Duolingo English Test: Syllabus, Eligibility and Score Requirements

Duolingo English Test: Syllabus, Eligibility and Score Requirements

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Written ByRituparna Nath Content Writer at Study Abroad Exams

The DET is a rapidly expanding language test that has been recognized by over 3500 universities worldwide. Candidates can take the test online from anywhere in the world and it can be completed in just one hour. The registration fee for the DET is only $59 (INR 4,850.10). Test results are available within two days, and candidates can send their scores to as many universities as they wish. One of the best aspects of the DET is that there is no requirement for academic transcripts to be submitted for eligibility.

DET vs. IELTS vs. TOEFL

Due to the technologically advanced processes in DET, the Duolingo English Test scores are accepted by top universities around the world. Here is a detailed comparison between Duolingo English Test, TOEFL, and IELTS to help candidates decide which exam they should take according to their convenience.

Highlight Duolingo English Test IELTS TOEFL
Accepted Universities

Over 3000

Over 10,000 across 140 countries More than 11,000 across 150 countries
Test Charges $59(INR 4,850.10) $197.68(INR 16,250) $195(INR 16,029.88)
Mode of Test Computer-Based Computer Based Test or Paper-Based Test Internet-Based Test (iBT) or Paper-Based Test(PBT)
Exam Structure Three parts

Quick Set up

Adaptive Test – Evaluates Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing

Video Interview

Four sections –

Listening

Reading

Speaking

Writing

Three or four sections

Listening

Reading

Speaking (only in iBT)

Writing

Test-booking Duration Book the test slot along with the registration Maximum 3 months before the test date; minimum 1 week before the test date 60-80 days before the exam date
Scores Score points – on a scale of 10 to 160 Band score on a scale of 0 to 9, based on points in each skill Score points – on a scale of 0 to 120
Exam Duration 1 hour 2 hours 45 minutes 2 ½ hours – PBT 3 hours – iBT
Results 2 days 3 - 13 days 6 -10 days

Duolingo English Test Score Comparison with Other Tests

The following table provides an idea of the score distribution of DET to IELTS score comparison. Candidates can get an idea of their Duolingo English Test, IELTS, and TOEFL scores if they would have taken IELTS or TOEFL.

Duolingo Score IELTS Score Duolingo Score TOEFL Score
10 1.5 10-25 0
15 2 30 1
20-25 2.5 35 2-4
30-40 3 40 5-8
45-50 3.5 45 9-13
55-60 4 50 14-19
65-70 4.5 55 20-25
75-80 5 60 26-31
85-90 5.5 65 32-37
95-100 6 70 38-43
105-110 6.5 75 44-49
115-120 7 80 50-55
125-130 7.5 85 56-61
135-140 8 90 62-67
145-150 8.5 95 68-73
155-160 9 100 74-79
- - 105 80-85
- - 110 86-91
- - 115 92-96
- - 120 97-102
- - 125 103-107
- - 130 108-112
- - 135 113-115
- - 140 116-118
- - 145 119
- - 150-160 120

Why Duolingo English Test? 

The DET is highly regarded by top universities worldwide, and is also a popular choice for students interested in learning foreign languages like French. The following are the benefits of taking the DET:

  • Convenience: The exam can be taken online from anywhere at any time, eliminating the need for travel to testing centers and scheduling appointments.
  • Affordability: Compared to alternative tests like IELTS or TOEFL which cost around $200, the DET is significantly cheaper at only $49 or INR 3,605 approximately. This is especially advantageous for candidates who are already facing high expenses associated with studying abroad.
  • Fast Results: DET scores are available within 48 hours or 2 days of taking the exam, whereas IELTS or TOEFL scores can take up to 4 to 5 days to be delivered.

How to Prep Duolingo English Test?

Below are some tips to help you start preparing for the DET:

  1. Familiarize yourself with the test pattern, scoring system, and question types by watching the "quick video walkthrough" available on the Duolingo website.
  2. Visit the "Test Readiness" page, refer to the Duolingo Official Guide, and practice with a few Duolingo English practice test papers to understand the difficulty levels of the questions.
  3. Regularly practice reading, speaking, writing, and listening sections of English. Duolingo's blog section provides helpful resources with English materials for everyday practice.
  4. Use the free Duolingo English practice test to analyze the difficulty level of the questions and take Duolingo mock tests regularly to improve in weaker sections.

How to Register for DET? 

The Duolingo English Test can be taken online anywhere and anytime. Duolingo English Test registration can be done online. To register online for the Duolingo English Test, you need to have a Duolingo account, in case you don’t have an account follow the steps to create a new account:

Step 1: The first step after you have successfully decided to take the Duolingo English Test is to opt for the ‘Purchase the Test’ option. Then follow the steps that say:

  1. Download the Duolingo English Test: https://englishtest.duolingo.com/home
  2. After the Duolingo download step, install the Duolingo English exam on your computer
  3. Then Duolingo sign in with the same ID by which the applicant bought the test

Step 2: After proceeding with the Duolingo download PC, access your computer memory to work on it. Once opened, the ‘Take the Test’ option will appear. This step will also confirm your possession of the mandatory ID proof is the passport.

Duolingo English Test will also confirm if you are in a well-lit room without anyone present if you have 50 - 60 minutes free to take the exam, a stable internet connection, and also a camera with a front-facing camera, microphone, and speaker.

Step 3: Next, the Duolingo English test will ask you to test the microphone and speaker for taking the listening and speaking tests. Candidates will also be required to take a picture.

Step 4: Candidates will be required to select their country and the ID proof selection.

Step 5: Duolingo English Test will require you to hold your ID up to the camera. Don’t hold your ID next to your face. You are also not allowed to tilt the ID.

Step 6: Next, the Duolingo English Test will ask you to provide the information as given on the ID proof. It includes given names, surnames, date of birth, and demographic information like the first language, and gender.

Step 7: Here, you need to abide by certain rules and agree to the test security agreement.

Step 8: After successful completion of the above steps, candidates need to pay the Duolingo English test fee in India - INR. 3800.

Step 9: Start your Duolingo English test

Candidates can choose to take a Duolingo practice test to understand the registration process, exam pattern, and score.

Duolingo English Test Requirements

For candidates to take the Duolingo English test, there is no academic qualification requirement. They only need to provide a few documents for identification purposes. To take the Duolingo English Test, candidates need to have the following documents, hardware, and software facilities:

Candidate Must-Haves Computer Must-Haves
Passport A front-facing camera
A quiet, well-lit room A microphone
60 minutes of free time Speakers
A reliable internet connection -
A computer -

DET Eligibility Criteria 

There are no strict requirements for the Duolingo English test. Candidates can go to the website of the Duolingo English Test and take the exam any time of the day. Though candidates should check if the Duolingo exam score is accepted in their selected college or university. There is no strict age restriction for taking the Duolingo eligibility. Though candidates with age 13 or below need to take parental consent for taking the Duolingo English Test.

What happens after taking the DET 

After the candidate has completed the Duolingo exam, it is delivered to the proctors and the candidates receive a mail stating they will receive the score within 48 hours. Once the Duolingo English test scores are ready, the candidates are notified through mail. Test-takers can take the Duolingo English Test test twice within a 30-day period. A certified test is regarded as the one candidates generally take and get scored based on that. In case of any technical glitches, that time is not counted within the 2 minutes limit.

DET Test Pattern

DET test pattern is quite similar to other popular English proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL. After the Duolingo English Test login, candidates need to click on the ‘Start the test option. The duration of the Duolingo English exam is less than an hour which is very less compared to the 2-hour test of TOEFL or IELTS. Duolingo English test pattern can be divided into two parts:

Graded Portion - Adaptive Test Ungraded Portion - Video Interview
This contains exercises in speaking, writing, listening, and reading. This contains a video interview along with a writing sample.

Duolingo English Test Syllabus

Duolingo English Test comprises two types of tests - Adaptive and test Video interview. The Duolingo English Test syllabus is not complex, and that is explained in the following sections. There are many Duolingo English Test practice papers available online. Candidates can get an idea of the structure.

Adaptive Test: This is the first section of the Duolingo English Test where the candidates need to answer the following short questions:

  1. Listen to spoken words then proceed to select the original ones
  2. Analyzing written words and selecting the original ones
  3. Fill in the text that is missing letters
  4. Illustrate an image by writing or reading aloud
  5. Record while saying a written sentence
  6. Answering a question verbally
  7. Typing a sentence while hearing to it
  8. Writing a response of around 50 words.

Video Interview and Writing Test: This is the second section of the Duolingo English test which falls under the ungraded section. Solving the Duolingo practice test will help candidates speak properly during the video interview. It contains the following sections:

  1. A ‘video interview’ where the candidates need to speak on one of the two topics provided by the examiner. The candidate will need to speak on the topic for about 3 to 4 minutes.
  2. In the writing test, the candidate needs to select one out of two topics and write for about three to five minutes.

Duolingo Test Duration

The total duration of the Duolingo English Test is 1 hour. The adaptive test comprises the reading, listening, speaking, and writing sections and is of 45 minutes. The duration also contains a video interview of 10 minutes in which candidates answer open-ended questions.

Duolingo English Test Scores 

Duolingo testing is scored on a range of 10 to 160 in 5 points increments. Duolingo English Test results include a unique link. The Duolingo English Test score provides candidates with an assessment of all their four skills. The Duolingo testing result consists of many subscores. All these subscores measure the specific skills of the candidates. Duolingo subscores are the following:

  • Literacy: Candidate’s proficiency in reading and writing
  • Comprehension: Candidate’s proficiency in reading and listening
  • Conversation: Candidate’s proficiency in speaking and listening
  • Production: Candidate’s proficiency in writing and speaking

Duolingo English Test Result 

Candidates will receive the Duolingo English Test scores within 48 hours or 2 days. Once they receive the Duolingo result, they will be able to share it with any many colleges or universities they want. Candidates can get accurate results in 5 minutes following the below tasks given in the table:

Tasks Time Elaborated
Quick setup 5 minutes An introduction that walks you through the test rules and requirements
Adaptive test 45 minutes A series of different questions that evaluate your English skills
Writing and speaking sample 10 minutes Open-ended prompts that are shared with institutions alongside your score

Duolingo English Test Score Sending 

Sending Duolingo English test results to every preferred school is very convenient as it charges no extra cost. Numerous universities around the globe accept Duolingo English tests. Once the candidates receive their Duolingo English Test scores within 2 days, they can deliver the results to colleges or universities through their results page. Duolingo scores can be sent to countless colleges or universities. There is no restriction on the number of universities to which the candidates are sending their scores.

Highest Fluency Batch Score in Duolingo

Fluency score can be defined as the proficiency the candidate has in the language he or she is learning. According to Duolingo, a candidate can have around 50 to 60% of fluency in the language they are learning. This fluency score increases along with the knowledge the candidate learns regularly.

How to Prepare for Duolingo English Test? 

For the Duolingo English test, candidates need to develop all four skills reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The best way for Duolingo English test preparation is to listen to Duolingo podcasts, go through famous English magazines and newspapers regularly, and also have a conversation with a native English speaker. These would surely enhance the Duolingo test practice skills.

Alongside, candidates can practice the Duolingo practice test for understanding the exam pattern, variety of questions, and scoring pattern as well. Candidates can take the Duolingo English practice test from their website as well. To practice writing, candidates need to practice from different Duolingo preparation books as well. A duolingo practice test is a great option for candidates to develop their scores and get a chance in studying at one of these universities. Duolingo English test sample questions and answers help in further detailed practice. Duolingo practice test provides candidates with an overall idea about the test structure, timing, and question types. There are various online platforms that provide Duolingo practice test free. Duolingo English Test offline mode can be accessed. For that, you need to synchronize your online data for offline mode.

Universities Accepting Duolingo Score 

The Duolingo test score is accepted in many universities in recent times. The following are some of the universities accepting Duolingo test score accepting universities in USA, UK, Canada, and Australia.

Institution/Universities Institution Type Country
Centennial College University: Community College Canada
Concordia University - Montreal University: Graduate Canada
Conestoga College University: Community College Canada
Fanshawe College University: Community College Canada
Humber Institute of Technology and Applied Learning Toronto, Canada (Undergrad and Grad) University: Community College Canada
Lakehead University University: Graduate Canada
Memorial University of Newfoundland University: Graduate Canada
Nipissing University University: Graduate Canada
OCAD University University: Graduate Canada
Royal Roads University University: Graduate Canada
Seneca College University: Community College Canada
Thompson Rivers University University: Graduate Canada
University of Alberta University: Graduate Canada
University of Lethbridge University: Graduate Canada
University of New Brunswick University: Graduate Canada
University of New Brunswick - Bus University: Graduate Canada
University of Regina - Graduate University: Graduate Canada
Lutheran Theological Seminary Saskatoon - Masters and Doctoral University: Graduate Canada
University of Windsor University: Graduate Canada
University of Winnipeg - PACE (Professional, Applied and Continuing Education) University: Graduate Canada
Western University - Graduate Studies University: Graduate Canada
McGill University University: Undergraduate Canada
Ryerson University University: Undergraduate Canada
University of Alberta University: Undergraduate Canada
University of British Columbia (UBC) University: Undergraduate Canada
University of Toronto University: Undergraduate Canada
Western University University: Undergraduate Canada
York University University: Undergraduate Canada
Arizona State University University: Undergraduate United States
Arizona State University University: Graduate United States
Boston University Undergraduate Admissions University: Undergraduate United States
New York University University: Undergraduate United States
Northeastern University University: Undergraduate United States
Purdue University Undergraduate Admissions University: Undergraduate United States
The Ohio State University - Undergraduate and Graduate University: Undergraduate United States
The Pennsylvania State University (All Undergraduate campuses) University: Undergraduate United States
University of California Irvine University: Undergraduate United States
University of California San Diego University: Undergraduate United States
University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign Undergraduate Admissions University: Undergraduate United States
University of New Haven Graduate Admissions University: Graduate United States
University of North Texas University: Graduate United States
The University of Texas at Arlington University: Graduate United States
University of Wisconsin Madison - Undergraduate Admission University: Undergraduate United States
Brown University Undergraduate Admissions University: Undergraduate United States
Case Western Reserve University University: Undergraduate United States
Central Michigan University University: Graduate United States
Cleveland State University University: Graduate United States
Colgate University University: Undergraduate United States
Columbia University University: Undergraduate United States
Cornell University Undergraduate Admissions University: Undergraduate United States
Dartmouth College University: Undergraduate United States
DePaul University University: Graduate United States
Drexel University University: Undergraduate United States
Duke University University: Undergraduate United States
Florida Institute of Technology Graduate University: Graduate United States
Fordham University University: Undergraduate United States
Kent State University University: Graduate United States
Lewis University University: Graduate United States
Michigan State University - All Programs University: Undergraduate United States
New Jersey Institute of Technology University: Graduate United States
New York Institute of Technology University: Graduate United States
Northeastern University College of Engineering University: Graduate United States
Northwestern University Undergraduate Admissions University: Undergraduate United States
Pace University Undergraduate and Graduate Programs University: Undergraduate United States
Rowan University University: Graduate United States
Rutgers University University: Undergraduate United States
Sacred Heart University University: Graduate United States
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville University: Graduate United States
Stanford University Undergraduate Admissions University: Undergraduate United States
Stevens Institute of Technology University: Graduate United States
Syracuse University Undergraduate Admissions University: Undergraduate United States
Texas Tech University University: Graduate United States
Trine University University: Graduate United States
Tufts University University: Undergraduate United States
University of Bridgeport University: Graduate United States
University of California Davis University: Undergraduate United States
University of California Santa Barbara University: Undergraduate United States
University of California Berkeley University: Undergraduate United States
University of California Los Angeles University: Undergraduate United States
University of Cincinnati Graduate Programs University: Graduate United States
University of Colorado Denver University: Graduate United States
University of Connecticut University: Undergraduate United States
University of Dayton Undergraduate & Graduate University: Undergraduate United States
University of Houston University: Graduate United States
University of Massachusetts Amherst Undergraduate Admissions University: Undergraduate United States
University of Michigan Undergraduate Admissions University: Undergraduate United States
University of North Texas University: Undergraduate United States
University of Pennsylvania University: Undergraduate United States
University of Rochester University: Undergraduate United States
University of South Florida University: Graduate United States
University of Southern California University: Undergraduate United States
The University of Texas at Dallas University: Graduate United States
University of Washington University: Undergraduate United States
Wichita State University University: Graduate United States
Yale University University: Undergraduate United States
Adler University in Vancouver University: Graduate Canada
Alberta Bible College University: Undergraduate Canada
Alberta University of the Arts University: Undergraduate Canada
Alexander College University: Undergraduate Canada
Algoma University University: Undergraduate Canada
Ambrose University University: Graduate Canada
Bishop's University University: Undergraduate Canada
Booth University College University: Undergraduate Canada
Brescia University College - Undergraduate University: Undergraduate Canada
Brock University - MPCE (Master's Preparation Certificate in Education) University: Graduate Canada
Brock University - All Graduate Programs University: Graduate Canada
Brock University University: Undergraduate Canada
Burman University University: Undergraduate Canada
Cambrian College University: Undergraduate Canada
Canada Institute of Linguistics University: Graduate Canada
Canadian College for Higher Studies University: Graduate Canada
Cape Breton University - Undergraduate University: Undergraduate Canada
Cape Breton University - Post Baccalaureate Programs University: Graduate Canada
Cape Breton University - MBA University: Graduate Canada
Capilano University - Centre of International Experience University: Undergraduate Canada
Capilano University University: Undergraduate Canada
City University of Seattle, Canada University: Graduate Canada
City University of Seattle, Canada University: Undergraduate Canada
CodeCore College University: Undergraduate Canada
Columbia College Vancouver University: Undergraduate Canada
Concordia University - Montreal University: Undergraduate Canada
Concordia University - Montreal - John Molson School of Business University: Graduate Canada
Concordia University of Edmonton University: Undergraduate Canada
Confederation College University: Undergraduate Canada
Crandall University University: Undergraduate Canada
Emily Carr University of Art + Design University: Graduate Canada
Emily Carr University of Art + Design University: Undergraduate Canada
Fairleigh Dickinson University, Vancouver Campus University: Graduate Canada
Fairleigh Dickinson University, Vancouver Campus University: Undergraduate Canada
Fleming College University: Undergraduate Canada
Huron University College University: Undergraduate Canada
Institut de tourisme et d'hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ) University: Undergraduate Canada
International Business University University: Undergraduate Canada
Justice Institute of British Columbia University: Undergraduate Canada
KPU - Kwantlen Polytechnic University - Admissions University: Undergraduate Canada
Lakehead University University: Undergraduate Canada
Lakeland College Undergraduate Admissions University: Undergraduate Canada
Laurentian University Graduate Programs University: Graduate Canada
Laurentian University - Undergraduate University: Undergraduate Canada
Liaison College University: Graduate Canada
Liaison College University: Undergraduate Canada
Loyalist College University: Undergraduate Canada
M College University: Undergraduate Canada
Grant MacEwan University University: Undergraduate Canada
Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology Admissions University: Undergraduate Canada
Memorial University of Newfoundland - Business School University: Graduate Canada
Memorial University of Newfoundland University: Undergraduate Canada
Montreal College of Information Technology University: Undergraduate Canada
Mount Allison University University: Undergraduate Canada
NetPLUS College of Information Technology University: Undergraduate Canada
Niagara College - Toronto School of Management University: Undergraduate Canada
Niagara College Canada Undergraduate, Graduate, & ESL University: Undergraduate Canada
Nipawin Bible College University: Undergraduate Canada
Nipissing University University: Undergraduate Canada
Okanagan College University: Undergraduate Canada
Olds College University: Undergraduate Canada
OCAD University: Undergraduate Canada
Ontario Tech University University: Undergraduate Canada
Pacific Link College University: Undergraduate Canada
Polytechnique Montreal University: Graduate Canada
Prairie College University: Undergraduate Canada
Quest University Canada University: Undergraduate Canada
RED Academy Toronto University: Undergraduate Canada
RED Academy Vancouver University: Undergraduate Canada
Redeemer University University: Undergraduate Canada
Rosewood College University: Undergraduate Canada
Royal Roads University University: Undergraduate Canada
Ryerson University International College University: Undergraduate Canada
Saint Mary's University (Canada) University: Undergraduate Canada
Sheridan College University: Graduate Canada
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) University: Undergraduate Canada
St. Stephen's University - Graduate University: Graduate Canada
St. Stephen's University - Undergraduate University: Undergraduate Canada
St. Thomas University University: Undergraduate Canada
Steinbach Bible College University: Undergraduate Canada
The King's University - Canada University: Undergraduate Canada
Thompson Rivers University University: Undergraduate Canada
Trent University University: Undergraduate Canada
Trinity Western University University: Undergraduate Canada
University Canada West - Graduate University: Graduate Canada
University Canada West University: Undergraduate Canada
University College of the North University: Undergraduate Canada
University of Calgary University: Graduate Canada
University of Calgary University: Undergraduate Canada
University of Guelph University: Undergraduate Canada
University of Guelph University: Graduate Canada
University of Lethbridge University: Undergraduate Canada
University of New Brunswick - Graduate MBA Saint John University: Graduate Canada
University of New Brunswick University: Undergraduate Canada
University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) University: Undergraduate Canada
University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) University: Graduate Canada
University of Prince Edward Island University: Undergraduate Canada
University of Regina University: Undergraduate Canada
University of Regina - Kenneth Levene Graduate School of Business University: Graduate Canada
University of Saint Katherine University: Undergraduate Canada
University of Saskatchewan - Graduate University: Graduate Canada
University of Saskatchewan University: Undergraduate Canada
University of the Fraser Valley University: Undergraduate Canada
University of Windsor University: Undergraduate Canada
University of Windsor - Odette School of Business University: Graduate Canada
University of Winnipeg University: Undergraduate Canada
Vancouver Film School University: Undergraduate Canada
Vancouver Island University University: Undergraduate Canada
Vancouver Island University University: Graduate Canada
Western Community College University: Graduate Canada
Western University - Ivey PhD University: Graduate Canada
Western University - Ivey Business School - Masters University: Graduate Canada
Wilfrid Laurier International College (Navitas) University: Undergraduate Canada
Wilfrid Laurier University University: Undergraduate Canada
York University Schulich School of Business University: Graduate Canada
York University University: Graduate Canada
Yorkville University University: Graduate Canada
Yorkville University University: Undergraduate Canada
Yukon University University: Undergraduate Canada
Earlier many questions were raised about the authenticity of the Duolingo English Test because of its remote nature. The test did face limitations in the beginning, but many changes have been made. The video interview examines the candidate’s authenticity and is also tested by human proctors. There are methods that track candidates’ eye movements to detect if they are using any unethical way to pass the exam. Duolingo English Test, therefore, has implemented many methods to keep students away from cheating.

FAQs

Ques. How does Duolingo make money?

Ans. Duolingo makes money via a premium subscription, display ads, as well as its language proficiency tests.

Ques. How many leagues are there in Duolingo?

Ans. There are 10 Duolingo leagues.

Ques. How is the scoring done?

Ans. The Duolingo English Test is a computer-scored exam that scores between 10 and 160 in 5-point increments.

Ques. How long is the Duolingo test valid?

Ans. The Duolingo English test is valid for 2 years. 

Ques. How to change language in Duolingo?

Ans. You can change the languages in Duolingo from the setting option.

Ques.Is Duolingo good?

Ans. Survey says it provides a great learning experience.

Ques. How to delete a course in Duolingo?

Ans. Go to Tap Settings (gear icon) Scroll and tap "Manage Courses" Carefully select the course you'd like to remove and then tap 'Delete' to confirm

Ques. How to prepare for the Duolingo English test?

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.

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