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
IIELTS (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 |
* You can compare DET results with TOEFL or IELTS scores using the table published on the official Duolingo English Test website
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 4,000 universities worldwide accept DET certificates. You can send your results to institutions an unlimited number of times, and it’s completely free of charge.
- Harvard University
- Yale University
- Stanford University
- Cambridge College
- University of Pennsylvania
- Princeton University
- Cornell University
- Illinois Institute of Technology
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT
- California Institute of Technology
- Florida Atlantic University
- Georgia State University
- University of North Alabama
- Columbia University
- Carnegie Mellon University
- University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia
- University of Ottawa
- University of Calgary
- University of Western Ontario
- Cape Breton University
- Concordia University
- University of Alberta
- Thompson Rivers University
- University of Windsor
- Yorkville University, Toronto, Vancouver
- University of Regina
- McGill University
- University of Waterloo
- University of New Brunswick
- Imperial College London
- Loughborough University
- University of Bath
- University of Warwick
- University of York
- Anglia Ruskin University
- Bangor University
- Brunel University
- University of Glasgow
- University of Birmingham
- Queen’s University Belfast
- Middlesex University
- University of Stirling
- University of Hertfordshire
- Leeds Beckett University
- Technische Hochschule Brandenburg
- SRH Berlin University of Applied Sciences
- Steinbeis University
- Arden University
- Bard College Berlin
- Berlin School of Business and Innovation
- CODE University of Applied Sciences
- Goethe University
- Berlin University of Technology
- University of Europe for Applied Sciences
- Australian National University
- Carnegie Mellon University
- Griffith University
- Kaplan Business School
- Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
- Monash College
- The University of New South Wales, UNSW
- University of Western Australia
- University of Adelaide
- Newcastle University
- Queensland University of Technology
- Deakin university
- Swinburne University of Technology
- La Trobe University
- Australian Institute of Music
- Burgundy School of Business
- Higher National School of Architecture of Grenoble
- Grenoble School of Management
- University Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne
- The American University of Paris
- International Business School ISG
- ENSAIA Program of the University of Lorraine
- EPF Graduate School of Engineering
- International Business School ICD
- INSA Lyon
- Paul Bocuse Institute
- Schiller International University, Paris Campus
- Webster University
- Erasmus School of Economics, Erasmus University Rotterdam
- European University Leadership
- International School of Eindhoven
- Maastricht International College
You can find a more detailed list of educational institutions accepting Duolingo certificates here.
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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