Duolingo English Test guide

What is the Duolingo English Test?

The Duolingo English Test, often shortened to DET, is an online English assessment. Its published process takes about one hour and includes setup, the assessment and writing and speaking samples. The assessment is adaptive: the questions change in response to performance.

Source: Duolingo: test-taker overview ↗

Start by checking whether your specific programme accepts the test for your intake. Acceptance for one course or institution does not establish acceptance for another, and a study requirement should not be assumed to meet a separate application requirement.

Prepare your room and devices

Duolingo’s January 2026 setup guidance lists a computer, camera, microphone, speakers, reliable internet, a smartphone used as a secondary camera and the test desktop app. The setup includes a room scan and an ear scan. Review the official instructions before starting.

Source: Duolingo: current test-space setup ↗

• Choose a private room where you can avoid interruptions.
• Check that your computer and phone work with the current test requirements.
• Plan power, connectivity and a stable place for the secondary camera.
• Complete the provider’s equipment and setup checks before the session.
• Arrange the time with anyone sharing your room or internet connection.

Do not assume a laptop webcam alone completes the setup. A practice session should include the physical testing environment, not just sample English questions.

Understand your score requirement

DET reports English proficiency on a 10–160 scale. Compare your receiving institution’s stated overall and any subscore requirements with the current score report information.

Source: Duolingo: how the test is scored ↗

Write down what the programme requires before purchasing. If the requirement names an older score-report structure or is unclear, obtain clarification from the admissions team rather than relying on a generic score chart.

Check the purchase and redemption terms

Before paying for a test or code, confirm what you receive, who supplies it, the deadline for use and how it is redeemed. If you are comparing a bundle against a single test, compare the same number of eligible attempts and the same included services.

Keep the purchase receipt and the terms in force when you paid. Verify the provider’s test rules separately; buying a test is not a guarantee that a session will be certified if those rules are not followed.

DET booking rate and official fee

Official provider reference: Not verified — check provider checkout. The public purchase flow required an account before displaying a price. No official INR conversion is assumed.

Check the official provider fee ↗ · Checked 14 October 2026

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Common questions