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A Beginner's Guide to the Duolingo English Test (DET)

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A Beginner's Guide to the Duolingo English Test (DET)
Photo by Dayne Topkin / Unsplash

Welcome to DET Study! If you’re new to the Duolingo English Test (DET), this is your starting point. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know—from how the test works, where it’s accepted, and what to expect, to test security, rules, question types, scoring, and expert tips to help you succeed.

Let’s dive in! 🧠

🔍 What is the Duolingo English Test?

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a fully online, computer-based English language proficiency test. It assesses reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in a 60-minute adaptive format. You can take it from home using your own computer, and results are delivered within 48 hours—or even 24 hours if purchased through DET Study.

Originally created as an accessible alternative to TOEFL and IELTS, the DET has quickly become a globally recognized test. More than 5,500 institutions across the U.S., Canada, the UK, and beyond accept DET scores for both undergraduate and graduate admissions.

💡 Key Advantages of the DET

  • 🏠 Take it from anywhere – No need to travel to a test center.
  • ⏰ Take it anytime – Schedule it on your terms, 24/7.
  • 🚀 Fast results – Get your results in just 48 hours (24 with DET Study).
  • 💰 Low cost – $70 (or 10% off with a DET Study coupon).
  • 📩 Unlimited score reports – Send to as many universities as you like for free.
  • 🔒 Secure & proctored remotely – Human-in-the-loop AI ensures fairness.

🧪 How Is the DET Different From Traditional Tests?

📍 No Test Centers

You don’t need to travel. You can take the DET in your bedroom, office, or anywhere you feel comfortable—as long as it’s a quiet, private space.

Top 10 Grammar Mistakes That Can Lower Your Score on the Duolingo English Test

🔄 Adaptive Testing

DET uses Computer Adaptive Testing (CAT). This means:

  • Get a question right? The next one is harder.
  • Make a mistake? The next one adjusts to your level.

This dynamic system allows the DET to accurately measure your language ability in just 60 minutes—instead of the 3 to 4 hours required by traditional tests.

🧑‍💻 No Human Interview

Instead of an in-person or live online interview, DET records your video and written responses for review. No real-time speaking with a stranger.

🧾 What You Need to Take the Test

To take the DET, you’ll need:

  • A valid government-issued ID (passport, driver’s license, or national ID)
  • A quiet, private room with no interruptions
  • A computer (Windows or Mac) with a camera and microphone
  • A smartphone to act as a secondary camera
  • A stable internet connection

Make sure your ID is not expired. You’ll need to hold it up to the camera for verification.

⚙️ The Test Setup Process

  1. Download and open the Duolingo English Test desktop app.
  2. Verify your ID using your webcam.
  3. Watch a short video explaining the rules.
  4. Set up your smartphone as a second camera for test monitoring.

This setup process takes about 5–7 minutes before your test begins.

🧠 Question Types on the DET

The DET includes 14 question types, spread across four skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking). These are integrated—not separated into traditional sections.

Here are some sample question types:

  • ✅ Read and Complete – Fill in missing words in a passage.
  • ✅ Listen and Type – Type what you hear.
  • ✅ Read Aloud – Speak written phrases.
  • ✅ Speak About the Photo – Describe an image.
  • ✅ Interactive Listening & Reading – Simulate real-world conversations and texts.
  • ✅ Writing Sample – A short essay (shared with universities).
  • ✅ Speaking Sample – A 1–3 minute recorded answer (shared with universities).

These samples help schools better understand your real communication skills.

🧮 Scoring Breakdown

Your score is reported on a scale from 10 to 160. You’ll also receive four subscores:

  • 🟢 Literacy – Reading and writing
  • 🔵 Comprehension – Listening and reading
  • 🟡 Production – Writing and speaking
  • 🟠 Conversation – Speaking and listening

🎓 Score Benchmarks

  • 95+ – Accepted by most universities
  • 120–125 – Competitive for top programs
  • 145+ – Exceptional proficiency

Your score is also aligned with:

  • CEFR levels (A1 to C2)
  • TOEFL and IELTS equivalents

DET scores are valid for 2 years.

🔒 Test Security and Proctoring

The DET uses a “human-in-the-loop” AI system:

  1. Tier 1 – Verifies your ID and checks your video for suspicious activity.
  2. Tier 2 – Reviews your speaking and writing answers (real ESL experts).
  3. Tier 3 – Handles complex cases with trained specialists.

✅ Final decisions are always made by humans, not the AI alone.

This ensures fairness while allowing you to test at home.

⚠️ Most Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are the top mistakes that get test scores invalidated—and how to avoid them:

👀 Looking Away from the Screen

  • Practice staying focused.
  • Put a sticky note reminder near your webcam.

💻 Running Background Apps

  • Use Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) to shut down all programs.

🚪 Room Distractions

  • Hang a “Do Not Disturb” sign.
  • Take the test when others are asleep or away.

📄 Copying or Memorizing Answers

  • Never use memorized scripts.
  • Speak and write naturally, even if it’s simple.

🧰 Practice Resources You Need

📋 DET Practice Test

  • Get an unofficial score estimate
  • Simulate the test format
  • Available on desktop or mobile

📘 DET Study Resources

At DET Study, you can:

  • ✅ Access 15,000+ AI-scored practice questions
  • ✅ Use real-time practice tools for all 19 question types
  • ✅ Download grammar and writing guides for free
  • ✅ Get templates for open-ended speaking & writing
  • ✅ Take mock tests with instant feedback

Use DET Study to practice like the real test, right down to the timers and interface.

🌍 Where is the DET Accepted?

🇺🇸 United States

  • 96% of top U.S. universities accept DET.
  • Accepted by MIT, Stanford, Yale, UPenn, Princeton, Purdue, and more.

🇨🇦 Canada

  • Accepted by 100% of top colleges and all U15 universities.
  • Includes University of Alberta, SFU, York University.

🇬🇧 UK & 🇮🇪 Ireland

  • Accepted by Oxford, Imperial College, LSE, Trinity College Dublin, and more.

✈️ Visa Requirements

  • USA: DET accepted = valid for visa.
  • UK: DET accepted by school = visa approved.
  • Canada: DET now accepted for admission AND study permits.

👉 Use the DET School Search Tool to verify.

✅ Final Tips for Test Day

  • 📖 Read the rules beforehand.
  • 📵 Close all tabs, apps, and programs.
  • 👁️‍🗨️ Keep your eyes on the screen.
  • 🧘‍♀️ Pick a quiet time where you feel calm.
  • ⏱️ Practice under timed conditions.

🚀 Start Practicing with DET Study

Want to raise your score and practice smarter? Head over to DETStudy.com to access:

  • ✅ AI-powered question bank
  • ✅ Full mock exams
  • ✅ Free templates & handbooks
  • ✅ Grammar & writing tools

Good luck on your test—and remember, you’ve got this! 💪

Let DET Study guide you every step of the way.