Duolingo English Test (DET) 2026 – Complete Guide

Duolingo English Test (DET) 2026 – the complete guide for applicants

You glance at Yale’s language requirements and see three options: TOEFL, IELTS and… the Duolingo English Test. Wait — Duolingo? That app with the green owl you used to learn Spanish on your phone? Yes, but the Duolingo English Test is a completely different beast. It is a full, certified English-language test that you can take from home, in an hour, for US$65, then send your scores to Yale, Stanford, Columbia, MIT and more than 5,000 other universities around the world.

The DET (Duolingo English Test) is a relatively new player in the language-certificate market. It has been around since 2016, but it exploded in popularity in 2020, when the pandemic shut down TOEFL and IELTS test centres worldwide. Since then the DET has become a permanent fixture in the language-certificate landscape — not as a “temporary pandemic alternative”, but as a fully fledged exam with its own advantages: lower cost, faster results, the ability to test from home, and growing acceptance at top universities.

In this guide we take the Duolingo English Test apart piece by piece — from the format and sections, through the scoring system, to how it compares with TOEFL and IELTS and which universities accept it. If you are looking for a cheaper, faster alternative to the traditional language certificates and you are planning to study abroad, this article is for you.

What is the Duolingo English Test?

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a certified, adaptive English-language test built by Duolingo, the company best known for its popular language-learning app. But the DET is not a game with an owl — it is a full academic exam that measures your reading, listening, speaking and writing skills in English.

The key features of the DET:

• Online and from home – you take it on your own computer, at any time (24/7, 365 days a year). No need to travel to a test centre
• Adaptive – the difficulty of the questions adjusts to your level in real time. Answer correctly and the questions get harder; answer wrong and they get easier
• Short – the whole session lasts about 60 minutes (plus 10 minutes for the Writing Sample and Video Interview, which are sent to universities but do not affect your numerical score)
• Cheap – US$65. For comparison: the TOEFL costs $200–245, and IELTS varies by country (roughly £200–£260)
• Fast results – scores are available within 48 hours. The TOEFL takes 72 hours (new format) to 10 days (old format), and IELTS takes 3–13 days
• Accepted by 5,000+ universities – including Yale, Stanford, Columbia, MIT, Duke, NYU and many European institutions

The DET is not a “worse” certificate. It is a different certificate, with its own advantages and limitations. For an applicant who wants to confirm their English quickly and cheaply for study abroad, the DET can be an excellent choice — as long as their university accepts it.

What does the DET format and structure look like?

The Duolingo English Test consists of two parts:

Part 1: Adaptive Test (~45 minutes) – scored

This is the main part of the exam, the one that generates your numerical score (10–160). The test is adaptive — Duolingo’s algorithm selects questions in real time based on your answers.

Task types in the adaptive section:

Reading (Literacy):

• Read and Complete – you fill in the missing letters of words in a sentence. Tests vocabulary and spelling
• Read and Select – you mark which words on a list are real English words (and which are made up). Requires word recognition
• Read Then Write – you read a question or prompt and write a response

Listening (Comprehension):

• Listen and Type – you listen to a recording and type what you heard (dictation)
• Listen and Select – you listen and choose the correct answers

Speaking (Conversation):

• Read Aloud – you read a sentence out loud. Pronunciation, fluency and intonation are assessed
• Speak About the Photo – you describe a photo out loud (you have 30–90 seconds)

Writing (Production):

• Write About the Photo – you describe a photo in writing
• Read Then Write – you read a prompt and write a longer response (e.g. a few sentences on a given topic)

Interactive tasks:

• Interactive Reading – you read a text and answer questions about its content
• Interactive Listening – you listen to a recording and answer questions

Part 2: Video Interview & Writing Sample (~10 minutes) – unscored

Once you finish the adaptive section, you have two extra tasks:

• Video Interview – you answer a question out loud while recording yourself on the webcam (1–3 minutes). The question can be about your experiences, opinions or plans
• Writing Sample – you write a longer response to a question (3–5 minutes of writing)

Important: these two tasks do not affect your 10–160 score. They are sent directly to universities, which review them as additional context. Take them seriously — universities really do read and watch them — but don’t stress about them the way you do about the adaptive part.

How does the DET scoring system work (four subscores)?

The DET produces one overall score on a 10–160 scale, plus four subscores, each also on a 10–160 scale:

Notice that each skill (reading, listening, speaking, writing) is tested across two subscores. That is because Duolingo believes language skills are interconnected (e.g. reading and writing feed into Literacy; listening and speaking feed into Conversation).

What do the different scores mean?

Most universities require a DET of 105–130, depending on how selective the programme is. Yale requires 120+, Columbia 120+, MIT 120+, NYU 115+. European universities (those that accept the DET) usually require 105–120.

How is the DET different from TOEFL and IELTS?

This is the crucial comparison you need to understand in order to choose the right certificate. You can find a detailed TOEFL and IELTS comparison in our TOEFL vs IELTS article — here we add the DET to the equation.

Score conversion: DET vs TOEFL vs IELTS

An approximate conversion (based on Duolingo and ETS data):

Important: these conversions are approximate. Every university can set its own threshold requirements. Always check the official requirements on the university’s website.

Which universities accept the Duolingo English Test?

This is the crucial question — because the DET, despite its growing popularity, is not accepted everywhere. Here is the breakdown:

US universities that accept the DET (a selection)

More than 5,000 US universities accept the DET, including many of the very best:

US universities that do NOT accept the DET: the list shrinks every year, but some selective institutions still leave the DET off their list of accepted certificates. Always check the official university website — the “English Language Proficiency Requirements” or “Admission Requirements for International Students” section.

European universities and the DET

Acceptance of the DET in Europe is much more limited than in the USA:

• The UK: most universities do not accept the DET. The British Council and UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) do not recognise the DET for visa purposes, which means that even if a university accepts it at the application stage, you may still need IELTS/TOEFL for the visa. Some universities (e.g. UCL, Edinburgh) have considered the DET, but check the current status
• The Netherlands: some universities accept the DET (e.g. the University of Twente), but the larger ones (Amsterdam, Maastricht) prefer TOEFL/IELTS
• Scandinavia: limited acceptance. CBS Copenhagen and some Finnish universities have considered the DET
• Germany, France, Italy: very limited acceptance. Sciences Po and Bocconi do not accept the DET — they require TOEFL, IELTS or Cambridge
• Switzerland: ETH Zurich most likely does not accept the DET. Check officially

The takeaway for international applicants: if you are applying only to the USA, the DET is a great option. If you are planning a combination of the USA and Europe, it is safer to take the TOEFL or IELTS, which are accepted almost everywhere. You can also take the DET as an extra certificate alongside the TOEFL/IELTS (at US$65 it is a small cost).

What are the advantages of the Duolingo English Test?

The DET has several genuine advantages over the traditional certificates:

1. Price – three to four times cheaper

US$65 vs $200+ (TOEFL) vs roughly £200–£260 (IELTS). If you plan to take the test several times to improve your score, the difference is dramatic. Three DET attempts ($195) cost less than a single TOEFL sitting.

2. Convenience – you take it from home

No need to travel to a test centre, book a date, queue up or stress over the logistics. You open your laptop, launch the test and take it — at any time of day or night, seven days a week.

3. Fast results – 48 hours

This is a huge advantage, especially if you have a tight application schedule. If your deadline is a week away and you are missing a language certificate, the DET is the only realistic option. IELTS results take 3–13 days, and the TOEFL takes 72 hours to 10 days.

4. Free score sending

The DET lets you send your scores to an unlimited number of universities for free. The TOEFL gives you 4 free reports; each additional one costs $22. IELTS gives you one free TRF. When you are applying to 10–15 universities, the difference in cost can be significant.

5. Flexible scheduling

24/7, 365 days a year. You don’t have to plan a week ahead (TOEFL) or a month ahead (paper IELTS). You can decide today and take the test tomorrow.

6. Short duration

60 minutes vs 85 minutes (new TOEFL) vs 2h 45 min (IELTS). Less time on the exam means less fatigue and better concentration.

What are the drawbacks and limitations of the DET?

The DET is not perfect — and it is important to know its limitations:

1. It is not accepted everywhere

This is the biggest drawback. If your dream university does not accept the DET, the test is useless to you. Acceptance is still limited, especially in Europe. Always check a university’s requirements before you take the test.

2. A newer test – less well known

The DET has existed since 2016 and only really gained traction from 2020 onwards. The TOEFL has existed since 1964 and IELTS since 1989. Some universities, particularly in Europe, still treat the DET with a degree of caution. That may change — but in 2026 the TOEFL and IELTS still carry more institutional credibility.

3. You take it alone at home – technical requirements

You need to have:

• A computer with a webcam and a microphone (you cannot take it on a tablet or phone)
• A stable internet connection
• A quiet, well-lit room where you are alone
• A clear desk – no notes, phones or second screens
• The Chrome browser (the only supported one)

If your computer freezes, your internet drops or someone walks into the room during the test, you may lose the attempt. The proctoring system (camera and microphone monitoring) can also invalidate your result if it detects suspicious behaviour (e.g. looking off-screen for too long).

4. The format can be surprising

The DET does not look like a traditional language test. There are no long reading passages or 30-minute Listening sections. Instead there are short, fast tasks: completing letters, recognising words, brief recordings. Some test takers find this format intuitive; others find it disorienting. Practise before the exam.

5. The Video Interview can be stressful

Speaking to a webcam with no one on the other end (unlike IELTS, where you speak with a live examiner) is psychologically harder for many people. You get no feedback, you can’t see a reaction, and you can’t ask for the question to be repeated.

How do you prepare for the Duolingo English Test?

Preparing for the DET is simpler and quicker than for the TOEFL or IELTS — but that does not mean you can walk in without practice. Here is the plan:

1. Start with the free practice test

Duolingo offers a free practice test at englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants. Take it to learn the format, get a feel for the task types and estimate your level. The practice test is shorter than the real exam, but it gives you a good sense of the format.

2. Master the task types

Each task type has its own quirks:

Read and Complete – practise spelling English words. Read a lot in English and pay attention to spelling. Common traps: double letters (accommodation, committee), silent letters (psychology, knight), -tion/-sion endings.

Listen and Type – practise dictation. Listen to podcasts and try to transcribe fragments. Watch out for similar-sounding words (their/there/they’re, affect/effect).

Read Aloud – practise reading out loud in English. Record yourself and listen back. Focus on pronunciation, intonation and fluency. You don’t need a perfect accent — the DET assesses intelligibility, not accent.

Speak About the Photo – practise describing photos out loud. Use a structure: what you see (description) + what it suggests (interpretation) + details (colours, people, action).

Write About the Photo – the same as speaking, but in writing. Practise writing 3–5 sentences describing a photo in one minute.

3. Build your vocabulary

The DET tests vocabulary heavily — especially in the Read and Complete and Read and Select tasks. Learn words in context (not in isolation). The Academic Word List (AWL) is a good starting point. Read in English every day: articles, books, blogs.

4. Practise writing under time pressure

The DET’s writing tasks are short (1–5 minutes), but they require quick thinking and writing. Practise writing short texts (50–100 words) on random topics in three minutes. Focus on clarity, grammar and a varied vocabulary.

5. Check your equipment and conditions

Before the exam, make sure that:

• Your computer meets the technical requirements (Duolingo lists the specs on its website)
• Your webcam and microphone work properly
• Your internet is stable (ideally wired, not Wi-Fi)
• Your room is quiet, well lit, and you can be alone in it for 75 minutes
• You have the Chrome browser installed

6. Take the practice test under full conditions

Before the real exam, take the practice test under identical conditions: alone in the room, camera on, no breaks. That will help you get used to the proctoring and reduce stress on test day.

How do you register for the Duolingo English Test?

Registering for the DET is much simpler than for the TOEFL or IELTS:

1. Go to englishtest.duolingo.com
2. Create an account – you can use an existing Duolingo account or make a new one
3. Buy the test – US$65, paid by credit/debit card
4. Choose a time – you can take it immediately or book it for later. The test is available 24/7
5. Take the test – launch the Duolingo English Test app in Chrome, verify your identity (scan an ID document), pass the technical check and begin

The whole process from registration to taking the test can take a few minutes. That is a radical difference compared with registering for the TOEFL (weeks before the date) or IELTS (3–4 weeks before the date).

How many times can you take the DET?

You can buy and take the DET at any time, but limits apply:

• Two certified scores within 30 days – you can take it more often, but only 2 scores can be certified (sent to universities) in any 30-day period
• No overall limit – you can take it as many times as you like in a year

At US$65 per attempt, taking the DET several times is far more affordable than repeatedly sitting the TOEFL ($200+) or IELTS.

The DET vs other certificates – which should you choose?

Here is a quick decision guide:

Choose the DET if:

• You are applying only to the USA and your universities accept the DET
• You have a limited budget – $65 vs $200+ is a huge difference
• You need a certificate quickly – you can take it today and have a result the day after tomorrow
• You don’t want to travel to a test centre
• Your English is around B2+ and you want to confirm your level quickly

Choose the TOEFL if:

• You are applying to the USA and/or Europe – the TOEFL is accepted almost everywhere
• You prefer a test at a test centre (fewer technical headaches)
• A university explicitly prefers the TOEFL

Choose IELTS if:

• You are applying to the UK – IELTS is the standard there
• You prefer Speaking with a live examiner
• You need a certificate for visa purposes (UKVI)
• Comparison: TOEFL vs IELTS (which certificate?)

A hybrid strategy: take the DET as a quick, cheap certificate for US universities, and add IELTS/TOEFL for European ones. At US$65 the DET can be an “extra certificate” — it can’t hurt you, and it may help.

How do you get ready for DET test day?

A few practical tips that can make a difference:

Before the test:

• Make sure your laptop is charged (or plug it in)
• Close every application except Chrome
• Tell the people you live with not to come into the room for 75 minutes
• Silence your phone and put it out of sight
• Have your ID document ready (passport or national ID card)
• Drink water – but not too much, because you can’t leave during the test

During the test:

• Don’t look off-screen – the proctoring system monitors your gaze. Looking to the side, up or down can trigger a flag or invalidate the result
• Don’t talk to yourself (except during the Speaking tasks) – whispering or muttering can be interpreted as cheating
• Manage your time – don’t stay too long on a single question. The DET is adaptive, so each question affects your score, but getting stuck on one costs you time on the rest
• In the Speaking tasks, speak clearly and fluently – it is better to speak in simpler sentences but fluently than to build complex structures with long pauses
• In the Writing tasks, write precisely – use varied vocabulary, correct grammar and a clear structure. Short, well-written answers beat long, chaotic ones

What mistakes do international test takers make on the DET?

1. Not preparing for the format. The DET looks like no other language test. If you walk in without having taken the practice test, you will be confused by the first tasks (recognising real words? filling in missing letters?). Take the practice test at least once.

2. Technical problems. A weak connection, a webcam that won’t work, a system update mid-test – it happens. Check your equipment the day before. Use a wired connection if you can.

3. Looking off-screen. The proctoring system is sensitive. Test takers who are used to looking into the distance when they think can accidentally trigger a flag. Look at the screen – always.

4. Answers that are too short in Speaking and Writing. “The photo shows a man.” – that is not enough. Develop your answers: “The photo shows a middle-aged man standing in what appears to be a modern kitchen. He’s wearing a blue apron and seems to be preparing food.” A longer, more detailed answer gives the DET more data to assess.

5. Ignoring the Video Interview and Writing Sample. Yes, these parts don’t affect your 10–160 score. But universities receive and review them. Take them seriously – this is your chance to show your personality and your ability to communicate.

How does College Council help you choose a language certificate?

Not sure which language certificate to choose? The DET, TOEFL, IELTS – each has its advantages, and the right choice depends on your universities, your budget and your timeline. At College Council we have been helping international students make these decisions for years.

Our support includes:

• An analysis of language requirements – we check the requirements of every university on your list and advise which certificate to take
• A diagnostic test – we establish your English level and estimate how much preparation time you need
• Preparation for the DET/TOEFL/IELTS – an individual study plan, tutoring and practice tests
• Preparation on our TOEFL app – our tutoring platform for language certificates
• Comprehensive application support – a language certificate is just one piece. We also help with the SAT, essays, the application process and more

Get in touch to book a free consultation. We’ll help you choose the right certificate and prepare for it effectively.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Conclusion – the DET is a revolution in language certificates

The Duolingo English Test changed the rules of the game. For US$65, from home, in an hour, with results in 48 hours, it is a certificate that democratises access to study abroad. For an applicant with a limited budget and a tight schedule, the DET can be the perfect solution — as long as the universities you are applying to accept it.

The key piece of advice: don’t treat the DET as a “worse TOEFL”. Treat it as a different certificate — with its own advantages (price, convenience, speed) and limitations (lower acceptance, especially in Europe). Check your universities’ requirements, take the free practice test and decide whether the DET is the right choice for your situation.

Next steps

1. Check whether your universities accept the DET – visit the website of every university on your list and check “English Language Requirements”
2. Take the free practice test – at englishtest.duolingo.com
3. Compare your practice results with other tests – if you also have a TOEFL or IELTS practice score, compare where you do better
4. Get your equipment ready – check your computer, webcam, microphone and internet
5. Buy and take the test – $65, no booking, with results in 48 hours
6. Talk to College Council – get in touch to discuss your language-certificate strategy

Read also

• TOEFL Exam 2026 – the complete guide – the new format, the adaptive system, the 1–6 scale
• IELTS Exam – the complete 2026 guide – structure, band scores, preparation strategies
• TOEFL vs IELTS (which certificate for studying in Europe?) – a detailed comparison with a conversion table
• SAT Exam 2026 – the complete guide – format, sections, strategies
• Studying abroad – the complete guide – everything you need to know