How to pass the Duolingo English Test
So, you’ve decided to take the Duolingo English Test…some universities now accept it as proof of your English language skills. You can see the Duolingo assessment for their admissions criteria for yourself.
IELTS and TOEFL tests are long and difficult. They can take about 3 hours and have many different parts you need to pass: speaking, listening, writing and reading. The Duolingo English Test is shorter and easier and can be taken from your home.
Let’s break down the features of this test in little more detail, highlighting its advantages, before we mention a few disadvantages toward the end.
The Duolingo English Test
The Duolingo English Test is an online, adaptive English language test that checks your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills — all in under 60 minutes. Unlike traditional
exams that separate skills into clearly defined sections, Duolingo blends them together into a fast-paced, often unpredictable sequence of questions. This not only makes the test feel quicker, but also more natural and fluid, closer to how language is actually used in the real world. There’s a useful walkthrough video here.
How the Test Works
This means the test quickly finds your true level — without wasting time.
This part of the exam is not graded, but it’s important to do as the universities receive them as part of your report of how well you speak and understand the English language.
In this part of the exam, you’ll be asked to speak about a random topic for 1 – 3 minutes, and then given a different question to answer in writing. It’s a chance to show off your personality and language skills in a more human or natural way.
How the test is scored
increments of 5. Your final score reflects your overall English proficiency, which combines your reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities.
Scores are also reported in percentiles, showing how your performance compares to other test takers. For example, a score of 120 places you around the 75th percentile, meaning you performed better than 75% of others.
We would recommend talking to your prospective university about what score their admissions body considers to be an acceptable score for your chosen course of study.
What You Need to Take the Test
Before you take the test, you will need:
- A quiet, private room with good lighting
- A computer with a camera, microphone, and reliable internet
- A valid passport, driver’s license, or government ID
- No headphones, notes, or any external help
What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Duolingo English Test?
Now that we’ve learned a bit about the test, let’s sum up all the wonderful reasons why this exam might be the one for you.
✅ You Can Take It From Anywhere
No need to book a test centre weeks in advance. You can take the test from home, at a time that suits you. All you need is a device, internet connection, and a quiet space.
✅ It’s Fast – Both to Complete and Get Results
The entire test takes under an hour, and you’ll usually get your results within 48 hours. Compare that with IELTS or TOEFL, where you might wait a week or more.
✅ It’s Affordable
At around $59 USD, the Duolingo English Test is significantly cheaper than most other English proficiency exams, which can cost anywhere between $200–$300.
✅ You Can Retake It (Fairly Often)
You’re allowed to take the test up to three times in a 30-day period, giving you some flexibility if you’re not happy with your score the first time.
✅ It’s Widely Accepted
Over 4,000 institutions around the world accept the Duolingo English Test, including many universities in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. This includes some big names like NYU, Columbia, UCL, and the University of Toronto. (Always double-check with the university’s admissions page.)
✅ Modern, AI-Driven Assessment
The test uses adaptive technology and automated scoring, which helps eliminate human bias and allows for fast, consistent results.
While the Duolingo English Test is ideal for many students, it’s not for everyone. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
⚠️ Not Every Institution Accepts It
Although acceptance is growing, some universities or visa applications still prefer or require IELTS or TOEFL. Always check what your destination requires.
⚠️ Speaking to a Camera Can Feel Unnatural
Unlike traditional speaking exams where you talk to a real examiner, Duolingo requires you to speak to your screen. For some people, this feels less intuitive or harder to perform well in.
⚠️ Internet and Tech Setup Must Be Perfect
If your connection drops, or your webcam isn’t working properly, you might have to reschedule — and technical issues can lead to invalidated results.
Final Thoughts
The Duolingo English Test is good for students who want something fast, easy to take, and not expensive. It’s a modern approach to language testing that saves you time and money. Be sure to check that the university you want to go to accepts this test as a valid proof of your English language skills. If they do, remember that universities will take a much more personalised route to judging your level of English than if you took a standard IELTS or TOEFL exam.
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