The Duolingo English Test: An In-Depth Look at Whether It's Right for You
If you’ve checked university admissions pages, you’ve probably seen TOEFL and IELTS as standard English tests. But a newer option is gaining traction: the Duolingo English Test (DET). It’s cheaper, more flexible, and fully online—but is it the right fit for you? Let’s compare it to TOEFL and IELTS to find out.
How the Duolingo English Test Works
The DET assesses Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing—just like TOEFL and IELTS—but with a modern adaptive format. The test adjusts difficulty in real time based on your answers.
✅ Shorter Test Time: 45-60 minutes vs. 3+ hours for TOEFL/IELTS
✅ Take It Anywhere: No need for a test center—just a computer and stable internet
✅ Fast Results: Scores available within 48 hours
✅ Strict Rules: No notes, no other people in the room, and you must stay on camera
Key Benefits of Choosing the Duolingo English Test
1. Affordability 💰
- Cost: $59 vs. TOEFL ($180-$200) and IELTS ($215+)
- Unlimited score reports (TOEFL and IELTS charge for additional reports)
2. Faster Turnaround ⏳
- Test duration: About one hour
- Results in 48 hours (TOEFL/IELTS take 10+ days)
3. Convenience 🏠
- Take it from home—no test center needed
- Adaptive format means fewer questions but high accuracy
How Duolingo Stacks Up Against TOEFL and IELTS
| Feature | Duolingo | TOEFL | IELTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | ~1 hour | ~3 hours | ~3 hours (over 2 days for some) |
| Cost | $59 | $180-$200 | $215+ |
| Scoring | 10-160 scale | 0-120 scale | 0-9 bands |
| Test Format | Adaptive, online | Fixed, academic focus | Fixed, academic & general options |
| Speaking Section | Recorded responses | Online responses | In-person interview |
TOEFL is more academic, IELTS has a live speaking section, and Duolingo is the fastest and cheapest option.
Who Accepts the Duolingo English Test?
- 1,000+ universities worldwide accept DET, including Yale, Duke, and Columbia
- Check individual school requirements—some accept DET as primary proof, while others require TOEFL/IELTS alongside it.
The 2025 List of All Countries That Accept The DET
What’s Included in the Duolingo English Test?
- Listening: Identify real words from a spoken list
- Reading: Select correct words from a text
- Writing: Respond to prompts (up to 500 words)
- Speaking: Answer questions and describe images aloud
- Video Interview: Speak on a topic for 1-3 minutes (sent to universities)
Preparing for the Duolingo English Test
To improve your DET score:
✅ Read news articles from high-quality sources
✅ Practice listening with podcasts and English videos
✅ Take Duolingo’s free practice test to get familiar with the format
Taking the Test: What to Expect
- Be alone in the room—no interruptions
- Stay visible on camera—keep ears uncovered
- No notes or outside help allowed
- Proctors review your session to ensure fairness
Scoring and Results
- Score range: 10-160
- Competitive universities typically require 120+
- You can take two certified tests within 30 days
Is the Duolingo English Test Right for You?
Choose DET if you want:
✅ A fast and affordable English test
✅ A flexible, at-home exam experience
✅ Results quickly for university applications
📌 Need more help? Get 15,000+ practice questions and answer templates at DETStudy.com to prepare with confidence!
