The Duolingo English Test (DET)

The Duolingo English Test is a newer, more affordable English proficiency test that is now accepted by many US colleges and universities. It offers significant convenience advantages over the TOEFL and IELTS, but is not accepted everywhere.

What Is the Duolingo English Test?

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an online English proficiency certification exam that can be taken at home at any time, on any computer with a camera and microphone. It was developed by Duolingo and has gained broad acceptance, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Format and Duration

The DET takes approximately 1 hour to complete and consists of an adaptive section (45 minutes) followed by a video interview and writing sample. The adaptive section presents a mix of question types — reading, listening, speaking, and writing tasks — that are interleaved throughout the test.

Scoring

The DET is scored on a scale of 10–160. Most US universities that accept the DET set their minimum score requirements between 100 and 130.

Acceptance at US Universities

As of 2025, more than 4,500 institutions worldwide accept the DET, including many well-known US universities. However, not all programs accept it — some highly competitive programs still require TOEFL or IELTS specifically. Always verify DET acceptance with your specific target programs before registering.

Cost and Convenience

The DET costs approximately $65 per attempt — significantly cheaper than the TOEFL (~$200) or IELTS (~$250). Results are available within 48 hours, and you can share your score report with unlimited institutions at no extra charge.

Preparing for the DET

The DET's adaptive format and shorter length mean it can feel quite different from traditional standardized tests. Practice with the official DET sample test available on the Duolingo English Test website before your official attempt.