Duolingo English Test: syllabus, pattern, fees, scores and preparation
Duolingo English Test, run by Duolingo. Used for university admission at over 5,000 institutions, mainly in the us, canada, the uk and ireland.
What the Duolingo English Test is
Duolingo English Test (Duolingo English Test) is a english proficiency test run by Duolingo. It is used for university admission at over 5,000 institutions, mainly in the us, canada, the uk and ireland.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Sections | Adaptive test plus writing and speaking samples |
| Duration | About 1 hour |
| Score range | 10 to 160 |
| Fee | US$70 (US$125 for two tests) |
| Results | Within 2 days |
| Validity | 2 years |
| Formats | Online only, at home, any time |
Types of Duolingo English Test
Duolingo English Test
A single adaptive online test with a video interview and writing sample sent to universities alongside the score.
Who can take it
No minimum qualification. Test takers under 13 cannot sit it; those under 18 need consent. You need a computer with a camera, microphone and stable internet, and a government ID.
Not sure which test your course accepts?
Requirements differ by university and by visa route. We check before you book.
Talk to a counsellorSyllabus
| Section | What it tests | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adaptive section | Read and complete, read aloud, listen and type, write about a photo, interactive reading and listening, speak about a topic | Varies | 45 minutes |
| Writing sample | Written response to a prompt | 1 | 5 minutes |
| Speaking sample | Spoken response to a prompt | 1 | 3 minutes |
Exam pattern
The test adapts to your answers: questions get harder as you get them right. It is proctored by recording and reviewed by humans after you finish. Universities see your score, a video interview and a writing sample. You can take it up to three times in any 30-day window.
How to register
- Create an account at englishtest.duolingo.com and check your computer meets the requirements
- Pay the fee; no booking slot is needed
- Take the free practice test to see an estimated score
- Sit the test in a quiet room with your ID; follow the rules strictly or the test is invalidated
- Certified results arrive within two days; send them to unlimited institutions free
Scores explained
| Score | Level | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 140 to 160 | Equivalent to IELTS 8 or above | Top programmes |
| 120 to 135 | Equivalent to IELTS 7 to 7.5 | Competitive graduate programmes |
| 110 to 115 | Equivalent to IELTS 6.5 | Most UK and Irish master's requirements |
| 100 to 105 | Equivalent to IELTS 6 | Most undergraduate requirements |
| 90 to 95 | Equivalent to IELTS 5.5 | Foundation entry |
| Below 90 | Equivalent to IELTS 5 or lower | Further preparation needed |
Sit it once, with coaching
Small-group courses with weekly mock tests and one-to-one feedback.
See IELTS classesHow to prepare
- Take several practice tests to learn the question types and the pace
- Practise reading aloud clearly; pronunciation is scored
- Prepare for the video interview: two minutes on a general topic
- Keep your eyes on the screen and your room clear to avoid invalidation
- Work on vocabulary breadth; the adaptive format rewards range
Books and resources
- Duolingo official practice test: Free and closest to the real thing.
- Official Duolingo test guide: Rules, question types and scoring explained.
Detailed guides
Duolingo test pattern
How the adaptive test works and what the question types are.
Duolingo test syllabus
Skills tested and how each task is scored.
Duolingo test fees
Cost, retake rules and how to pay.
Duolingo to IELTS conversion
Score equivalences and university requirements.
Duolingo test registration
Setting up, system checks and test-day rules.
Questions about the Duolingo English Test
Which UK universities accept Duolingo?
Many, including several in our partner list, mostly for admission rather than visas. Universities can accept it for the Student visa if they assess English themselves at degree level.
Is the Duolingo English Test accepted for a UK visa?
Not as a Secure English Language Test. Degree-level students can still use it where the university vouches for their English.
How much does the Duolingo test cost?
US$70 for one test or US$125 for two.
How fast are results?
Within 48 hours, often sooner.
Can I retake it?
Yes, up to three times in 30 days.
What score equals IELTS 6.5?
About 110 to 115, though each university publishes its own requirement.
Fees, formats and dates are as published by Duolingo for 2025/26 and change; confirm on the official site before booking.
Preparing for the Duolingo English Test?
Tell us your target score and date. We match you with coaching or point you to the free resources that work.