The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an online English proficiency exam accepted by over 5,000 universities and institutions worldwide, including schools in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The test takes approximately 60 minutes to complete, can be taken from home with a webcam, and delivers results within 2 days. This guide explains the 2026 DET format, scoring scale, what each section measures, which universities accept it, and the most effective preparation strategies.
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a computer-adaptive English proficiency exam designed for non-native English speakers who need to demonstrate language proficiency for university admission or professional purposes. It was developed by Duolingo as an accessible, lower-cost alternative to traditional English tests like TOEFL and IELTS. While TOEFL costs around $200+ and IELTS around $250+, the DET costs $70 per attempt. Practice with the free Duolingo practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (350+ questions with answer explanations).
Key advantages of the DET:
2026 format update: Duolingo updated the DET format in 2026 to add a separate 30-minute Video Interview section (speaking-only) and a Writing Sample section, both graded and included in the official score report. Universities receive both the scored sections and the video interview for review.
Prepare for your exam with our Duolingo English Test practice materials covering all question types.
Facts verified Oct 19, 2026 against Duolingo, Inc.. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Facts verified Oct 19, 2026 against Duolingo, Inc.. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
| Item | Detail | Official source |
|---|---|---|
| Number of questions | Computer-adaptive; question difficulty changes with your responses | Duolingo, Inc. |
| Passing score | Scored 10–160 (no pass/fail) | Duolingo, Inc. |
| Exam fee | $70 USD | Duolingo, Inc. |
| Retake policy | Wait for results before a new test; max 3 test purchases per 30 days | testcenter.zendesk.com |
| Validity | Two years | testcenter.zendesk.com |
| Delivery | Online, from any location; no official physical test centers | testcenter.zendesk.com |
| Eligibility | Parent/guardian permission required under 13 (or local consent age) | testcenter.zendesk.com |
| Score release | Within 2 days; within 12 hours with Faster Results | testcenter.zendesk.com |
| Testing window | Test credit valid 21 days from purchase | testcenter.zendesk.com |
Facts verified Oct 19, 2026 against Duolingo, Inc.. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
Interactive Duolingo resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
The DET uses a computer-adaptive format with question types that test multiple skills simultaneously — a single question often assesses reading, writing, and vocabulary at the same time. Understanding each question type helps you prepare efficiently.
Read and Select: Real words and non-words are shown. Select only the real English words. Looks simple but tests vocabulary breadth across all frequency levels. Tip: when uncertain, choose the word that looks most English (phonetically plausible) and avoid words with unusual letter combinations for English.
Listen and Type: An audio clip plays once. Type exactly what you hear. Tests listening accuracy, spelling, and vocabulary. Do not try to transcribe too fast — focus on accuracy over speed. The clip will NOT replay.
Read Aloud: A sentence appears on screen. Read it aloud and record yourself. Tests pronunciation, fluency, and reading comprehension. Speak at a natural pace — rushing causes pronunciation errors that hurt your score.
Write About the Photo: A photo appears. Write 1–5 sentences describing what you see. Tests writing fluency, vocabulary range, and sentence structure. Use varied sentence structures and avoid repetitive phrasing.
Speak About the Topic: A prompt appears. Speak for 30–90 seconds. Tests speaking fluency, coherence, and vocabulary. Use concrete examples, maintain a logical structure, and avoid excessive pausing.
Read and Complete: A passage with blanks. Complete the missing letters to form words. Tests vocabulary and contextual reading. Focus on the first letter shown — it is always provided.
Writing Sample + Video Interview (unscored subscores but sent to universities): A 5-minute writing task and a 10-minute speaking prompt. These are reviewed by admissions but not included in the 10–160 score directly.
Practice the core question types with our Duolingo English test 2026 preparation resources and the Duolingo English test reading and vocabulary section guide.
Try these questions from our free Duolingo practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
In the Duolingo English Test's 'Read, then Complete' task, what is the test taker required to do?
Answer: B. Fill in missing letters or words in English sentences
The 'Read, then Complete' task presents sentences with missing letters within words, requiring test takers to identify and type the complete word. This tests vocabulary, spelling, and contextual understanding simultaneously.
In the 'Complete the Passage' task of the Duolingo English Test's Interactive Reading section, what is the most effective strategy for selecting the correct sentence?
Answer: B. Select the sentence that best links the ideas presented in the sentences immediately before and after the blank.
The primary goal of the 'Complete the Passage' task is to test your ability to understand the logical flow of ideas. The correct sentence will serve as a coherent bridge between the preceding and succeeding sentences, ensuring the passage makes sense as a whole.
How many times can a test taker send their Duolingo English Test scores to institutions?
Answer: B. Unlimited free score sends to any number of institutions
One of the major advantages of the Duolingo English Test is that certified results can be sent to an unlimited number of institutions at no additional cost. TOEFL and IELTS charge per additional score send beyond a small free allotment.
How quickly are Duolingo English Test results available after completing the test?
Answer: B. Within 48 hours (typically 2 days)
Duolingo English Test results are typically certified and available within 48 hours of test completion. This fast turnaround is a significant advantage over TOEFL and IELTS, which may take 10-13 days for results.