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Duolingo English Test (DET): Format, Scoring and Who Accepts It

The Duolingo English Test is an online, adaptive English test you take at home. Results are reported on a 10–160 scale. It is mainly used for university admissions, and many universities accept it. It is not accepted for Canada Express Entry, and it is generally not a UK visa test.

Last updated: 29 September 2026 · Written by the PrepEve team

Owner

Duolingo

Delivery

Online, taken at home on your own computer

Format

Adaptive: questions adjust to your level as you go

Scoring

10–160 scale, with an overall score and subscores

Main use

University admissions (check your university)

Canada Express Entry

Not accepted

Who accepts the Duolingo English Test?

Mainly universities. Many accept DET for admission, but acceptance and minimum scores are set by each university and sometimes by each course.

• University admissions: many universities accept it. Always check the English requirements page of your university and course before you book.
• Canada PR (Express Entry): not accepted. According to IRCC, the approved English tests are IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General and PTE Core. Read the full Canada PR language rules.
• UK visas: generally not a Secure English Language Test (SELT). Check the official visa page for your route on gov.uk.
• Other visas and jobs: check the official page of the organisation. Do not assume a university acceptance also covers a visa.

A study permit or visa can have different English rules from your university. Check both before choosing a test.

What is the Duolingo English Test format?

It is a single online sitting that mixes reading, writing, listening and speaking tasks. Because it is adaptive, each answer affects the difficulty of the next question.

You take it at home with remote proctoring. That means a camera and microphone record you during the test, and the rules are strict: a quiet room, no other people, no notes, and your face visible the whole time. Breaking a rule can mean your result is not certified.

Many tasks are short and fast. Some ask you to complete words, pick real English words, listen and type, read aloud, or speak and write about a topic. There is also a writing and speaking sample that is shared with the institutions you send your results to. Task types can change, so check the current format on the official DET website before practising.

How is the Duolingo English Test scored?

Results are reported on a 10–160 scale. You get an overall score and subscores that combine skills.

Because the test is adaptive, a steady performance across all tasks matters more than a few very hard questions. There is no "pass" score. The score you need is whatever your university sets.

How should you prepare for each DET skill type?

Learn each task type, practise under the real timer, and do full practice tests at home in the same set-up you will use on test day.

Reading tasks

• Build vocabulary and spelling. Word-completion tasks punish small spelling errors.
• Read short texts quickly for the main idea, then check details.

Listening tasks

• Practise typing exactly what you hear. Accuracy beats speed.
• Listen to a range of accents at natural speed.

Writing tasks

• Use a simple structure: answer, reason, example.
• Keep typing until the timer ends. Short answers limit your score.

Speaking tasks

• Speak for the full time, clearly and at a steady pace.
• Use a short plan: point, reason, example, closing line.
• Record yourself and listen for pauses and unclear word endings.

Test-day set-up

• Test your webcam, microphone and internet the day before.
• Clear your desk and choose a room where no one will walk in.

Duolingo vs IELTS: which should you take?

Take the test your target organisation accepts. If both are accepted, pick the format you perform best in.

Choose DET if…

• You are applying to a university that accepts it, and you have confirmed this for your course.
• You do not also need the test for a visa or PR application.
• You are comfortable testing at home on a computer under strict remote rules.

Choose IELTS if…

• You need a test for Canada PR (IELTS General Training) or a UK visa (IELTS for UKVI).
• Your university does not list DET, or you want one result for both study and migration.
• You prefer speaking to a human examiner.

Planning for Canada? See IELTS coaching for Canada PR. Comparing other options? Read TOEFL vs IELTS or the guide to all language tests.

Frequently asked questions