Duolingo English Test (DET): Complete Guide 2025
Everything you need to know about the Duolingo English Test — adaptive format, sub-scores, video interview strategies, and university requirements worldwide.
1. What is the Duolingo English Test?
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a fully online, computer-adaptive English proficiency test developed by Duolingo. It can be taken from home in about one hour and delivers results within two days. Since its launch, it has rapidly grown to be accepted by over 5,000 universities and institutions worldwide, including many top-ranked US, UK, and Canadian universities.
The DET measures English proficiency on a scale of 10–160, with four sub-scores in Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, and Production. Its accessibility, speed, and low cost make it particularly popular with international students.
2. Test Format Overview
The DET has two main components: a scored adaptive test and an unscored interview section (video interview and writing sample) that is shared with institutions alongside your score.
| Component | Duration | Scored? |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptive Test | ~45 min | Yes — contributes to 10–160 score |
| Video Interview | ~10 min | No — shared with institutions |
| Writing Sample | ~5 min | No — shared with institutions |
3. The Adaptive Test Section
The adaptive test uses an algorithm that adjusts question difficulty in real time based on your answers. If you answer correctly, the next question will be harder; if you answer incorrectly, it will be easier. This allows the DET to accurately measure proficiency across the full range of levels in a shorter time than traditional fixed-format tests.
Question formats in the adaptive section
Fill in missing letters in a word shown on screen. Tests spelling and vocabulary.
Type a sentence or phrase you hear. Tests listening and spelling accuracy.
Read a sentence aloud and record your voice. Tests pronunciation and reading fluency.
Describe a photo for 1–2 minutes. Tests spoken production and vocabulary.
Write a description of a photo. Tests written production and grammar.
Read a passage, then write a response. Tests reading comprehension and writing.
Read a passage, then speak about it. Tests reading comprehension and speaking.
Listen to a prompt, then respond verbally. Tests listening and speaking.
Answer comprehension questions about an interactive passage.
Answer comprehension questions about an audio recording.
4. Video Interview & Writing Sample
After the scored adaptive test, you complete an unscored video interview and a writing sample. These are sent to institutions alongside your score report and provide admissions officers with additional evidence of your spoken and written English.
Video Interview
You are given a prompt and have 30 seconds to prepare, then 1–3 minutes to speak. Topics are general and open-ended — similar to IELTS Speaking Part 2.
Writing Sample
You have about 5 minutes to write a response to a prompt. Aim for clear, well-structured writing that demonstrates your vocabulary range and grammatical accuracy.
Video Interview tip
5. Sub-scores Explained
Your DET score report includes four sub-scores, each on a 10–160 scale, alongside your overall score. These help institutions understand the profile of your English ability.
Ability to read and write in English. Includes reading comprehension and written production tasks.
Ability to understand spoken and written English. Assessed through listening and reading tasks.
Ability to use English in conversation. Assessed through spoken interaction tasks.
Ability to produce spoken and written English. Covers speaking and writing tasks.
6. Overall Scoring
The DET overall score runs from 10 to 160. Scores roughly correspond to CEFR levels as follows:
| DET Score | CEFR Level | Proficiency |
|---|---|---|
| 10–54 | A1–A2 | Basic / Elementary |
| 55–84 | B1–B2 | Intermediate / Upper-Intermediate |
| 85–114 | B2–C1 | Upper-Intermediate / Advanced |
| 115–145 | C1 | Advanced |
| 146–160 | C2 | Mastery / Near-native |
7. Question Types
Read and Complete Example
Complete the word shown on the screen:
a _ _ o m p l _ s h
Answer: accomplish
Listen and Type Example
[You hear a sentence played once]
“The committee will review the proposal at the next meeting.”
Type exactly what you heard.
Read and Complete tip
8. How to Prepare
Practise all four skills
The DET tests speaking, listening, reading, and writing in an integrated adaptive format. Don't neglect any skill — all four sub-scores are reported to institutions.
Practise with the official Duolingo English Test samples
Duolingo offers free sample questions and a practice test on their official website. Use FullPracticeTests for additional full-length simulations with AI feedback.
Improve typing speed and accuracy
The “Listen and Type” questions require fast, accurate typing. Practise transcribing spoken English at natural speed to build this skill.
Prepare your video interview environment
Test your microphone, webcam, and internet connection before exam day. Choose a quiet, well-lit room free from distractions. The DET uses AI proctoring.
Score target
9. Test Day Tips
The DET is proctored by AI — your camera, microphone, and screen are monitored throughout the test. Ensure you are in a private room and that no one else is present. You cannot use additional materials, external windows, or mobile devices.
10. University Requirements
| Institution Type | Typical DET Score Required |
|---|---|
| Highly selective US universities (MIT, Yale, Columbia) | 130–145+ |
| Strong US universities (top 50) | 120–130 |
| Mid-tier US universities | 105–120 |
| Canadian universities | 115–125 |
| UK universities | 110–130 (varies widely) |
| English language programmes | 85–105 |
11. DET vs IELTS vs TOEFL
| Factor | DET | IELTS | TOEFL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | ~1 hour | 2h 45m | ~2 hours |
| Location | At home | Test centre | Test centre / Home |
| Results | 2 days | 3–5 days | 6 days |
| Score scale | 10–160 | 0–9 | 0–120 |
| Acceptance | 5,000+ institutions | Very widely accepted | Very widely accepted |
How FullPracticeTests Helps
FullPracticeTests offers full-length Duolingo English Test simulations with AI scoring across all four sub-skills. Get detailed feedback on your speaking and writing responses, and targeted improvement tips to hit your target score.