (DET)?
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an online assessment of English language proficiency for students and applicants who need to demonstrate their English ability. It is accepted by many universities and programs around the world, although acceptance varies by institution, program, and applicant type.
Universities in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Japan, South Korea, and others may accept DET scores, depending on the program. For example, institutions such as Yale University, Cornell University, the University of Toronto, the University of London, and Bard College publish DET score guidance for certain applicants. Students should check the official university page before applying because requirements can change.
The DET can be taken online from home with the required equipment, identification, and test environment. Certified results are typically available within two days after the test, and candidates can share their scores with institutions through their Duolingo English Test account. Duolingo English Test results are valid for two years.
The test evaluates reading, writing, listening, and speaking. It uses an adaptive format, meaning the difficulty of some questions changes based on the test taker’s performance. The test takes about one hour, and the overall score is reported on a 10–160 scale.
The scores are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), an international framework for describing language ability. Since July 2024, score reports have included individual subscores for speaking, writing, reading, and listening, as well as integrated subscores for literacy, comprehension, conversation, and production.
How Does Duolingo English Test (DET) Work and the Cost of Taking DET?
The Duolingo English Test is recognized by many universities across the globe, including institutions in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and other study destinations. Compared with some other English proficiency tests, the DET is often a more affordable and flexible option because it can be taken online without traveling to a test center.
The current cost of one Duolingo English Test is $70 USD. Test takers can share certified scores with institutions for free. Duolingo’s Help Center states that candidates can select up to 40 institutions at a time and may contact support if they need to send scores to more institutions.
This exam is taken entirely online, so applicants do not need to schedule an appointment at an examination facility. However, test takers must have the required equipment, a valid government-issued ID, a suitable testing environment, and must follow Duolingo’s test rules.
To take the Duolingo English Test, candidates can create a free account on the Duolingo English Test website and purchase a test from their account. After purchase, the test credit must be used within 21 days.
Applicants can pay using major credit cards, and Alipay is available in China. If a coupon code is provided by an institution or organization, it can be applied during checkout. Duolingo currently allows users to purchase up to three tests in any 30-day period.
Before beginning the test, candidates should make sure they have a valid government-issued ID, a computer with a front-facing camera, microphone, and speakers, a stable internet connection, and a smartphone that can be used as a secondary camera when required.
Overview of Duolingo English Test (DET) Test Structure
In order to understand how the test is taken and to comprehend its various parts, we have broken down the main sections below.
1. Video walkthrough / Introduction and Onboarding
Because the Duolingo English Test can be taken at home rather than at a testing facility, it includes rules, security checks, and onboarding procedures designed to protect the validity of the exam.
During the setup process, candidates are guided through checks for their camera, microphone, speakers, internet connection, identification, and test environment. The current test setup may also require a smartphone as a secondary camera, along with a room scan and ear scan.
Candidates must be alone in a well-lit room, keep their face visible, avoid headphones or earbuds, and follow all test rules. They should begin the exam only after carefully reviewing the guidelines and confirming that they have all required equipment and documents.
2. Adaptive Test
The adaptive test is the main scored part of the DET. In this section, questions are selected according to the test taker’s performance, so the number and difficulty of questions may vary from one candidate to another.
The test includes different question types that assess reading, writing, listening, and speaking. These may include tasks such as selecting real English words, completing missing letters, describing an image, reading aloud, listening and typing, writing about a topic, and speaking in response to prompts.
Because the test is computer-adaptive, candidates should focus on answering each question carefully rather than trying to predict the next question. The system continues collecting evidence of the candidate’s English ability until it has enough information to generate a reliable score.
3. Writing Sample and Speaking Sample
The DET also includes a writing sample and a speaking sample. These tasks give candidates an opportunity to produce longer responses in English and help institutions better understand how applicants communicate in academic-style situations.
The writing and speaking samples are shared with institutions that receive the candidate’s certified score report. Applicants should treat these sections seriously because admissions offices may review them as part of their evaluation process.
Duolingo English Test (DET) Scoring System
The Duolingo English Test uses a 160-point scale. The overall score is reported in five-point increments, and score reports also include individual and integrated subscores to show a candidate’s strengths across different English skills.
The individual subscores are speaking, writing, reading, and listening. The integrated subscores are literacy, comprehension, conversation, and production. These scores help universities evaluate whether a student’s English ability meets the requirements of a specific program.
| Duolingo Score | CEFR Level | Description |
|---|
| 10–55 | A1–A2 | Basic: the test taker can understand and use simple English in familiar situations. |
| 60–85 | B1 | Intermediate: the test taker can understand the main points of familiar topics and communicate in everyday situations. |
| 90–115 | B2 | Upper-intermediate: the test taker can communicate clearly on familiar and some academic topics. |
| 120–160 | C1–C2 | Advanced: the test taker can understand complex English and communicate effectively in academic and professional settings. |
Ways to Prepare for the Duolingo English Test (DET)
In order to get ready for this exam, students should understand the test format, practice regularly, and build confidence in all four language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
1. Strategize and Understand the Exam Format Priorly
The first step is to make a realistic study plan and follow it consistently. Learning about the format of the exam is an essential part of preparing for the test. Students can use Duolingo’s practice test to become more comfortable with the types of questions they may see on the real exam.
Keep in mind that the DET is adaptive, unlike many traditional English language exams. This means that the questions may become easier or harder depending on the test taker’s responses and the system’s estimate of their proficiency.
2. Pre-practice
To score well on the DET, consistent practice is important. Setting aside dedicated time to practice reading, writing, listening, and speaking can help students improve weaker skills and reach their language goals more quickly.
Applicants who build a strong vocabulary will usually find the reading and listening portions easier. Reading regularly is a useful way to learn new words, understand how they are used in context, and improve overall comprehension.
To improve typing speed and accuracy, candidates may use online typing tools and timed writing practice. Listening comprehension can also improve when students expose themselves to different accents, speech speeds, and academic vocabulary.
3. Mock Tests
Candidates can practice under timed conditions by taking practice tests. Duolingo offers a free practice test that can be taken multiple times. The practice test includes the same types of questions as the official exam and provides an estimated score range.
4. Use Digital English Language Learning Tools
Candidates may use online resources to study for the test. Many websites provide grammar lessons, vocabulary exercises, sample questions, and listening practice. Language learning apps can also help students build daily study habits.
Online dictionaries such as Cambridge Dictionary can help students check spelling, pronunciation, and vocabulary usage. Students may also join online communities or study groups where they can practice English with others. Using a variety of study tools can help candidates improve their confidence before test day.
Universities and Institutions Accepting DET Scores
Here are examples of universities and institutions that currently publish Duolingo English Test requirements or guidance. These scores may differ by level of study, program, campus, or applicant background, so students should always check the official admissions page before applying.
| University or Institution | Country | Current DET Requirement or Guidance |
|---|
| Anglia Ruskin University London | United Kingdom | International postgraduate applicants: 120 overall, with a minimum of 100 in each component. Other levels and campuses may differ. |
| University of London | United Kingdom | Undergraduate applicants: 105 overall. Postgraduate requirements vary by course. |
| Cornell University | United States | First-year undergraduate applicants: 130 is listed as the minimum score for the most competitive review. |
| Yale University | United States | Yale states that the most competitive applicants have DET scores of at least 120. |
| Bard College Berlin | Germany | Applicants who must provide English proficiency evidence: 130. |
| University of Toronto | Canada | For tests taken on or after July 1, 2024: 120 overall, with 120 in Production. |
| University of Alberta | Canada | Graduate admission generally lists 120 overall, with no integrated subscore below 100; some programs require 140 overall with no subscore below 120. |
English is widely used in international education, and many universities require applicants to prove their English proficiency before admission. This complete guide to the Duolingo English Test explains the main details international students should know before taking the test. A strong DET score can help students meet an English language requirement, but it does not guarantee admission because universities also review academic records, program requirements, and other application materials.
We hope that this complete guide to the Duolingo English Test (DET) for international students answers your main questions about the test. Make sure to also check out the Available Courses for International Students and the Scholarships Page for information on scholarships and universities across the globe!
