Understanding the Duolingo English Test Explained

You may know Duolingo as a popular app for learning English, but it also provides an English proficiency test that is recognized by more than 3,500 colleges and universities around the globe!

Becoming a confident English speaker requires months, or even years, of committed practice. You can showcase your progress and dedication by taking the Duolingo English Test, a great way to demonstrate your skills and validate your efforts.

Curious about what it takes to ace the exam and how it stands apart from IELTS and TOEFL? Keep reading to discover the key differences and tips for success!

What is the Duolingo English proficiency test?

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a convenient online assessment that allows you to evaluate your English proficiency from the comfort of your home. With just an internet connection, you can obtain an internationally recognized English language certification, no matter where you are in the world.

The DET covers four core English skills:

• Reading
• Writing
• Listening
• Speaking

The DET, or Duolingo English Test, is a comprehensive English proficiency assessment designed for college applicants, job seekers, and anyone looking to showcase their English skills.

Why choose Duolingo’s English test?

Many individuals opt for the Duolingo English Test (DET) primarily for college and university admissions. A key reason for this choice is its affordability compared to more traditional English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL.

How much does the Duolingo English Test Cost?

The Duolingo English Test (DET) stands out as a budget-friendly option for assessing English proficiency. At just $49 plus tax, it allows you to send your scores to up to 40 institutions at no additional cost. In contrast, the TOEFL exam comes with a steeper price tag of $200 plus tax, plus an extra $20 fee for each school where you wish to send your results. Choose the DET for a more economical testing experience!

The cost of the IELTS varies significantly based on your location, typically falling between $110 and $310 USD, with an average price of around $200. When you take the test, you can send your scores to up to five universities or academic institutions at no extra cost. If you wish to send your scores to more schools, there is a fee of $25 for each additional recipient.

Duolingo English test vs TOEFL and IELTS

Let’s explore the key differences between the Duolingo English Test and other well-known English proficiency exams, such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

The Duolingo English Test is an innovative and contemporary assessment of English proficiency. Although it hasn’t yet reached the same level of recognition as the TOEFL and IELTS, its popularity is rapidly growing across the globe.

Why students love the DET:

• The test fees are more affordable than other English proficiency exams.
• They can take the test at home instead of going to a test-taking center or admissions office.

Why students love TEFOL

• It’s a comprehensive exam that’s widely accepted by schools and employers.
• The test is seen as one of the best English proficiency credentials in the world, especially in the USA.

Why students love IELTS:

• The IELTS is recognized around the world, including in the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
• It’s the second-oldest English proficiency exam, established in 1984, so it is widely recognized by many universities and employers.
  
• It’s one of the best English proficiency tests for immigration authorities 

Which institutions accept the Duolingo English test?

The Duolingo English Test is recognized by thousands of educational institutions across the globe, including prestigious universities in the United States like MIT, Yale, and Brown University. To explore the complete list of institutions that accept the DET, click here.

How do you book the test?

Taking the Duolingo English Test is both simple and convenient! To begin your journey, just register for a free account on the Duolingo English Test website.

Once you create your account, you’ll gain access to a complimentary readiness guide designed to help you prepare for each section of the exam. This valuable resource empowers you to approach your test with confidence. By preparing in advance, you can identify and prioritize the skills you need to strengthen, ensuring you’re fully equipped for success.

Duolingo English test format and length

The Duolingo English Test is an innovative, adaptive assessment designed to evaluate your English proficiency. What makes it unique is its ability to tailor questions to match your skill level, ensuring a personalized testing experience. The exam evaluates your reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities through a diverse range of engaging exercises. Throughout the test, you will be required to:

• Fill in missing letters or words in a sentence
• Read sentences out loud to test your speaking
• Write a description in English of a picture or topic
• Select the correct pronunciation of a word
• Identify which are real English words and which are fake
• Listen to audio recordings and type what you hear
• Respond to audio questions by speaking your answer 

Duolingo’s adaptive English exam goes beyond rote memorization to truly assess students’ understanding of real-world English. Instead of solely focusing on verb conjugations, the test challenges you to demonstrate your speaking skills and pronunciation in various contexts, ensuring a more comprehensive evaluation of your language abilities.

The Duolingo English Test takes about 1 hour to complete. The test is broken down into three parts:

1. An introduction
2. An adaptive exam
3. A video interview

Introduction

The introduction section of the DET guides you through the test-taking process, making sure you have everything you need for a successful experience. It confirms that you possess essential equipment, including a microphone and a front-facing camera, so you’re fully prepared to begin.

To ensure the integrity of the exam, it’s essential to enable your camera and microphone for its duration. This allows for verification that the test taker is present and actively answering the questions alone.

Adaptive Exam

The 45-minute exam includes a variety of exercises in speaking, writing, listening, and reading. As you progress through the test, the difficulty of the questions will adjust to match your proficiency level, ensuring a personalized assessment experience.

As you work through the questions, you will receive different levels to determine which score suits your abilities best.

Video Interview

In the speaking interview, you’ll encounter a prompt that requires you to speak continuously for 1 to 3 minutes. The nature of these prompts will vary depending on the specific test and will be tailored to match your speaking proficiency. Here are some examples of prompts you might face during the interview:

• Explanatory prompts. You must describe something in detail.
• Informative prompts. You must educate the listener on a particular topic.
• Argumentative prompts. You must express your opinion on a subject and include reasons to support your opinion.

Examples of Duolingo English Test speaking interview prompts are:

• Explore the geography of your current nation and its influence on the local people and culture. How does the landscape shape lifestyles, traditions, and social interactions?
• Select a plant or animal you’ve studied, detailing its survival challenges and adaptations.
• Should schools mandate the learning of a second language? Share your perspective on whether this requirement is beneficial or detrimental. (Argumentative)

How is the Duolingo English Test scored? 

Duolingo assesses English proficiency on a scale from 10 to 160, with each score corresponding to a specific level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This widely recognized framework categorizes language skills from beginner to advanced, providing a clear benchmark for learners’ abilities.

Here is how to interpret Duolingo English Test scores based on the CEFR English levels:

Many students strive to achieve a proficiency level of at least B1, which is often the minimum requirement for immigration. Attaining this intermediate level of English allows for effective communication in everyday situations and facilitates studies at most academic institutions. However, for those looking to enroll in advanced programs, a higher proficiency level—such as B2 or C1—may be necessary.

After finishing the exam, you’ll receive your results through a personalized URL within 48 hours. Remember, your certification is valid for two years, so plan accordingly!

What are the rules of the Duolingo English test?

Once you purchase access to the Duolingo English Test, you’ll have 21 days to complete the exam. This timeframe allows you to take a practice test and prepare effectively on your own.

To verify your identity at the beginning of the exam, please present a passport, government-issued ID, or driver’s license. Additionally, make sure your room is well-lit to help the camera clearly capture your identification.

Preparing for the test

For those looking to enhance their skills before an important event, LingualNeeds offers a top-notch platform to connect with online English tutors. With a variety of hourly rates and specialized services—such as exam preparation—you can effortlessly find the perfect tutor to meet your specific needs.

Duolingo offers a free practice exam for its English test, which is a great way to organize your study sessions. To enhance your preparation, consider working with a tutor. Simply inform them that you’re preparing for the Duolingo English Test (DET), and they will tailor your study plan to cover all the essential topics to help you achieve a high score.

On test day

Right before the exam, you should:

• Make sure your computer is plugged in or fully charged.
• Ensure that your internet connection is stable.
• Connect your microphone and/or webcam to your computer.
• Enable microphone and camera access to Duolingo.
• Ensure your speakers are turned on so you can hear the audio questions.

Once you have checked all these things, you’re ready to go. Best of luck!

Conclusion

Although it’s a recent addition to the testing landscape, the Duolingo English Test is a fantastic choice for those seeking a language assessment before college admission. It offers a more affordable and convenient alternative to many traditional English proficiency tests.

Regardless of which test you choose to take, thorough preparation is crucial. Engaging in personalized lessons with a skilled English tutor from LingualNeeds is the most effective way to boost your confidence and proficiency in all aspects of the language. Explore our English tutors today, select your ideal match, and take a significant step toward achieving a top score on the DET!