English Proficiency Test

Duolingo English Test Preparation Guide

Ace the Duolingo English Test — the affordable, at-home alternative to IELTS & TOEFL. Accepted by 5,000+ universities worldwide including Harvard, MIT, and Stanford.

🎓 5,000+ Institutions Accept DET 🏠 Take From Home ⚡ Results in 2 Days 💰 USD 59 Only

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Overview Format Scores Requirements Fees Tips Resources FAQ

Overview

📘 What is the Duolingo English Test?

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a modern, affordable English proficiency test taken entirely online from home. At just USD 59 (vs ₹16,000+ for IELTS/TOEFL), it’s the most accessible option for students. The test takes about 1 hour and results are available within 2 days. Accepted by 5,000+ universities including many Ivy League schools.

5,000+Universities and programs accept DET

USD 59Most affordable major English proficiency test

~1 HourTotal test duration — fastest to complete

2 DaysScore delivery — fast turnaround

Test Structure

📝 Duolingo English Test Format

The DET consists of an adaptive test (~45 min) + a video interview + a writing sample. Scored 10–160.

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Adaptive Test

⏱ ~45 Minutes · Adaptive Difficulty

Covers all four skills. Question types include Read and Select, Listen and Type, Read Aloud, Speak About the Photo, Write About the Photo, Read and Complete, and more.

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Video Interview

⏱ ~10 Minutes · 2 Prompts

Two open-ended questions about personal experiences or opinions. Not scored numerically but shared with institutions as a writing sample to assess fluency and personality.

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Writing Sample

⏱ ~5 Minutes · 1 Prompt

A short written response to an open-ended prompt. Not scored on the 10–160 scale but shared with universities to supplement your overall profile.

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At-Home Proctored

⏱ Available 24/7 · Take Anytime

Taken from your own home using the Duolingo app on a computer with webcam. AI proctoring monitors the test. Available any time, any day.

Score Guide

📊 Duolingo Score Scale (10–160)

DET Score	IELTS Equivalent	Level	Typical Requirement
145–160	8.5–9.0	Expert	Top Ivy League / elite universities
130–144	7.5–8.0	Very Good	MIT, Stanford, Harvard, NYU
115–129	7.0–7.5	Good	Most top universities worldwide
100–114	6.5–7.0	Competent	Most universities in US/UK/Canada
85–99	6.0–6.5	Modest+	Mid-tier universities, some programs
Below 85	Below 6.0	Basic	Foundation programs only

Score Requirements

🎓 University Duolingo Score Requirements

University / Tier	Min. DET Score	Examples
Ivy League / Top US	120–130+	Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Columbia, Cornell
Top Canadian Universities	120+	UofT, UBC, McGill, Waterloo
Top UK Universities	115–125	Some UK universities — check individually
Mid-Tier US Universities	100–115	Wide range of accredited US universities
Community Colleges	85–100	US community colleges and pathway programs

Important Details

💰 Score Validity, Registration & Fees

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2 YearsDET score validity from test date

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USD 59Most affordable English proficiency test (~₹5,000)

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2 DaysScore available within 48 hours of test

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Free SendsUnlimited free score sends to all institutions

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From HomeTake 24/7 from anywhere with internet access

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Every 30 DaysMinimum gap between DET retakes

Preparation Strategy

💡 Top DET Preparation Tips

Take the Official Practice Test

Duolingo offers a free official practice test at englishtest.duolingo.com. This gives you an estimated score and familiarises you with all task types.

Master Read Aloud & Speaking

Practice speaking clearly into a microphone. The DET scores pronunciation and fluency. Speak at a natural, steady pace with clear articulation.

Practice Photo Description

For “Speak/Write About a Photo,” practice describing everyday images in 30+ seconds with varied vocabulary and correct grammar.

Build Vocabulary for “Real Words”

The “Read and Select” task asks you to identify real English words. Expand your vocabulary by reading English content daily — articles, books, news.

Prepare a Strong Video Interview

Prepare structured answers for open-ended questions about goals, experiences, and opinions. Use STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result.

Ensure Good Test Conditions

Use a quiet room, good lighting, stable internet, and a computer with a working webcam. AI proctoring monitors your environment throughout.

Study Material

🔗 Free DET Resources

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Official DET Prep

Free practice test, sample questions, and preparation guide at englishtest.duolingo.com/prepare.

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YouTube Channels

E2 Language, Duolingo English Test official channel, and DET Prep offer free video walkthroughs of every task type.

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Duolingo App

Regular Duolingo language practice builds vocabulary and reading skills relevant to the DET. Use daily for consistent improvement.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Duolingo English Test accepted by top universities? +

Yes! Over 5,000 universities worldwide now accept the Duolingo English Test, including Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Columbia, Cornell, Yale, UofT, McGill, and many UK universities. However, DET acceptance is less universal than IELTS or TOEFL — always verify with your specific target university before relying solely on DET.

How is DET different from IELTS and TOEFL? +

DET is significantly cheaper (USD 59 vs ₹16,000+), taken entirely from home, delivers results in 2 days, and sends scores to unlimited institutions for free. However, IELTS and TOEFL are accepted by more institutions globally and are preferred for immigration purposes. DET is ideal for students applying to US/Canada universities where it is widely accepted.

Can I retake the Duolingo English Test? +

Yes. You can retake the DET once every 30 days. There is no limit on total attempts. Since the test is only USD 59, retaking is much more affordable than other English tests. Scores from all attempts remain available in your account, and you choose which scores to share with institutions.

What do I need to take the Duolingo English Test at home? +

You need: a computer (Windows or Mac) with a functioning webcam and microphone, stable internet connection, a valid government ID (passport), a quiet and well-lit room, and the Duolingo desktop app installed. Mobile devices and tablets are not accepted. AI proctoring monitors you throughout the test.

Is DET accepted for UK/Australian student visas? +

Currently, DET is NOT accepted for UK student visas (Tier 4/Student route) or Australian student visas. For UK and Australia visa purposes, you must use an approved SELT (Secure English Language Test) such as IELTS, PTE Academic, or TOEFL iBT. DET is best for US and Canadian university applications.

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