Whether you’re applying to graduate school, earning a scholarship, or proving your English skills for work, the Duolingo English Test (DET) has rapidly become one of the most popular, flexible, and affordable options out there. Here’s everything you need—no fluff, just real talk—to understand, register for, and crush the DET on your schedule.
1. What Is the Duolingo English Test?
- Fully online & on-demand: Take it from home, at any time, with results in 48 hours.
- Affordable: One flat fee (currently $59 USD) covers unlimited scores and free score reports to up to 10 institutions.
- Widely accepted: Over 4,000 universities and programs worldwide recognize DET scores—from U.S. Ivy Leagues to top European and Asian schools.
- Adaptive format: The test adjusts question difficulty in real time, honing in on your true proficiency level.
2. Structure of the Exam
| Section | Task Types | Time | Scoring Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adaptive Question Pool | Mix of fill-in-the-blank, comprehension, speaking prompts | ~45 minutes | 10–160 |
| Video Interview & Writing Sample | Two 1-minute spoken responses + one 5-minute written task | +10 minutes (unscored) | Qualitative |
- Adaptive Core (~45 min):
- Cloze (type the missing word in a sentence)
- Read & Select (identify real English sentences)
- Listen & Select (match written sentences to audio clips)
- Listen & Type (transcribe spoken sentences)
- Speak & Read (read a prompt aloud)
- Write about the Photo (describe an image in writing)
- Interview & Writing Sample (~10 min):
- Unscored, but sent to schools alongside your numeric score—showcases your natural fluency and personality.
3. How to Take the Test
- System Check & Setup
- Computer: Windows or macOS (latest OS version)
- Browser: Google Chrome (no other windows/tabs open)
- Internet: ≥5 Mbps download/upload, wired preferred
- Hardware: Working webcam, microphone, and speakers
- Environment: Quiet, well-lit room; no interruptions or background noise
- Practice & Familiarize
- Use Duolingo’s free sample questions to get a feel for timing and format.
- Download the Test Guide PDF from the official site.
- On Test Day
- Log in to your DET account at least 10 minutes early.
- Complete a quick selfie + room scan to satisfy security guidelines.
- Follow on-screen prompts—no one else can be in the room.
- Once you start, you can’t pause; plan to block out 55–60 minutes total.
4. Where to Register
- Go to: englishtest.duolingo.com
- Create an account: Verify your email and personal details.
- Schedule your test: Pick any date/time—slots are available 24/7.
- Pay the fee: $59 USD (credit card, debit card, or PayPal).
- Confirmation: You’ll get an email with login instructions—keep it handy.
Pro Tip: You can cancel or reschedule up to 24 hours before your test at no extra cost.
5. Top Tips to Score Higher
- Build Daily Micro-Habits
- Spend 5 minutes each morning on one Duolingo sample exercise.
- Record yourself reading aloud to improve pronunciation.
- Hack the Adaptive Format
- Early questions carry more weight—be extra focused for your first 10–15 items.
- Boost Your Vocabulary
- Use flashcards or apps like Anki to learn 10 new words per day.
- Simulate Test Conditions
- Do a full timed run-through at least twice before test day (no bathroom breaks!).
- Master the Photo Prompt
- Practice describing photos in 50–75 words, focusing on clear structure:
- What you see
- Who/where/when it might be
- Why it’s happening or how you feel about it
- Practice describing photos in 50–75 words, focusing on clear structure:
- Polish Your Typing
- Fast, accurate typing helps in Listen & Type and Write tasks—try free typing drills online.
- Show Your Personality
- In the video interview, be concise, friendly, and engaging—unscored, but human reviewers notice authenticity.
Final Thoughts
The Duolingo English Test is designed for flexibility, speed, and fairness. By understanding its adaptive core, nailing your setup, and weaving daily practice into your routine, you’ll walk into test day confident—and walk away with a score that tells schools you mean business.
Ready to level up your English score? Head to englishtest.duolingo.com, book your slot, and let the countdown begin!