Duolingo English Test 2025: Eligibility, Format, Rules, Score, Registration, Results

What is the Duolingo English test?

1. The Duolingo English Test is a standardized online assessment for international students to determine their English language proficiency.
2. It measures your English fluency through basic language skills like listening, reading, speaking, and writing.

The Duolingo proficiency test is accepted as proof of English language fluency in more than 4,000 educational institutions across the globe. The test has been gaining popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic, and the results have equal value to IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE. Here’s everything you need to know about the Duolingo English exam.

Duolingo English exam: An overview

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Duolingo English test eligibility: Who can take the test?

The Duolingo English test is open to everybody. However, those under 13 years require permission from a parent or guardian.

Test-takers do not need to submit academic records or proof of qualifications to take the Duolingo English test. It is also important for you to check if the university you’re applying to accepts the Duolingo English test as proof of language proficiency.

What is adaptive testing in the Duolingo English test?

The Duolingo proficiency test has a distinguishing factor compared to other language competitive exams. The questions in the Duolingo English test are adaptive. This means that the difficulty level of the next question always depends on the quality of your previous answer. 

For example, the difficulty level increases with each correct answer. Likewise, if you answer incorrectly, the following question will become easier.

Duolingo English test pattern 2025

The Duolingo English test syllabus and exam pattern consists of four sections:

• Reading
• Listening
• Writing
• Speaking

You can retake the Duolingo language test twice a month if you need better results. The test evaluates your performance using human evaluators and automatic scoring methods.

It is important to note that there is no specific pattern or number of questions in the Duolingo English exam for the adaptive test section. The AI would finalise whether you have answered enough questions for evaluation before concluding the test.

Also read: Duolingo English exam pattern 2025

Duolingo language test subscores

Subscores in the Duolingo test measure your ability to use the language naturally. Here are the subscores used by Duolingo and the skills assessed for each score.

Duolingo English exam syllabus 2025

The Duolingo proficiency exam in English does not follow any specific syllabus as the exam is computer-adaptive. But you can expect these question types and prepare based on them.

Duolingo English test syllabus

Also read: Duolingo English test syllabus

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Duolingo English test scores explained

The score range for the Duolingo English exam ranges from 10 to 160. Here’s a breakdown of the test scores and the level of proficiency it indicates.

Duolingo English test scores 2025

Note: Duolingo's scores are connected with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), an international benchmark of language ability.

A detailed walkthrough on CERF levels

A1 and A2

The candidate has a basic understanding of English words and phrases. They can understand and express themselves in similar situations.

B1

Candidates can understand the most important aspects of concrete writing or speech on regular topics.

B2

Candidates can communicate on various topics in English. They are familiar with the fundamentals of both concrete and abstract writing. This group of candidates can communicate with experts confidently.

C1 and C2

The candidates can understand a wide range of spoken and written English, including some specialist English language usage scenarios. They can communicate effectively and efficiently in various settings, such as academic, social, and professional.

Duolingo English test and IELTS score comparison

Also read: IELTS vs Duolingo: Comparing English proficiency tests

How Is the Duolingo English test Different from the IELTS (Duolingo vs IELTS)?

Where do I take the Duolingo English test?

You can take the Duolingo English exam online anytime and from any location. This test does not require you to visit a testing location. With proper requirements like a computer, internet connection, and others, you can take the test from the comfort of your home. Duolingo ensures that candidates meet the strict restrictions it has established in place.

During the test, candidates should be alone in the room, and no one should be talking to them.

Candidates' browser navigation will be disabled when they take the test online.

How to take the Duolingo English test?

The Duolingo English test registration is an easy and convenient process. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:

• Create an account on the Duolingo English test website and provide the required details like your age, email address, and password. Click "Next" to proceed.
• The site will ask, "What are your interests?" Choose from the options provided on the page that follows.
• Then, click "Create account" to continue.
• After creating your account, purchase and pay for the exam.

You have 90 days from the date of purchase to take the test.

While you prepare for Duolingo, get started with your application to your dream university!

How to prepare for the Duolingo English test?

• Start with sample tests to get accustomed to the Duolingo English test format. You can take the practice assessments as many times as you want, and it also gives you an estimated score to gauge your progress.
• You can access the practice tests on the Duolingo site once you’ve created your account.
• You can improve your language skills by reading books, magazines and novels, listening to podcasts, and practising speaking and writing.

Also read: How to prepare for Duolingo English test?

On test day - Duolingo English test instructions

The Duolingo English test includes a video interview and a writing section. Two question themes are available for each video interview and writing sample. This is followed by one to three minutes of speaking and five minutes of writing. A timer will keep track of your progress for you.

Review your responses before sharing them with institutions, so you can make sure they are accurate. You can retake the test if you're not satisfied with your results.

Requirements for Duolingo English test

Here’s a checklist of things you should have ready before taking the exam:

• A photo ID issued by the government (passport, driver’s license or government ID).
• A quiet room with good lighting.
• A computer with a built-in front-facing webcam, speakers, and microphone (no earphones are allowed).
• A strong internet connection and a browser that works with the test.

Duolingo rules & regulations for English test

An examiner will make sure you follow these requirements during the Duolingo English exam:

• You must be alone in the room.
• Your face and ears must be visible and uncovered.
• No headphones or earphones.
• No outside materials, including mobile devices, notes, or textbooks.
• No communication with anyone else.
• No pens or papers are permitted.
• You should not look away from the screen.
• You are permitted to leave the test window only after the exam concludes.
• No grammar or spelling checkers are allowed.

Also read: What to expect in the Duolingo English test?

Receiving your Duolingo English test results

The Duolingo English test results are quick and easy to obtain. You can receive your Duolingo scores in just 48 hours. Your score will be emailed and posted on the Duolingo website, where you can easily share it with your university admissions board (or visa office).

Also Read: Duolingo Test Results

Countries accepting Duolingo English test

The Duolingo English Test accepted by universities and institutions in many countries around the world. Here are some of the countries that accept the Duolingo English Test:

1. United States
2. United Kingdom
3. Canada
4. Australia
5. New Zealand
6. China
7. Qatar
8. Ireland
9. Germany
10. France, etc
     

Frequently asked questions

Why Take the Duolingo English test? Is it hard?

Duolingo's English test is a more convenient, accessible, and cost-effective option when assessing your English proficiency.

Thousands of institutions around the world accept it. Taking a traditional English proficiency exam can be time-consuming, expensive, and stressful.

The test is also affordable, costing just US$49, and it can be done at home on your computer. Within 48 hours, you'll have your results and can easily share them with educational institutions.

Which universities accept the Duolingo English test?

The list of universities that accept the Duolingo English test is quickly growing across the English-speaking environment but always check with the institution you're applying to first.

How to prepare for the Duolingo English test?

• You can ace the Duolingo English exam with enough practice and preparation. Duolingo provides sample tests for its candidates to familiarise themselves with the format.
• You can enhance your language skills by reading books and magazines, listening to podcasts, and practising speaking and writing. You should also improve your grammar and vocabulary for better performance during the exam.

How many times can I take the Duolingo English exam?

You can take the Duolingo English test as many times as you like, but you can only take it twice within 30 days.

What happens after I take the Duolingo English test?

Your exam results will be delivered within 48 hours of taking the test. You can send the scores directly to educational institutions from Duolingo's results page. Remember, there is no limit on how many institutions you may submit the score reports to.

How is the Duolingo test score calculated?

Your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills are tested in the Duolingo English exam. Your performance in the exam is calculated on a scale of 10-160 in 5-point increments. A language proficiency standard known as CEFR determines your level of fluency in English.

How long is the Duolingo English test valid?

Duolingo's test results are valid for two years.

Do all colleges accept the Duolingo English test?

Several universities accept the Duolingo English exam in countries across the world. Confirm if the educational institution you're applying for accepts the Duolingo scores before booking the exam.

While you prepare for Duolingo, get started with your application to your dream university!

Is Duolingo easier than IELTS?

The Duolingo English exam and IELTS are designed for different purposes and measure different aspects of language proficiency. In terms of the level of difficulty, the IELTS is generally considered more challenging than Duolingo since it is a high-stakes test that requires a broader range of language skills, including critical thinking, analysis, and academic writing.

However, Duolingo is relatively easy since it aims to help learners acquire basic language skills rather than measure their proficiency. Ultimately, the difficulty of both Duolingo and IELTS will depend on the individual learner's language background, learning style, and proficiency level.

Can I score 120 in Duolingo?

It is possible to score 120 on the Duolingo English exam. Any score above 110 is considered excellent by several educational institutions. With regular practice and preparation, one can easily understand the format and ace the test.

Is 75 a good score on the Duolingo English test?

A score of 75 on the Duolingo English test is considered a good score. The test is scored on a scale of 10-160, and a score of 75 falls within the intermediate range of proficiency. This means the test-taker has demonstrated a solid understanding of English grammar, vocabulary, and communication skills.