The Duolingo English Test is an online assessment for international students to measure their level of English language proficiency. The test determines your fluency through basic language skills like listening, reading, speaking and writing.
The Duolingo English Test is recognised as proof of English proficiency in over 4000 educational institutions in various countries like the US, UK, New Zealand, Ireland, Canada, and Australia. The first step in attending is to register for the assessment. Here’s how you should book your slot for the Duolingo English Test.
Table of Contents
- Duolingo English test: An overview
- Modes of the Duolingo English Test
- A step-by-step guide for the Duolingo English Test booking
- Duolingo English Test pattern & syllabus: An overview
- Duolingo English Test checklist
- How to Set Up Your Secondary Camera (2026 Requirement)
- Rules and regulations for the Duolingo English Test
- Duolingo English Test fee
- Duolingo accepted universities
- Frequently asked questions
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Duolingo English test: An overview
| Duolingo full form | Duolingo English test |
| Conducted by | Duolingo |
| Method of registration | Online |
| Mode of Duolingo English Test | Online |
| Test locations | Home or anywhere of the candidate’s convenience |
| Test schedule | Anytime. Candidates can attend the test at their comfort |
| Duolingo exam fees | USD 70 (Single) / USD 118 (Bundle) |
| Duolingo English Test results | Within 48 hours of completing the test |
| Eligibility criteria | No specific eligibility requirements |
| Duolingo exam results validity | Test Credit Validity | 21 days (to take the test after purchase) |
Modes of the Duolingo English Test
Unlike other exams, the Duolingo English Test is conducted only online. The test does not require you to visit a testing location. You can attend the test at home or anywhere at your convenience, but make sure to verify if the test environment satisfies the exam requirements.
Duolingo requires candidates to meet the strict restrictions established to take the test. During the assessment, candidates should be alone in the room, and no one should be allowed to enter the room until the test ends. Your browser navigation will be disabled when you take the test online.
Also read: IELTS vs Duolingo English Test
A step-by-step guide for the Duolingo English Test booking
Duolingo ensures that candidates undergo a quick, hassle-free process, from registration to completion of the exam, online. In contrast to other English proficiency exams, the Duolingo English test registration does not require you to book the test and select a slot in advance to proceed with the assessment.
You can purchase and attend the test whenever and wherever you want. Here’s how you can register for the Duolingo exam:
Duolingo English Test booking
Step 1: Go to the Duolingo official website.
Step 2: Create an account using your email ID and age, and create a password.
Step 3: A new page appears asking, “What are you interested in?”
Choose an option that best suits your interest and click ‘Next’.
Step 4: The next page pops up, asking, “How did you hear about us?”
You can select up to three options, then click ‘Create account’.
Step 5: The website leads you to your profile dashboard. Click on “Purchase a Test.”
Step 6: Choose your test package. You can purchase a Single Test for USD 70 or a Two-Test Bundle for USD 118 (which works out to USD 59 per test). Click "Add to Cart" to proceed.
Step 7: After clicking “Checkout,” the website directs you to the payment page, where you can see the test fees in your native currency. Pay the test fees and complete your registration.
Step 8: After purchasing the Duolingo English Test, you can take the assessment anytime and anywhere you prefer. You can also attempt the free practice tests available in your dashboard before the main assessment.
Note: You must take the Duolingo English Test within 21 days from the date of purchase. If you do not attempt the test within this 3-week window, your credit will expire and is non-refundable.
Duolingo English Test pattern & syllabus: An overview
Test duration: 60 minutes
Number of sections: 3 (including introduction)
The Duolingo English Test pattern has a significant factor compared to other language proficiency exams. The questions in the Duolingo English Test are adaptive; that is, the difficulty level of the next question depends on 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 exam pattern
| Section | Duration (In minutes) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction | 5 | Verifies if the device’s microphone, camera, and speakers meet the exam requirements. You should submit your ID for proof. For students in India, a valid physical Passport is the only accepted form of ID. Aadhaar cards and digital copies are not permitted and will result in a failed verification. You should also go through the guidelines and rules of the test. |
| Adaptive test | 45 | A graded section to determine the candidate’s knowledge of objective and descriptive questions. Questions can be in the form of multiple choice questions, fill-in-the-blanks, match the following, and others. There is no specific pattern or model, as the exam is adaptive. |
| Writing and speaking sample | 10 | An ungraded video interview to analyse your writing and speaking skills in the English language. |
Duolingo English Test checklist
Here’s the list of things you should have ready before taking the exam:
- Valid ID: A physical Passport is strictly required for students in India. Aadhaar or digital copies are not accepted.
- A quiet room with good lighting.
- Two Cameras: A computer with a webcam PLUS a smartphone or tablet to act as a secondary side-view camera (mandatory for 2026 proctoring).
- A stable internet connection and a browser that works with the test.
How to Set Up Your Secondary Camera (2026 Requirement)
You can no longer take the DET with just a laptop. You must follow these steps:
- Device: Use a smartphone or tablet.
- Position: Place the phone in Landscape (horizontal) mode to your left or right side.
- Frame: The camera must see your hands, keyboard, and computer screen at all times.
- Power: Keep your phone plugged into a charger; if the battery dies, your test is invalidated.
- Mode: Enable 'Do Not Disturb' to prevent notifications from interrupting the recording.
Rules and regulations for the Duolingo English Test
An examiner will check if the candidate follows these requirements during the Duolingo English Test:
- The candidate should be alone in the room.
- Their face and ears must be visible and uncovered.
- No headphones or earphones are allowed.
- No outside materials (notes/textbooks). One mobile device is allowed ONLY to act as your secondary camera; it must be placed to your side and not touched during the test.
- No pens or papers are permitted.
- No grammar or spelling checkers are allowed.
- The candidate must refrain from communicating with anyone else.
- They should not look away from the screen.
- The candidate can leave the test window only after the exam concludes.
- Mandatory Ear Scan: You must show your ears to the camera before starting to prove you are not wearing wireless earbuds.
Duolingo English Test fee
Duolingo has updated its 2026 pricing. The Duolingo English Test fee is USD 70 for a single attempt. To save money, you can buy the Two-Test Bundle for USD 118, making each attempt USD 59. Additionally, you can opt for the 'Faster Results' add-on for USD 40 to get your scores in just 12 hours. When you check out to pay for the exam, the website directs you to the payment page, where you can see the fees in your native currency.
There are no fixed slots or schedules for the Duolingo English Test. You can attend the test anytime and anywhere; it is up to your preference.
What is the Duolingo English Test fee in India?
The Duolingo English Test fee in India is INR ₹4,860.
Also read: Duolingo English Test exam dates and fees
Duolingo accepted universities
The Duolingo exam is accepted as proof of English proficiency in more than 4,000 educational institutions in various countries, like the US, UK, Ireland, and Canada.
Duolingo accepted universities in the USA
| University | THE Ranking |
|---|---|
| Harvard University | 2 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 5 |
| Yale University | 9 |
| Johns Hopkins University | 15 |
| Cornell University | 20 |
| University of Arizona | 180 |
| University of South Florida | 201-250 |
| George Mason University | 301-350 |
| Colorado State University | 401-500 |
| University of Alabama | 801-1000 |
Data updated as of Dec 2025
Duolingo accepted universities in the UK
| University | THE Ranking |
|---|---|
| Imperial College London | 10 |
| University of Southampton | 108 |
| University of Birmingham | 108 |
| University of Exeter | 137 |
| Middlesex University | 401-500 |
| Glasgow Caledonian University | 601-800 |
| University of Bedfordshire | 801-1000 |
| Kingston University | 801-1000 |
| Cardiff Metropolitan University | 1001-1200 |
Data updated as of Dec 2025
Duolingo accepted universities in Canada
| University | THE Ranking |
|---|---|
| University of Toronto | 18 |
| University of British Columbia | 40 |
| McGill University | 46 |
| University of Montreal | 111 |
| University of Alberta | 118 |
| University of Ottawa | 137 |
| University of Calgary | 201-250 |
| University of Waterloo | 201-250 |
| Simon Fraser University | 251-300 |
| University of Victoria | 301-350 |
Data updated as of Dec 2025
Duolingo accepted universities in Ireland
- Griffith College
- Maynooth University
- Dublin City University
- Trinity College Dublin
- University College Cork
- University College Dublin
- Institute of Technology Carlow
- Limerick Institute of Technology
- Dundalk Institute of Technology
Also read
Frequently asked questions
How do I book a Duolingo English Test?
Step 1: Go to the Duolingo official website.
Step 2: Create an account using your email id, age and create a password.
Step 3: Complete the “What are you interested in?” and “How did you hear about us?” questions, then click ‘Create account’.
Step 4: Click on “Purchase a Test” in the dashboard.
Step 5: Choose the test you prefer and click “Add to Cart.”
Step 6: After clicking “Checkout,” the website directs you to the payment page. Pay the test fees and complete your registration.
It is important to remember that you should take the Duolingo English test within 90 days from the date of purchasing the exam.
What is the cost of the Duolingo English Test?
The 2026 Duolingo exam fee is USD 70. You can also purchase a Two-Test Bundle for USD 118. If you need results urgently, a 12-hour fast-track option is available for an extra USD 40.
What is a passing score for Duolingo?
There is no passing score for the Duolingo English test. Many universities abroad accept any score above 110.
Is Duolingo accepted in the USA?
Several educational institutions in the US accept Duolingo as proof of English language proficiency for international students planning to pursue higher education. Here are some of the top universities accepting the Duolingo English test:
- Harvard University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Yale University
- Johns Hopkins University
- Cornell University
- University of Arizona
- University of South Florida
- George Mason University
- Colorado State University
- University of Alabama
Who is eligible for Duolingo?
There are no specific eligibility requirements for the Duolingo English test. To be eligible, you must have a valid physical Passport (mandatory for Indian students) and a secondary camera (smartphone) for proctoring. You must also take the test within 21 days of your purchase.
