The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an online English proficiency test accepted by thousands of universities and colleges worldwide. Taken entirely from home using a computer and webcam, it is known for its convenience, fast results, and growing acceptance among institutions in Canada, the US, the UK, and Australia.
Deciding between Duolingo, IELTS, and TOEFL? See how the tests compare side by side: Choose the Right Test for Your Goals.
Find programs that accept Duolingo
Browse thousands of programs at top institutions worldwide and apply for free through ApplyBoard.
Test Format and Components
The Duolingo English Test is adaptive — the difficulty of questions adjusts based on your responses. The test takes approximately 1 hour to complete and covers four core areas of English proficiency.
- Reading: Comprehension tasks including filling in missing letters or words and identifying real English words.
- Writing: Constructing coherent sentences and short essays — for example, describing an image or responding to a prompt.
- Speaking: Video responses to prompts, such as describing images or answering open-ended questions.
- Listening: Transcription tasks and identifying correct English words from audio clips.
The Duolingo English Test includes an Interactive Speaking component, which replaced the "Listen, Then Speak" question type. In this section, you engage in a simulated conversation with an animated character, answering 6 to 8 related questions.
- Adaptive: Questions adjust based on your previous answers.
- Timing: You have 35 seconds to record your answer for each question.
Note: The "Read Aloud" question type has been removed from the test. Always check the official Duolingo English Test website for the most current test format before your exam date.
Scores and Certificate
Duolingo test results are typically available within 48 hours. Scores range from 10 to 160, with higher scores indicating greater proficiency. Each institution sets its own minimum score requirement — always check the specific requirements for your program before registering for the test.
Your official certificate includes an overall score and four integrated subscores:
DET score reports are valid for 2 years from the date of the test. Plan your test date to ensure your scores will still be valid when your application is reviewed.
Get a Discounted Duolingo Voucher Through ApplyBoard
ApplyBoard offers discounted Duolingo English Test vouchers to help reduce the cost of registering for your test.
Students can purchase DET vouchers directly through ApplyBoard to save on their exam registration fee. For step-by-step instructions based on your location, read our guide: How to Purchase Test Vouchers with ApplyBoard Test Solutions.
Once purchased, you will receive a unique coupon code. Enter this code on the payment screen of the official Duolingo English Test website to register.
Recruitment Partners can purchase prepaid DET vouchers at discounted rates to distribute to their students. Log in to the ApplyBoard platform, navigate to 360 Solutions, select the Services tab, and choose Tests.
Save on your Duolingo English Test registration
ApplyBoard offers discounted DET vouchers. Log in to your dashboard or create a free account to access Test Solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — the Duolingo English Test is accepted by thousands of institutions in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and more. However, acceptance varies by institution and program. Always confirm your specific program's requirements on the ApplyBoard platform or the institution's website before registering. You can filter programs by Duolingo acceptance using the program search tool on ApplyBoard.
There is no universal minimum — each institution and program sets its own threshold. Common minimum scores range from 95 to 120 for undergraduate programs, and 105 to 130 for postgraduate programs, but this varies widely. Always check the specific admissions requirements for your chosen program before registering.
If your chosen institution does not accept the DET, you will need to take an alternative test such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic. Check requirements early in your application process — before booking any test. Read our comparison guide to help you decide: IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL: Choose the Right Test for Your Goals.
DET score reports are valid for two years from the date of the test. Make sure your scores will still be valid when your application is reviewed — if you are applying for a 2027 intake, confirm your test date falls within the valid window.
Your name on your DET certificate must match your passport exactly. If they differ, provide a name change affidavit or clarification document when uploading your scores to your application. For more information, read: Name Affidavit for Study Abroad Applications.
It depends on your target institutions, your strengths, and practical factors like cost and convenience. Duolingo is generally the most affordable and flexible option but is not yet accepted as widely as IELTS or TOEFL at some institutions. Read our full comparison: IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL: Choose the Right Test for Your Goals.