In today’s world, where globalization and international connections are becoming increasingly important, proficiency in English has become particularly important. While traditional tests such as TOEFL and IELTS have long been the standard for assessing language skills, new alternatives are emerging, one of which is the Duolingo English Test. This relatively new test is becoming increasingly popular among students and professionals, offering them an easy and convenient way to demonstrate their English language skills.
What is Duolingo English Test
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an online English proficiency test developed by Duolingo. The test is administered online and utilizes interactive exercises to measure comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, fluency, and pronunciation. The DET provides a standardized assessment system and is increasingly popular among educational institutions, employers, and individuals as an easy and convenient way to demonstrate their English language skills.
The exam has an adaptive computerized testing format. This means that the difficulty and sequence of questions vary. Unlike other tests, the DET questions are not grouped by type, so you will not know what type of assignment is coming next. During the test, the difficulty of the questions constantly changes, so you may find some assignments easier or harder than previous ones.
You can take the test online anytime and anywhere. There is no need to sign up and go to a test center—you can do it from home. To take the Duolingo English Test, you will need a computer with a functioning microphone and speakers, a webcam, an internet connection, and a form of identification.
The testing process takes less than an hour. Results are certified within two days, and you can submit your results to as many institutions as you like.
Upon completion of the exam, you will be provided with an official certificate containing your results, accessible through a unique and secure link. Scoring is conducted on a scale of 10 to 160. If you desire, you can make your certificate publicly available. DET results remain valid for a duration of two years.
In addition to your Duolingo English Test scores, you will receive scores in various categories that assess your competence in different areas.
Each category comprises two out of four skills:
- Literacy: Reading and writing skills
- Comprehension: Listening and reading skills
- Conversation: Speaking and listening skills
- Production: Writing and speaking skills
Test Structure and Question Types
Elements of the test:
- Introduction and Instruction – 5 minutes: At the beginning of the test, you will receive an explanation of the rules and requirements for taking the test.
- Adaptive Test – 45 minutes: This section evaluates your English language skills through a variety of tasks. The tasks will vary in complexity and format.
- Written Paper and Video Interview – 10 minutes: In this section, you will be given a specific topic to answer in detail. You may be required to provide a written response and participate in a video interview.
Sample Question Types:
- Read and type the missing letters to reconstruct the text.
- Read and select from a list of words those that exist in an English dictionary.
- Listen to a recording and type what you heard.
- Read aloud and make a recording of your voice.
- Describe an image: Aim to describe the image within 1 minute, either in written form or orally.
- Read a question and then write a short text on a specified topic within 5 minutes.
- Listen to and/or read the question and then speak the answer within 90 seconds.
- Complete the text: Choose the best option for each missing word and/or sentence.
- Read the text and answer the question posed by highlighting the relevant part in the text.
- Identify the main idea: Read the text and choose the option that most accurately reflects the primary meaning of the text.
- Respond in writing to the given topic within 5 minutes.
- Respond to the given topic aloud for 3 minutes: This interview will be videotaped.
As of May 1, 2023, Duolingo English Test decided to remove the Listen and Select tasks. Instead, Interactive Listening question types were introduced.
Types of Interactive Listening questions:
- Listen and read a description of a situation, then select the most appropriate option to start a conversation or respond appropriately.
- Summarize the conversation: In this task, you will need to write a summary of the previous conversation within 75 seconds.
To get more information about the different question types and helpful tips for each of them, you can visit the official Duolingo English Test website. However, please note that to access the information, you will need to register and create an account on the site. Additionally, you can find the official test taker’s guide and take advantage of the free practice test, which has unlimited attempts.
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DET Test Fees
The Duolingo English Test offers a flexible pricing system. You can purchase a single test for $59, and you will have 21 days to complete it from the date of purchase.
There is also a two-test package available, priced at $49 per test or $98 for both tests. After completing the first test, you will have an additional 21 days to take the second test in the package.
A total of three tests can be purchased within 30 days. This approach enables DET users to optimize their choices and save money if they plan to take multiple tests over a specific timeframe.
How DET differs from IELTS and TOEFL
IELTS (International English Language Testing System), TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), and DET (Duolingo English Test) are three tests specifically designed to assess the language skills of individuals aspiring to immigrate, work, or study in an English-speaking country. These tests vary in terms of content, format, scoring, cost, and other important factors. By understanding these distinctions, candidates can select the test that aligns best with their individual needs and goals.
Cost of exams
| Criterion | DET | IELTS | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Standard price |
1 test - $59 2 tests - $49/piece |
$200 - $310 |
$180 - $325 |
|
Additional Services |
no |
Changing the test date ($47), sending score reports, ordering additional copies of certificates |
Late registration ($40), schedule change ($60), additional score report ($20), etc. |
|
Refund of payment |
Does not involve reimbursement of fees * |
If you cancel the IELTS test more than 5 weeks before the exam, the testing center will refund your money after a 25% deduction from your payment |
If you cancel your registration 4 days prior to the test date, you are entitled to a 50% refund of the test fee |
* In the eventthat you are unable to complete the exam due to a test outage or do not receive DET results within the agreed-upon period, Duolingo will offer you a refund or credit and make reasonable efforts to resolve the testing issue.
Exam Structure
| Criterion | DET | IELTS | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Duration of the test |
45 - 60 minutes |
2 hours and 45 minutes |
2 hours (from July 26, 2023) |
|
Format |
Computer-based online test |
Paper-based IELTS Test Computer-based IELTS Test |
TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based Test) TOEFL iBT (Internet-Based Test) TOEFL Home Edition (Internet-Based Test) |
|
Sections and types of questions |
Adaptive section: selecting words from a list, completion, listening, writing, reading texts, answering questions, describing images, etc. The second part of the exam: video interview and written task |
Listening: table completion, summarizing, multiple-choice questions, sentence completion, matching two parts of an answer, marking points on a diagram. Reading: table completion, summarizing texts, multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, matching two parts of an answer. Speaking: conversation on a chosen topic,answering questions, dialogue on a given topic. Writing: interpreting charts, tables, or other data, presenting the obtained information in written form,writing an essay on a given topic. |
Listening: table completion, multiple-choice questions. Reading: locating factual information and identifying connections between components in the text, vocabulary questions. Speaking: conversation on a given topic + integrated tasks (reading a short text, listening to related material, and providing a response based on the information received). Writing: integrated task (reading a short text, listening to related material, and providing a written response based on the information received) + "Writing for an Academic Discussion." |
Assessment and Exam Results
| Criterion | DET | IELTS | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Accessibility of results |
ready 48 hours after the test is taken |
3-5 days (computer-based)/ 13 days (paper-based) |
4-8 days after testing (11-13 working days for paper version) |
|
Validity of results |
2 years |
2 years |
2 years |
|
Processing of results |
It has a computerized scoring system and its proprietary algorithm (AI) for evaluating the written and spoken sections |
The examination sheets are scanned by a computer, and then they are evaluated by a licensed IELTS examiner |
The reading and listening sections of the test are evaluated by the computer. The writing and speaking tests are assessed by both highly qualified TOEFL examiners and an automated scoring system that utilizes artificial intelligence for score calculation |
|
Range of scores * |
from 10 to 160 points |
from 0 to 9 points |
from 8 to 120 points |
Comparative table of DET results with TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic and the CEFR language proficiency level system
|
TOEFL iBT
|
|---|---|
|
160
|
120
|
|
155
|
119
|
|
150
|
117-118
|
|
145
|
113-116
|
|
140
|
109-112
|
|
135
|
104-108
|
|
130
|
98-103
|
|
125
|
93-97
|
|
120
|
87-92
|
|
115
|
82-86
|
|
110
|
76-81
|
|
105
|
70-75
|
|
100
|
65-69
|
|
95
|
59-64
|
|
90
|
53-58
|
|
85
|
47-52
|
|
80
|
41-46
|
|
75
|
35-40
|
|
70
|
30-34
|
|
65
|
24-29
|
|
60
|
18-23
|
|
10-55
|
0-17
|
|
|
IELTS Academic
|
|---|---|
|
160
|
8.5-9
|
|
155
|
8
|
|
150
|
|
|
145
|
7.5
|
|
140
|
|
|
135
|
7
|
|
130
|
|
|
125
|
6.5
|
|
120
|
|
|
115
|
6
|
|
110
|
|
|
105
|
|
|
100
|
5.5
|
|
95
|
|
|
90
|
5
|
|
85
|
|
|
80
|
|
|
75
|
4.5
|
|
70
|
|
|
65
|
|
|
60
|
4
|
|
10-55
|
0-4
|
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Availability and Exam Frequency
| Criterion | DET | IELTS | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Schedule |
Daily test schedule |
The Academic version of IELTS is conducted 48 times a year, while the General Training version is conducted 24 times a year |
TOEFL iBT offers more than 60 test dates throughout the year; TOEFL PBT (Paper-Based Test) offers 4 test dates TOEFL Home Edition is available 24 hours a day, four days a week. |
|
Testing Centers |
There are no test centers Available online 24/7 |
1 200 centers |
4 500 centers |
|
Recognition of the test worldwide |
Accepted in more than 65 countries around the world |
Accepted in 145 countries worldwide |
Accepted in 190 countries worldwide |
Examination requirements
| Criterion | DET | IELTS | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Age |
minimum age of 13 years (Individuals younger than the specified age must provide consent from parents or guardians) |
18 years of age or older (Individuals younger than the specified age must provide consent from parents or guardians) |
recommended age 17 and older (Individuals younger than the specified age must provide consent from parents or guardians) |
|
What is needed for testing |
A valid passport or any other form of identification, internet connection,a computer with a front-facing camera, microphone, and speakers. |
A valid passport or any form of identification, an active credit or debit card |
A valid passport or any form of identification with a name, photograph, and signature |
|
Registration |
Register on the official website and create your accoun |
Register through the IELTS online registration platform |
Register at official test centers, or online through the official website by creating an ETS account.You can also register by phoneor mail |
Which exam is easier: DET, IELTS, or TOEFL?
The Duolingo English Test is commonly considered easier compared to the TOEFL and IELTS. One of the factors that makes the DET more accessible is its interactive and dynamic test structure. The DET offers a variety of question types and exercises and provides real-time feedback. The more familiar language used in the DET test materials makes it easier for some test takers.
TOEFL and IELTS are generally regarded as more difficult tests, especially in light of the use of specific vocabulary and terms. These exams have a higher level of formality and academic focus, which can pose challenges for some test takers. TOEFL and IELTS can also be difficult due to their structure and format, requiring test takers to have certain skills and preparation.
It is important to note that the perceived difficulty of each test is subjective and depends on individual characteristics. Some people may find one exam easier due to their strengths in specific areas, while others may consider it challenging because of their weaknesses.
Top universities accepting Duolingo English Test results
More than 4000 educational institutions worldwide accept DET certificates. You can submit your results an unlimited number of times and it’s completely free of charge.
Alberta University of the Arts
British Columbia Institute of Technology (Master’s/Bachelor’s/ISEP)
Canada Institute of Linguistics
Carleton University Undergraduate Admissions
City University of Seattle, Canada
Concordia University – Montreal
Concordia University of Edmonton
Emily Carr University of Art + Design
Halifax Language Institute of Canada
Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec (ITHQ)
Institut Supérieur d’Informatique
International Business University
JTB Educational Institute Of Canada (JEIC)
Justice Institute of British Columbia
KPU – Kwantlen Polytechnic University – Admissions
Lutheran Theological Seminary Saskatoon – Masters and Doctoral
Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology Admissions
Memorial University of Newfoundland
New York Institute of Technology at Vancouver Campus
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
Toronto Metropolitan University
Toronto Metropolitan University International College (Navitas)
UBC Sauder – Real Estate Division
University of British Columbia
University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC)
University of Saskatchewan – Edwards School of Business
University of the Fraser Valley
Western University – Ivey Business School
Academy of Learning Calgary Central/Northeast/South
Academy of Learning Career College – Halifax Campus
Academy of Learning Edmonton South/West
Alberta Business and Educational Services
Beta College of Commerce & Technology
Bow Valley College (Health Care Aide for English Language Learners Program)
Brescia University College (English Language Program/Pre-College/Summer Program/Undergraduate)
Canadian College for Higher Studies
Canadian College of Business and Technology (CCTB)
Canadian International Career College
Canadian Language Learning College (CLLC)
Centre for Arts and Technology
East Coast Trades College Inc.
Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia (EGBC)
Fraser International College (Navitas)
George Brown College Admissions
Humber Institute of Technology and Applied Learning (Undergrad and Grad)
Lakeland College Undergraduate Admissions
Maritime College of Forest Technology
Montreal College of Information Technology
Natural Health Practitioners Of Canada Association
NetPLUS College of Information Technology
New Brunswick College of Craft and Design
New Brunswick Community College
Niagara College Canada Undergraduate, Graduate, & ESL
Niagara College – Toronto School of Management
North American Business College of Sciences & Languages
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Ordre des Acupuncteurs du Québec
Peel College of Professional Studies
Randolph College For The Performing Arts
Southern Ontario Dental College
University College of the North
University of King’s College – Halifax
Wellington College of Remedial Massage Therapies
Wilfrid Laurier International College (Navitas)
Windsong College of Healing Arts
YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka
Athol Murray College of Notre Dame
Columbia International College
Fort Erie International Academy
Glenn Gould School of The Royal Conservatory of Music
Keystone International Schools
Lester B. Pearson School Board – Post Secondary / Vocational Education
London International Academy (LIA), Canada
Sacred Heart School of Halifax
Sacred Heart School of Montreal
Sir Wilfrid Laurier School Board
Smithville Christian High School
St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School
Alliant International University
American National University-Lexington
Anderson University (South Carolina)
Atlanta University of Health Science
Belmont University – Undergraduate and Graduate
Boston University Graduate and Professional Programs
Brown University Undergraduate Admissions
California Intercontinental University
Carnegie Mellon University – Graduate/Undergraduate
Concordia University Chicago – Graduate Programs
Cornell University Undergraduate Admissions
Florida International University
George Washington University Undergraduate Admissions
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Harvard University – Harvard Business School
International American University
International Technological University – Graduate Admissions
Iowa State University – Undergraduate
Lesley University – Graduate Admissions
Michigan State University Graduate Programs
Queens University of Charlotte
San Francisco State University
Tennessee Technological University
The Continents States University
University of California Berkeley
University of Central Missouri
Washington Adventist University
Alexandria Technical and Community College
American College of Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine
American International College
Carroll College Undergraduate Admissions
Concordia College Moorhead, MN
East Central Community College
Georgia College & State University
Guilford Technical Community College
Iowa Central Community College
Laguna College of Art and Design
Northeastern University College
Northwest Florida State College
Ringling College of Art and Design
Rochester Community and Technical College
Saint Mary’s College of California
South Mountain Community College
University College at Washington University in St. Louis
Washington and Jefferson College
American Success at Kilgore College
CSVPA (Cambridge School of Visual and Performing Arts)
CUNY School of Professional Studies (SPS)
Developing Virtue Secondary School
Higley Unified School District
Iolani School, Residential Summer Programs
New England Innovation Academy
Riverstone International School
Saint Thomas’ Episcopal School
Southlands Schools International, High School
Stevenson School, Upper Division
Bangor University Online Pre-sessional (ELCOS)
Birkbeck, University of London – Undergraduate and Postgraduate
Bournemouth University Pre-Sessional English
Coventry University – Pre-Sessional English
Goldsmiths, University of London
Lady Margaret Hall, University of Oxford Summer Programmes
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
Queen Mary University of London – Pre-Sessional English
Royal Holloway, University of London
Swansea University – Pre-Sessional Programmes
University of Birmingham English Language Program
University of Chester – Pre-Sessional English
University of Huddersfield – China Campus
University of Leicester – Postgraduate Research
University of Liverpool – Online Pre-Sessional English programme
Institute of Performance Nutrition
International College Portsmouth
Accadis Hochschule Bad Homburg
Brand University of Applied Sciences
CBS International Business School
CODE University of Applied Sciences
Furtwangen University of Applied Sciences
Gisma University of Applied Sciences
Goethe University – Study Abroad Programs
Hochschule Furtwangen University – M.Sc. Biomedical Engineering (BME)
Hochschule Mannheim – University of Applied Sciences
Humboldt International Campus HIC Programs
IU International University of Applied Sciences
Julius Maximilian University of Würzburg (JMU)
Macromedia University of Applied Sciences
Schiller International University, Heidelberg Campus
SRH University of Applied Sciences Berlin
Steinbeis University – School of Management and Innovation
Technische Universität Berlin, M.Sc. Innovation Management, Entrepreneurship, and Sustainability
Tomorrow University of Applied Sciences
University of Applied Sciences Europe
University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt
University of Augsburg, Worldwide outgoing International Office
Adelaide Institute of Higher Education
Australian Catholic University- Pathways – ELICOS
Kaplan Business School – Postgraduate
Polytechnic Institute Australia
Queensland University of Technology
Swinburne University of Technology
Universities Admissions Centre (NSW & ACT) Pty Ltd
University of Southern Queensland
University of Western Australia, Centre for English Language Teaching (CELT)
Acknowledge Education Pty Ltd.
Adelaide Institute of Business and Technology
AFTT (JMC) – Academy of Film, Theatre and Television – Vocational
Australian College of Business Intelligence
Australian Institute of Advanced Studies
Australian Institute of Business Intelligence Higher Education
Australian Professional Skills Institute
Deakin College – Undergraduate and Foundation
Edinburgh International College (EIC)
Evolution Hospitality Institute
Institute Of Business and Management (Victoria IBM)
Institute of Health & Management (IHM)
International College of Management, Sydney
Menzies Institute of Technology
National Academy of Professional Studies
National Training College of Australia
Perth College of Business & Technology
Site Institute, Brisbane, Australia
Sydney Institute of Business and Technology
Universal Business School Sydney
HEC Paris – Executive MBA Program
Schiller International University, Paris Campus
The American University of Paris
Chavagnes International College
Ecole de Management Léonard De Vinci (EMLV)
Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Grenoble
ENSAI – Ecole nationale de la statistique et de l’analyse de l’information
EPF Graduate School of Engineering
ESSCA School of Management – Bachelor program
Galileo Global Education France – LISAA
ICD International Business School
You can find a more detailed list of educational institutions accepting Duolingo certificates here.
Are you dreaming of getting direct admission to a top-notch college or university in Canada? Find out more details about the terms and requirements of Canada’s post-secondary institutions.
Advantages of the Duolingo English Test
- Replacement for TOEFL and IELTS: The Duolingo English Test can substitute popular exams for university and college admissions, providing students with an alternative testing option.
- Program Selection: Duolingo English Test results help students find educational programs and services that match their English language proficiency level.
- Improved Employability: Test results can be included in a LinkedIn profile or resume, allowing employers to assess applicants’ English language skills.
- International Recognition: The Duolingo English Test is accepted by over 4,000 universities worldwide, enabling students to applyto a wide range of institutions in different countries and regions.
- Convenience and Accessibility: DET is taken online from home and costs only $59, while other tests have higher fees, such as $220 and above.
- Free Trial Test: Duolingo provides a free trial test that allows students to try out the testing format and assess their English level before registering for the full exam.
- Conciseness and Adaptability: The test is time-efficient and adaptive, tailoring itself to each student’s proficiency level for a more accurate assessment.
- Scientific Research and Data Protection: The exam is based on scientific research and employs state-of-the-art data protection measures, ensuring reliable results and the safety of students’ personal information.
- Comprehensive Language Proficiency Assessment: The Duolingo English Test offers a more comprehensive evaluation of language proficiency, including score breakdowns by categories, helping students identify their strengths and weaknesses.
- Quick Results and Extensive Study Material: Duolingo provides rapid results and offers extensive study material to prepare for the test, aiding students in effective preparation and improving their English language skills.
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