The Duolingo English Test (DET) certificate is valid for up to two years. Duolingo is an application that helps people learn different languages, and it also offers an English proficiency test designed specifically to help students and institutions.
The Duolingo English Test is meant for both native and non-native English speakers. Like other common English proficiency tests such as the TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE, it assesses a candidate's four language abilities: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. With every correct response the difficulty rises; with incorrect responses it falls. Candidates can take the exam from home at their convenience in an online format, unlike other English proficiency exams that require visiting a test centre.
- The Duolingo English Test fee is USD 70 for a single attempt, with a two-test bundle at USD 118, unchanged since February 2025
- The test is accepted by more than 6,000 institutions worldwide, including all Ivy League universities and 95 percent of the US News Top 100
- The score range is 10 to 160, certified scores are valid for two years, and results arrive within 48 hours.
Why Should You Choose the Duolingo English Test in 2026?
The Duolingo English Test costs USD 70 per attempt, far less than IELTS at INR 19,000 or TOEFL at INR 18,000. Results arrive within 48 hours. The test is taken online at home with no fixed dates. It is accepted by over 6,000 institutions worldwide, including all Ivy League universities and 95 percent of the US News Top 100 universities.
The Duolingo English Test is a convenient, affordable, and reliable way to assess English proficiency for academic or professional purposes. Its mission is to use technology to lower barriers to higher education for students everywhere. The DET is highly regarded by top universities worldwide. The following are the benefits of taking the DET:
- Convenience: The exam can be taken online from anywhere at any time, eliminating travel to testing centres and the need to schedule appointments.
- Affordability: Compared with alternatives like IELTS (about INR 19,000) or TOEFL (about USD 205, roughly INR 18,000), the DET is significantly cheaper at only USD 70 (about INR 5,900). This is especially helpful for candidates already facing high application, tuition, and travel costs.
- Fast results: DET scores are available within 48 hours, whereas IELTS or TOEFL scores can take several days to be delivered.
You should consider the Duolingo English Test for the reasons below:
- If you cannot visit a test centre, whether during a crisis, a travel restriction, or simply because you lack the time, you can take the Duolingo test from anywhere, at any time.
- Duolingo English Test scores are widely accepted for undergraduate programmes in the USA, although some colleges may still require IELTS or TOEFL.
- You can send Duolingo scores to as many institutions as you like at no additional cost, unlike IELTS and TOEFL.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for the Duolingo English Test?
The Duolingo English Test has no specific academic qualifications or eligibility requirements. It is open to anyone aged 13 and above who wants to demonstrate English proficiency. You simply need a valid government-issued photo ID, a computer with a front-facing camera, microphone and speakers, and a reliable internet connection. No age barrier applies to international students taking the test.
Taking the Duolingo English Test (DET) requires no specific academic qualifications or eligibility criteria. It is open to anyone wishing to showcase their English language proficiency. Commonly, students who plan to study in English-speaking countries opt for this test, enjoying the flexibility of taking it anytime and anywhere.
Age Limit for the Duolingo English Test
There is no age barrier to sit the Duolingo test. Regardless of age, students aspiring to study abroad and prove their English proficiency are eligible. However, candidates below 13 years must have parental consent, which can be given through an online form during registration.
IELTS vs TOEFL 2026: Which Test Is Right for You?Read →How Do You Register for the Duolingo English Test?
To register, visit englishtest.duolingo.com, create a free account, select "Purchase a Test," choose a single test at USD 70 or a two-test bundle at USD 118, and pay. You then have 21 days to sit the test from your home computer. No specific date booking is needed — you choose when to start within that window.
Registering for the DET is straightforward:
- Visit the official Duolingo English Test website.
- Sign up using your email.
- Select 'Purchase a Test' and choose between a single test for USD 70 or a bundle of two for USD 118.
- For expedited results within 12 hours, an additional USD 39 is required.
- Complete your purchase by providing your email, nationality, and location, then process the payment.
When Can You Take the Duolingo English Test?
The Duolingo English Test has no fixed test dates. Once you purchase a test for USD 70, you have a 21-day window to take it from home at any time, any day of the week. This on-demand flexibility suits students with tight university application deadlines. You can retake the DET up to three times in any 30-day period.
To find out about test dates, visit Duolingo's official site. Duolingo has not set specific dates for the DET, making it available any day of the year. This flexibility is a key advantage over traditional English language tests. Results, including total and sub-scores along with speaking and writing samples, are available within two days and can be sent to multiple institutions at no extra cost.
IELTS Exam 2026: Fees, Pattern and Band ScoresRead →How Long Is a Duolingo English Test Result Valid?
The Duolingo English Test certificate is valid for two years from the date you receive your scores. Most universities accept results within this two-year window. If your score expires, retaking is straightforward: purchase the test online for USD 70 and complete it at home without waiting for a fixed test-centre appointment.
The Duolingo English Test certificate has a two-year validity from the date you receive your scores. You must retake the test within this window if you need to demonstrate current English language proficiency.
If English is not your first language, you may need to retake the exam. How your validity plays out depends on several factors, including how much you prepared, how your English has improved since your last attempt, and whether you can pass if you retake the test.
How Do You Prepare for the Duolingo English Test?
To prepare for the Duolingo English Test, take official free practice tests at englishtest.duolingo.com to learn the adaptive question format. Read widely in English, practise spoken responses aloud, and do timed writing exercises targeting the 45-minute adaptive section. Reading and listening skills are tested together, so integrated practice across all four skills is most effective.
To prepare yourself for the Duolingo English Test, you should strive to get better at reading and listening skills. You can practise your English by speaking with a native English speaker, reading articles from journals and newspapers, and listening to English podcasts.
You can also take a practice test to familiarise yourself with the kinds of questions you will encounter on the actual test. On Duolingo's website, you can take mock tests free of cost. Moreover, you are allowed to retake the exam within the permitted 30-day limits.
Basic Requirements for the Duolingo English Test
Candidates do not need academic credentials to take the Duolingo English Test. The only necessity is a valid identification document. For a successful test experience, candidates should ensure they have the necessary hardware and software.
- An identity card such as your passport, driver's license or government ID.
- 60 minutes of free, uninterrupted time.
- A reliable internet connection.
- A computer with a working camera, microphone and speakers.
What Is the Structure of the Duolingo English Test?
The Duolingo English Test has two main parts. First, a 45-minute adaptive section evaluates reading, listening, speaking, and writing through varied question types. Second, a 10-minute video interview section, which is not scored but shared with universities alongside your certificate. The test begins with a 5-minute setup checking camera, ID, and microphone. Total time is approximately 60 minutes.
The Duolingo English Test is structured in two main parts. Initially, there is a 45-minute adaptive section comprising various questions to assess English proficiency. Following this, there is a 10-minute segment for writing and speaking, featuring open-ended questions.
Breakdown of the DET test sections:
| Section (2026) | Skills Tested | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction and Setup | Checking the functionality of the computer's camera, speakers, and microphone; presenting a government-issued photo ID; reviewing and understanding test rules and requirements for compliance | 5 minutes |
| Adaptive Test | Evaluating English skills through various question types such as Read and Complete, Read and Select, and Listen and Select | 45 minutes |
| Writing and Speaking Sample | Completing a writing and speaking task based on a given prompt, plus a recorded video interview shared with institutions | 10 minutes |
What Are the Duolingo English Test Fees in 2026?
The Duolingo English Test costs USD 70 for a single attempt in 2026, raised from USD 59 before February 2025. A two-test bundle costs USD 118 (USD 59 per test). Score sending to unlimited institutions is free. Optional 12-hour rush results cost an additional USD 39. This makes the DET significantly cheaper than IELTS or TOEFL.
The Duolingo English Test fee is USD 70 (approximately INR 5,900 at current rates), the lowest fee among the major English proficiency certifications.
What Is the Duolingo English Test Score Range?
The Duolingo English Test uses a score scale of 10 to 160, reported in increments of 5. Scores between 105 and 115 meet standard university admission requirements. A score of 120 or above is considered strong for most top universities. Scores above 125 indicate advanced proficiency for competitive postgraduate programmes. Four sub-scores are also reported separately.
The Duolingo English Test score range is 10 to 160. Your certificate carries a unique secure link, and sub-scores are also provided that describe your proficiency in specific areas.
What Is a Good Duolingo English Test Score?
A score of 120 and above on the Duolingo English Test is considered good. Two years after your attempt, the Duolingo score validity ends, as it would for any other exam. If you are unable to score 120 and above, you should practise more and retake the exam.
Check out the table below to understand the score ranges:
| Duolingo Score (2026) | Proficiency Level Description |
|---|---|
| 10–80 | Pre-academic level: Can understand basic English words and simple phrases but struggles with connected speech or writing. |
| 85–100 | Upper-intermediate: Can follow simple English sentences and conversations but finds complex academic texts challenging. |
| 105–115 | Academic proficiency: Meets standard university English requirements; can engage with academic content across most disciplines. |
| 120–130 | Strong academic proficiency: Accepted by Ivy League and competitive universities; strong across all four skill areas. |
| 135–160 | Advanced/Expert proficiency: Demonstrates mastery of academic and professional English; equivalent to IELTS 7.5–8.5+. |
What Are the Sub-Scores of the Duolingo English Test?
The Duolingo English Test reports four sub-scores alongside the overall score: Literacy (reading and writing ability), Comprehension (listening and reading), Conversation (spoken interaction and listening), and Production (speaking and writing output). Each sub-score uses the same 10-160 scale. Universities may weight specific sub-scores differently depending on the programme, so aim for balanced scores across all four areas.
The simplest way to understand Duolingo's sub-scores is to contrast them with the IELTS rating scheme. Similar to IELTS, the test taker's competency is assessed based on their capacity for reading, listening, writing, and speaking.
Duolingo's English test scores analyse a combination of components because, in reality, these components are not used independently to gauge a test taker's command of the language. To answer appropriately when chatting with someone, for instance, you must not just speak but also listen to what they are saying. Because it reveals how well applicants grasp and communicate ideas, this combined testing pattern is a useful tool for assessing proficiency.
The Duolingo English Test sub-scores are as mentioned below in the table:
| Sub-Score (2026) | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Literacy | The test taker's ability to read and write is judged. |
| Comprehension | The test taker's ability to listen and read is judged. |
| Conversation | The test taker's ability to listen and speak in interaction is judged. |
| Production | The test taker's ability to write and speak is judged. |
How Do You Send Duolingo English Test Results to Universities?
After receiving your Duolingo English Test results, log into your account at englishtest.duolingo.com and click "Send Results." Select whether you are applying as an undergraduate or postgraduate student, search for the institution, and confirm the send. Score sending is free and unlimited — you can send your certificate to as many universities as you wish at no additional cost.
To send results to international universities, follow these steps:
- Use the email address you used to take the test to log in to englishtest.duolingo.com.
- Scroll down to find your certified test results and click the "Send Results" button.
- Choose whether you are submitting an application to a university, a secondary school, or another kind of institution.
- To find an institution, start typing its name into the search box, then use the checkbox to select the options you want.
- Include an Application ID if your university uses one.
- Click "Send."
How Does the Duolingo English Test Compare to IELTS and TOEFL?
The DET costs USD 70 versus INR 19,000 for IELTS and INR 18,000 for TOEFL in India in 2026. DET results arrive in 48 hours versus 13 days for paper IELTS. The DET is accepted by 6,000+ institutions, IELTS by 11,500+, and TOEFL by 13,000+. The DET has no fixed test dates and sends scores to unlimited institutions for free.
The Duolingo English Test offers a flexible, AI-driven alternative to IELTS. Its adaptive format personalises difficulty, making it efficient, while IELTS remains a widely recognised, in-depth assessment of the language. Duolingo scores are accepted by many top universities worldwide for both undergraduate and postgraduate study.
Here is a detailed comparison between the Duolingo English Test, TOEFL, and IELTS to help candidates decide which exam suits their convenience.
Here we have compared the two exams on basic parameters:
| Duolingo English Test (2026) | IELTS |
|---|---|
| Simple, adaptive online format | More complex in comparison to the DET |
| Multiple combined factors are used to calculate the score | Fewer factors are used to calculate scores |
| Taken from home, on demand, any day | Taken at a fixed test centre on set dates |
| Fees ≈ INR 5,900 | Fees ≈ INR 19,000 |