Learning a new language can open up numerous opportunities, especially for international students aspiring to study abroad. However, proving your English proficiency is often a crucial requirement for university admissions and visa applications. Are you looking for a convenient, affordable, and widely accepted way to certify your English skills? The Duolingo English Test (DET) could be the perfect solution. It’s an online, adaptive test that assesses your reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities in English.
This guide will cover everything you need to know about the Duolingo English Test, including its format, scoring, preparation tips, how it compares to other tests like TOEFL and IELTS, and much more.
What is the Duolingo English Test?
The Duolingo English Test is a standardized, internet-based assessment developed by the language learning platform, Duolingo. Unlike traditional paper-based tests, DET is designed to be taken entirely online, making it a convenient and accessible option for test-takers worldwide.
One unique aspect of the Duolingo English Test is its adaptive nature. As you progress through the test, the questions adjust in difficulty based on your previous responses. This ensures that the test accurately measures your true English proficiency level.
The test consists of two main sections:
- Adaptive Test (45 minutes): This portion includes a variety of question types, such as multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blanks, and short answer questions, assessing your reading, listening, and writing skills.
- Video Interview (10 minutes): In this section, you’ll record yourself answering open-ended questions to demonstrate your speaking abilities.
The Duolingo English Test is scored on a scale of 10 to 160, with a score of 120 or higher generally considered proficient in English. Many universities and organizations have specific score requirements, which we’ll discuss later in this guide.
Why Take the Duolingo English Test?
While there are other popular English proficiency tests like TOEFL and IELTS, the Duolingo English Test offers several compelling advantages that make it an attractive choice for many test-takers:
1. Cost-Effective
One of the most significant advantages of the Duolingo English Test is its affordability. At just $59 (plus applicable taxes), it’s a fraction of the cost compared to other tests, which can easily run over $200.
2. Convenience
With the Duolingo English Test, you can take the exam from the comfort of your own home or any quiet location with a computer and a reliable internet connection. No need to commute to a designated test center or make appointments weeks in advance.
3. Quick Results
Unlike other tests that may take weeks to provide your scores, the Duolingo English Test delivers your results within 48 hours of completing the exam. This can be incredibly beneficial for those facing tight application deadlines.
4. Widely Accepted
While the Duolingo English Test is relatively new, it has gained widespread acceptance among universities and institutions worldwide. As of 2024, over 5,000 universities across more than 180+ countries recognize the Duolingo English Test scores, including top-ranked institutions like Harvard, Stanford, Yale, and MIT.
Universities Accepting Duolingo Test in 2024
The Duolingo English Test has rapidly gained popularity among universities seeking a reliable and accessible way to assess the English proficiency of international applicants. Here are some of the notable institutions accepting DET scores in 2024:
- Harvard University (minimum score: 125)
- Stanford University (minimum score: 120)
- Yale University (minimum score: 120)
- University of California, Berkeley (minimum score: 115)
- University of Illinois’s Urbana Campaign’s College of Business (minimum score: 125)
- University of Toronto (minimum score: 120)
- University of British Columbia (minimum score: 115)
- University of Sydney (minimum score: 115)
- National University of Singapore (minimum score: 120)
Score requirements differ by program and university, so check your desired institution’s requirements before taking the Duolingo English Test.
In addition to university admissions, the Duolingo English Test is also accepted as proof of English proficiency for student visa applications in countries like Ireland and New Zealand.
How to Prepare for the Duolingo English Test
While the Duolingo English Test is designed to be a straightforward assessment of your English abilities, preparing for it can still increase your chances of achieving your desired score. Here are some recommended preparation strategies:
1. Take Free Practice Tests
Duolingo offers free practice tests on its website, which can be an excellent way to familiarize yourself with the test format, question types, and time constraints. By taking these practice tests, you can identify your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to focus your preparation efforts more effectively.
2. Review the Official Test Readiness Guide
Duolingo provides a comprehensive Test Readiness Guide, which includes detailed information about the test structure, scoring, and sample questions. Reviewing this guide can help you understand what to expect on test day and ensure you’re well-prepared.
3. Ensure a Proper Testing Environment
Since the Duolingo English Test is taken online, it’s crucial to have a suitable testing environment. Make sure you have a quiet, well-lit room with a reliable internet connection, a computer or laptop with a working camera and microphone, and any necessary software or permissions granted for the test.
4. Focus on Your Weaknesses
After taking practice tests, identify the areas where you struggle the most, whether it’s reading comprehension, listening skills, or speaking fluency. Dedicate extra time and effort to improving those weak areas through targeted practice and resources.
5. Manage Your Time Effectively
Time management is crucial during the Duolingo English Test, as you’ll have a limited amount of time for each section. Practice pacing yourself and answering questions efficiently to ensure you can complete all sections within the allotted time.
Tips to Improve Your Duolingo Score
To achieve your desired score on the Duolingo English Test, remember:
- Speak clearly and confidently: During the video interview section, enunciate your words and speak at a moderate pace to ensure your responses are easily understood.
- Avoid distractions: Minimize potential distractions in your testing environment, such as background noise or notifications on your computer.
- Read instructions carefully: Make sure you understand the question being asked before providing your answer.
- Practice regularly: Consistent practice is key to improving your English skills and test-taking abilities.
- Stay calm and focused: Feeling anxious during the test can negatively impact your performance. Take deep breaths and stay focused on the task at hand.
The Duolingo English Test adapts to your answers, so it gets harder or easier based on how you do. Preparing is key, but cramming or memorizing won’t help much since the test checks your real English skills.
Duolingo English Test vs TOEFL/IELTS
When it comes to English proficiency tests, the Duolingo English Test is often compared to more established exams like the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System). While all three tests assess your English skills, there are some key differences to consider:
Scoring and Proficiency Levels
- Duolingo English Test: Scored on a scale of 10 to 160, with a score of 120 or higher indicating English proficiency.
- TOEFL iBT: Scored on a scale of 0 to 120, with a score of 80 or higher considered proficient.
- IELTS: Scored on a band scale of 0 to 9, with a band score of 6.5 or higher generally required for university admissions.
Duolingo has a chart to compare DET scores to TOEFL and IELTS scores.
Test Format and Experience
- Duolingo English Test: Taken entirely online, with an adaptive section and a video interview component. The test takes approximately 1 hour to complete.
- TOEFL iBT: A combination of reading, listening, speaking, and writing sections, with a total test time of around 3 hours. Can be taken at designated test centers or, in some cases, at home with a proctor.
- IELTS: Consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The total test time is around 2 hours and 45 minutes, and it must be taken at a designated test center.
Cost
- Duolingo English Test: $59 (plus applicable taxes), with the ability to send your scores to an unlimited number of institutions for free.
- TOEFL iBT: Around $200, plus additional fees for sending score reports to multiple institutions.
- IELTS: Typically more than $200, with additional fees for sending score reports.
As you can see, the Duolingo English Test is significantly more affordable than TOEFL and IELTS, making it a cost-effective option for many test-takers.
Convenience and Flexibility
One of the most significant advantages of the Duolingo English Test is its convenience and flexibility. Since it’s an online test, you can take it from any quiet location with a computer and a reliable internet connection, without the need to commute to a designated test center or make appointments weeks in advance.
Additionally, the Duolingo English Test offers quick results within 48 hours, which can be incredibly beneficial for those facing tight application deadlines or needing to provide proof of English proficiency promptly.
Which Test is Easier?
The question of which test is easier – Duolingo, TOEFL, or IELTS – is a common one among test-takers. While the difficulty level can vary based on an individual’s strengths and weaknesses, the consensus is that the Duolingo English Test is typically considered the easiest of the three.
This is primarily because the Duolingo English Test focuses more on assessing basic language skills, such as grammar and vocabulary, rather than requiring a deep understanding of the language’s nuances and complexities, as TOEFL and IELTS do.
The difficulty level depends on test-takers familiarity with computer tests, comfort with speaking on camera, and English proficiency.
The choice between tests depends on your needs, preferences, and institution requirements.
Test Day Guide for Duolingo English Test
As the Duolingo English Test day approaches, it’s essential to understand what to expect and how to prepare for a smooth testing experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:
1. Registration and Payment
Before you can take the Duolingo English Test, you’ll need to create an account on the Duolingo website and register for the test. During the registration process, you’ll be prompted to pay the $59 test fee (plus applicable taxes).
2. Test Rules and Requirements
Duolingo has strict rules and requirements for test-takers to ensure the integrity of the testing process. These include:
- Having a valid, government-issued photo ID ready for verification.
- Ensuring your testing environment is quiet, well-lit, and free from distractions.
- Granting the necessary permissions for the test to access your computer’s camera, microphone, and screen recording capabilities.
- Refraining from using any external devices, notes, or writing materials during the test.
It’s crucial to review and follow these rules carefully to avoid any issues during the test.
3. Test Day Setup
On your scheduled test day, you’ll need to log in to your Duolingo account and follow the on-screen instructions to set up your testing environment. This may include adjusting your camera angle, checking your audio settings, and ensuring your testing area meets the requirements.
4. Test Sections and Timing
The Duolingo English Test consists of two main sections:
- Adaptive Test (45 minutes): This section includes a variety of question types, such as multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blanks, and short answer questions, assessing your reading, listening, and writing skills.
- Video Interview (10 minutes): In this section, you’ll record yourself answering open-ended questions to demonstrate your speaking abilities.
It’s essential to manage your time effectively during each section to ensure you can complete all questions within the allotted time frame.
5. Test Completion and Submission
Once you’ve completed both sections of the Duolingo English Test, you’ll have the opportunity to review and submit your responses. After submission, your test will be reviewed and scored by Duolingo’s automated system.
After the Test
Within 48 hours of completing the Duolingo English Test, you’ll receive your official score report via email. Your score will be provided on a scale of 10 to 160, along with a breakdown of your performance in various skill areas.
If you’re unsatisfied with your score or encounter any technical issues during the test, Duolingo offers the option to retake the test at an additional cost.
Once you have your score report, you can easily share your results with the universities or organizations of your choice by following the instructions provided by Duolingo. Many institutions have specific score requirements, so be sure to check their guidelines before submitting your results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Duolingo Test Accepted for Visas?
Yes, the Duolingo English Test is accepted as proof of English proficiency for student visa applications in several countries, including Ireland and New Zealand. However, it’s essential to check with the specific country’s visa requirements, as some may have additional language proficiency requirements or prefer other tests like TOEFL or IELTS.
How Much Does a Retest Cost?
If you’re unsatisfied with your Duolingo English Test score or encounter technical issues during the test, you can retake the test at an additional cost of $59 (plus applicable taxes).
Can I Use Duolingo for Job Applications?
Absolutely! While the Duolingo English Test is primarily used for university admissions and student visa applications, many employers and organizations also accept these scores as proof of English proficiency for job applications or internal language requirements.
What’s a Good Score for Top Universities?
The score requirements for top universities can vary, but generally, a score of 120 or higher on the Duolingo English Test is considered proficient. However, some highly competitive programs or institutions may require even higher scores, such as 125 or above. It’s essential to check the specific requirements of your desired university and program before taking the test.
In summary,
The Duolingo English Test is an innovative, convenient, and cost-effective solution for assessing English proficiency. With its adaptive format, online accessibility, and growing acceptance among top universities and organizations worldwide, it has become a popular choice for aspiring students and professionals alike. By following the preparation tips, understanding the test format, and familiarizing yourself with the test-day experience, you can increase your chances of achieving your desired score and taking the next step toward your academic or professional goals.
