What is Duolingo Exam?
The Duolingo English Test (DET) serves as an English Proficiency Examination designed for non-native English speakers aspiring to pursue studies abroad. It comprehensively assesses proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The examination format encompasses both multiple-choice and open-ended questions, offering a thorough evaluation of linguistic abilities in both oral and written contexts. Over the years, the Duolingo English Test has gained widespread recognition, prompting an increasing number of universities to acknowledge it as a valid alternative to traditional assessments such as TOEFL, SAT, and ACT.
Why Duolingo Exam is required?
The Duolingo test has gained popularity recently for assessing proficiency in the English language. It evaluates your accuracy in English usage, with a unique feature: for each incorrect answer, the test adjusts to a higher difficulty level, and conversely, for correct answers, it adapts to a lower difficulty level. The Duolingo English Test is not only beneficial for academic pursuits but also for enhancing prospects in securing employment abroad. An added advantage is the ability to link your Duolingo test scores with your LinkedIn profile. While IELTS was once the sole standardized test considered, many universities have now eliminated the requirement for IELTS, contributing to the growing significance of the Duolingo test.
Students often choose Duolingo over IELTS and TOEFL for several reasons:
- Convenience: Duolingo allows you to take the test from the comfort of your home, a factor that has contributed to its increasing preference by universities.
- Cost-Effective: Duolingo is more budget-friendly compared to IELTS and TOEFL. While TOEFL costs around INR 14,000 and IELTS around INR 15,000, Duolingo is priced at approximately INR 3600.
- Quick Results: Duolingo provides results within 48 hours, offering a faster turnaround time compared to other tests.
- No Limit on Score Reporting: Duolingo allows you to send your test scores to any number of colleges for free. In contrast, TOEFL allows free reporting to a maximum of four colleges and IELTS to five.
- Time Efficiency: The Duolingo test is shorter, taking only an hour to complete, making it a more time-efficient option compared to the longer durations of IELTS and TOEFL.
Duolingo Exam Highlights
Name of the test |
Duolingo |
Full form of the test |
Duolingo English Test (DET) |
Official website |
https://englishtest.duolingo.com/ |
Accepted countries |
UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada |
Popular for |
The study, work, migration |
Mode of test |
Online/internet-based |
Duration |
45 minutes |
Conducted by |
Duolingo |
Test fee |
USD 49/INR 3600 – INR 3800 |
Result |
Within 28-48 hours |
Validity |
2 years |
Duolingo Exam Eligibility
The Duolingo English test is open to anyone looking to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language. There are no specific eligibility criteria, and individuals are free to take the test at their discretion. Typically, those taking the test are individuals aspiring to pursue higher education abroad. The test is widely accepted by universities in various countries. Notably, there are no specific academic prerequisites to register for the test, making it accessible to a broad range of individuals.
- Age Criteria: The Duolingo test is open to individuals of any age who wish to take it. No specific age criteria are set. However, individuals below 13 years of age will require parental consent to participate in the test, which can be provided during the online registration process.
- Academic Criteria: There is no need for academic documents when applying for the Duolingo test, and there is no minimum educational requirement. The test is accessible to anyone interested in taking it.
- Academic Qualification: Duolingo does not have specific academic criteria for applicants. Students in grades 6, 8, and 9 can apply for the test. This inclusivity allows students at various levels to attempt Duolingo, making it a versatile option for those wishing to apply for studies abroad.
- Number Of Attempts For Duolingo: Candidates can take the Duolingo test an unlimited number of times. However, universities may set minimum score requirements. If needed, individuals have the option to re-attempt the test. It’s important to note that the test can be taken only twice within a 30-day period.
Duolingo Test Requirements
The Duolingo test offers the convenience of being taken from the comfort of your home, eliminating the need to travel. This factor significantly contributes to its widespread popularity.
Requirements for Taking the Test
To take the Duolingo test from home, you must meet certain requirements, including:
- Possession of a passport or any valid ID.
- A quiet and well-lit room.
- A stable internet connection.
- A laptop or desktop computer.
- Your computer should be equipped with a speaker, webcam, and microphone.
Duolingo English Test Rules & Regulations
Since students take the Duolingo test remotely, it’s essential to adhere to specific
rules to ensure a fair and secure testing environment. Failure to comply may result in disqualification. The rules include:
- No interaction with anyone during the test.
- Prohibition of mobile phones or other electronic devices.
- Avoidance of the use of earphones.
- Maintaining focus on the test without looking elsewhere.
Duolingo Fee
Duolingo stands out as a more cost-effective option when compared to other prominent tests such as IELTS and TOEFL. The Duolingo test fee is approximately INR 3600, which is significantly lower than its counterparts. In India, this translates to a saving of around INR 10,000, making Duolingo a more budget-friendly choice. It’s important to note, however, that there are no scholarship opportunities available for the Duolingo test.
Payment Options for Duolingo Test
When paying for the Duolingo test, you have the flexibility to make online payments through the following methods:
- PayPal (a unique online payment platform).
- Card Payment (Debit/Credit).
What is Duolingo Cancellation Fee?
If a candidate does not take the Duolingo test within 21 days of registration, the test will be automatically cancelled. It’s important to note that in such cases, no refund will be provided. In the event of encountering a technical error during the test that prevents completion, candidates have the option to contact Duolingo’s customer service. In such cases, arrangements for a refund can be made. This policy ensures fairness in situations where technical issues may impact the test-taking experience.
What is Duolingo Rescheduling Fee?
Once you’ve registered for the Duolingo test, you have a window of 21 days within which you can take the test. While there is no overall limit on the number of times you can take the Duolingo test, you are allowed to attend the test only twice within the initial 21-day period after registration. If, for any reason, you are unable to take the test on a specific day, you have the option to reschedule it for another day within the 21-day timeframe. Importantly, there is no additional fee for rescheduling.
Duolingo Exam Syllabus and Pattern
The Duolingo test includes two question types: the Adaptive Test and Video and Writing Samples. The Adaptive Test involves multiple-choice questions, while the Video and Writing Section require detailed responses. The examination comprehensively evaluates reading, writing, listening, and speaking English skills. The Adaptive Test is graded, while the Video and Writing Section remain ungraded, emphasizing its importance in assessing holistic language abilities. Test-takers are allotted 45 minutes for the first section and 10 minutes for the second section. Despite being ungraded, the Video and Writing Section holds significant weight in the overall evaluation.
Duolingo Exam Registration
Applying for the Duolingo test is a straightforward process, and you can follow these steps to ensure a smooth registration:
- Visit the Duolingo Official Website: Begin by accessing the official Duolingo website and navigate to the “Take the test” page.
- Download the Duolingo App: Download and install the Duolingo application, as the test can only be taken through the app.
- Check Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the necessary documents required for registration, ensuring you have them ready.
- Test Everything: Test your speaker and microphone functionality to ensure they work properly. Additionally, a photo will be taken during this step.
- Upload Documents: Provide basic details such as name and age, and upload the required documents as part of the registration process.
- Take a Photo of Your ID: Capture a picture of your valid government ID by holding it properly in front of the camera.
- Create an Account: Create a Duolingo account by providing essential information such as email address, name, age, address, and password.
- Choose Answers for Questions: Respond to questions about your interests and select the program or job you plan to pursue abroad.
- Payment: The final step involves making the payment for the Duolingo test fee, which is typically around INR 3600.
How to Prepare for Duolingo?
The Duolingo test is considered relatively approachable, offering a less challenging experience compared to similar assessments. Although there is no specific syllabus, you can find preparation tips and tricks to make the process smoother. Here’s a detailed guide on Duolingo test preparation:
- Duolingo test preparation can be conveniently done from the comfort of your home. The official website provides valuable information and resources to aid in your preparation.
- The Duolingo English Test is one hour long and consists of two sections: the Adaptive Test and the Video Interview. The Adaptive Test, taking a substantial amount of time, should be a primary focus during preparation.
- Given the longer duration of the Adaptive Test, allocate more time and effort to prepare for this section. Understanding its format and practicing relevant skills will be beneficial.
- Explore further information and tips on Duolingo test preparation to gain insights into the test format and requirements. These resources can be found on the official website.
- While preparing, implement tips and strategies that align with the specific demands of the Duolingo test. This may include practicing language skills, understanding question types, and managing time effectively.
How to Check Duolingo Results?
Once you finish the Duolingo English Test, you’ll get your results online in just 48 hours. You can download them and use them for your college applications. The cool thing is you can send these scores to as many colleges as you want, and you don’t have to pay extra for it. So, you can apply to lots of colleges without worrying about extra costs. It makes the whole process easy and doesn’t cost you much.
Duolingo Score
Proficiency Level |
DET Score Range |
Analysis |
Basic |
10-55 |
Basic understanding of English words and phrases |
Intermediate |
60-85 |
Capable of answering questions at an intermediate level |
Upper-Intermediate |
90-115 |
Proficiency at an upper-intermediate level |
Advanced |
125-160 |
High proficiency with a strong command of English |
Duolingo Accepted Countries
Taking the Duolingo test is easy for people who are taking the test. The test and video interview features help universities pick students faster. That’s why over 2000 universities around the world accept the Duolingo test. Some countries that accept these scores include
- USA
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- Ireland
- China
- Japan
- Qatar
- Thailand
- European countries (Austria, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Spain
Duolingo Accepting Universities
The number of universities that accept Duolingo tests is growing, showing that more and more universities trust this test. Many countries recognize the Duolingo test, making it acceptable to a variety of universities.
Universities in the USA that accept the Duolingo test in 2024
- Adelphi University
- Alliant International University
- Arizona State University
- Baylor University
- California State University, Los Angeles
- Chemeketa Community College
- College of San Mateo
- Colorado Mesa University
- Colorado State University
- Concordia University – St. Paul
- Drew University
- Florida Atlantic University
- Florida Institute of Technology
- Full Sail University
- Kent State University
- University of Alabama
- University of Vermont
- Wichita State University
Universities in Canada Accepting Duolingo Test in 2024:
Canada is a popular destination accepting the Duolingo test, and some of the universities include:
- Acsenda School of Management
- Alexander College
- Algoma University
- Algonquin College
- Bishop’s University
- Bow Valley College
- Brescia University College
- Brock University
- Cambrian College
- Cape Breton University
- Concordia University
- Confederation College
- Coquitlam College
- Crandall University
- Douglas College
- Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Thompson Rivers University
- University of Alberta (Temporary basis)
- University of Calgary (Temporary basis)
- University of New Brunswick – Saint John
- University of Regina
- University of Windsor
Universities in the UK Accepting Duolingo Test in 2024:
In the UK, various universities accept the Duolingo test, including:
- Abertay University
- Anglia Ruskin University
- Bangor University
- Brunel University
- Cranfield University
- De Montfort University
- Kingston University
- Leeds Beckett University
- Loughborough University
- Middlesex University
- Nottingham Trent University
- Queen’s University Belfast
- Ravensbourne University London
- Royal Holloway, University of London
- University of Stirling
- University of York
Universities in Australia Accepting Duolingo Test in 2024:
Australia, gaining popularity among study abroad aspirants, has several universities accepting the Duolingo test, such as:
- The Australian National University
- Bond University
- Central Queensland University
- Charles Sturt University
- Charles Darwin University
- Edith Cowan University
- Federation University
- James Cook University
- JMC Academy
- Kaplan Business School
- Murdoch University
- Perth College of Business & Technology
- Swinburne University of Technology
- University of Canberra
- University of Tasmania
- University of Wollongong
FAQs About Duolingo Exam
What is Duolingo?
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a test for people who don’t speak English as their first language and want to study in another country. It checks how well you can read, write, listen, and speak in English. The test has different types of questions, like multiple-choice and open-ended ones, to understand how good you are at talking and writing in English. Many universities now like Duolingo scores and accept them instead of other tests like TOEFL, SAT, and ACT. This test has become more popular, and more and more universities are saying yes to Duolingo.
How much is Duolingo exam Fee?
The cost of taking the Duolingo English Test in India is $49, which is around INR 3800.
What is the Duolingo exam for?
The Duolingo English Test checks how good you are at reading, writing, speaking, and listening in English. It’s a computer test that adapts to your answers, getting easier or harder as you go along. So, the questions change based on how you did in the ones before.