- Opening Time : 8:30 AM - 9:30 PM
The Duolingo Test, also known as the Duolingo English Test (DET), is an online English proficiency test administered by Duolingo. It is designed to assess a person’s English language skills for academic, professional, and immigration purposes. The unique aspect of the test is that for every incorrect answer, the test adapts and increases in difficulty, and vice versa. The Duolingo English Test not only aids in academic studies but also enhances prospects of securing desirable employment opportunities abroad. There was once a time when IELTS was considered the only standardized test several universities now have even mollified the need to have IELTS Duolingo also led to the increased importance.
Online Format: The Duolingo Test is taken entirely online, allowing test takers to complete it from the comfort of their own homes using a computer with a webcam and microphone.
Sections: The test consists of four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section assesses a specific language skill.
Adaptive Nature: The Duolingo Test adapts to the test taker’s performance level. The difficulty of the questions adjusts based on the responses given, aiming to accurately measure the test taker’s English proficiency.
Duration: The test takes approximately 45 minutes to complete, although the duration may vary based on individual performance and the adaptive nature of the test.
Scoring: Each section of the test is scored separately, and the scores are then combined to provide an overall proficiency score. The scoring is based on a scale ranging from 10 to 160.
Results and Reports: Test takers receive their scores within 48 hours of completing the test. The test results include a detailed breakdown of scores for each section and an overall proficiency rating.
Students often prefer Duolingo over IELTS and TOEFL.
The Duolingo Test is designed to assess a person’s English language skills. It provides an indication of their proficiency in reading, listening, speaking, and writing, which can be valuable for academic, professional, or immigration purposes.
The DET (Duolingo English Test) is an online-based test that can be conveniently taken from the comfort of your home. The test consists of two sections, which are outlined below:
To take the Duolingo Test, you must meet the following requirements:
By meeting these requirements, you can successfully take the Duolingo English Test and showcase your English language proficiency.
You need to fulfil the following requirements to take the test.
Technical Requirements: To take the Duolingo Test, you will need a computer or laptop with a stable internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone. The Duolingo Test is administered through a web browser, so you should have a compatible browser installed, such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.
Identification: You will typically be required to provide a valid identification document to verify your identity. This can be a passport, national ID card, or driver’s license. The identification document should be current and include your full name, photo, and signature.
Age Restrictions: The minimum age requirement to take the Duolingo Test may vary based on the country and institution. In some cases, you may need to be at least 13 years old to take the test. However, age requirements can differ, so it’s important to verify the specific age restrictions set by the institution or organization you are applying to.
Test Fee: The Duolingo Test usually requires payment of a test fee. The fee amount can vary and is determined by Duolingo. You will need to provide payment information during the registration process.
Test Registration: To take the Duolingo Test, you will need to create an account on the Duolingo Test website and register for the test. During the registration process, you may be required to provide personal information, including your name, contact details, and the purpose for taking the test.
To register for Duolingo, follow these steps:
Visit the Duolingo website: Go to the official Duolingo website at www.duolingo.com.
Sign up for an account: Click on the “Sign up” button located at the top right corner of the website. You have the option to sign up using your Google, Facebook, or Apple account, or you can create a new account by providing your email address and creating a password.
Choose your language: After signing up, you’ll be prompted to select the language you want to learn. Duolingo offers a wide range of languages, so choose the one you’re interested in.
Set your learning goals: Duolingo will ask you about your learning goals and preferences. You can specify how much time you want to spend learning each day and whether you’re a beginner or have prior knowledge of the language.
Start learning: Once you’ve completed the initial setup, you can begin learning by accessing the lessons and exercises available for your chosen language. Duolingo offers a structured curriculum with different levels and skills to progress through.
The fee for the Duolingo English Test (DET) was $49 USD. However, please note that pricing and fees are subject to change over time. It’s advisable to visit the official Duolingo English Test website (englishtest.duolingo.com) or contact Duolingo directly for the most up-to-date information regarding the fees associated with taking the Duolingo English Test. When you compare Duolingo to other leading tests like IELTS and TOEFL, you will find that Duolingo is way cheaper than them. You need to spend only around INR 4032.55 for the Duolingo test fee. The Duolingo test fee in India is about INR 10,000 less than the other tests and no scholarship available for Duolingo.
If the candidate does not take the test within 21 days of registration, the test automatically gets cancelled. In such a case, no refund will be provided. At the same time, if you face any technical error during your test and cannot complete the test, you can contact Duolingo’s customer service and get a refund.
The acceptance of the Duolingo English Test (DET) varies among institutions and organizations. Many universities and colleges worldwide accept the Duolingo Test as a measure of English proficiency for admissions purposes. However, it’s essential to note that acceptance policies can vary, and some institutions may have specific requirements or preferred English proficiency tests.
As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, some universities in the United States that accepted the Duolingo Test included Yale University, Columbia University, and the University of California system. Additionally, several Canadian universities, such as McGill University and the University of British Columbia, accepted the Duolingo Test. The Duolingo test is accepted by almost all universities abroad, students who wish to take Duolingo over TOEFL/IELTS, all universities/colleges accept Duolingo for example USA, UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
On a surface level, the notable differences are given below:
Features | IELTS | TOEFL | DET |
Established | 1980 | 1964 | 2016 |
Test fee | USD 149 | USD 180 | USD 49 |
Accepted by | 10,000+ colleges & 400+ countries | 11,000+ colleges & 150+ countries | 3000+ colleges & 50+ counties |
Mode of the test | Internet-based or paper-based | Internet-based & paper-based | Internet-based |
Score scale | 0 to 9 | 0 to 120 | 10 to 160 |
Test structure | Reading, Writing, Speaking, Listening | Reading, Writing, Speaking (only for iBT), Listening | Quick Set-Up, Adaptive Test, Video Interview |
Result | Within 3-13 days | Within 6-10 days | Within 28-48 hours |
Duration | 2 hours 45 minutes | PBT – 2.5 hours, iBT – 3 hours | 45 minutes – 1 hour |
The Duolingo English Test is a computer-based test that assesses real-world language competence by measuring reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. The test taker's ability is measured as a holistic score on a scale of 10-160.
The candidate is given a score between 10 and 160 after the exam. This is a total score, not a segment score. For best abroad programs, a score of more than 120 is necessary.
Duolingo Test Costs $49. It is the most affordable test than IELTS or TOEFL.
Duolingo English test has no certain criteria for Age and academic requirements to take the test. There are only certain requirements like a suitable environment, computer and so on.
A candidate can take the test as many times as they like, but only three tests can be purchased in 30 days. You must wait for the results once you finish and submit the test before moving on to the next one. When you purchase your first test, you begin this time period.