Duolingo English Test 2026: Format, Scores, Cost and Who Accepts It
The Duolingo English Test in 2026 is a roughly one-hour adaptive English test you take online at home. Scores run from 10 to 160, results arrive within 2 days, and the price is around US$70 in most countries (confirm at checkout). It's accepted by many schools that set their own requirements, but it is not a UK SELT.
Quick answer: The Duolingo English Test (DET) takes about 1 hour, is taken at home on a computer, and scores you from 10 to 160 in 5-point steps. Results come within 2 days and are valid for 2 years. You can take up to 3 tests in any 30 days. Price: around US$70 in most countries, so confirm at checkout. It isn't a UK SELT, but some UK universities may accept it for degree-level study.
Let's go through the format, scores, setup and who accepts it, so you can decide if it's right for you.
Duolingo English Test format
The DET is adaptive. That means the questions get harder or easier based on how you answer. Two people won't see exactly the same test.
Key facts about the format:
Length: about 1 hour.
Where: online, at home, using the Duolingo desktop app.
What's sent to schools: your scores plus a writing sample and a video speaking sample.
That last point matters. Admissions teams can watch and read your own samples, not just see a number. Treat those responses like a short interview.
Duolingo English Test scores explained
Your overall score sits on a 10–160 scale in 5-point steps (for example, 105, 110, 115).
You also get subscores:
Literacy
Comprehension
Conversation
Production
Individual skill subscores
The four combined subscores show how you use skills together, which is closer to how you'll use English at university. Use them to spot your weakest area if you need to retake.
Results arrive within 2 days and are valid for 2 years. Sending your results to institutions is free.
How much does the Duolingo English Test cost?
The price is around US$70 in most countries — confirm at checkout. The final price you see when you buy is the one that counts.
After you buy, you must start your test within 21 days. Don't buy until you're ready to test in the next three weeks.
For comparison, here are some published fees for other tests:
Test | Example published fee |
|---|---|
IELTS (computer, USA) | USD 280–340 by centre ( |
PTE Academic (USA) | USD 265 ( |
TOEFL iBT (India) | INR 15,729 ( |
For TOEFL fees in other countries, check the ETS fee page directly.
Tech and ID requirements
Because you test at home, your setup needs to work. Before test day, make sure you have:
A computer with a working camera, microphone and speakers.
The Duolingo desktop app installed.
A phone for the ID and room scan.
A physical government-issued ID.
What to do first: do a full tech check a few days early. Then, on test day, choose a quiet, private room and close every other app. A setup problem is the easiest way to lose a test you've already paid for.
Retake rules
You can take up to 3 tests in any 30-day period. Remember that a test must be started within 21 days of buying it.
Our advice: don't use retakes as practice. Use free mocks first, then book when your practice scores are steady at or above your target.
Who accepts the Duolingo English Test?
Acceptance depends on who sets the rule: a school or a government.
Ireland study visa
Ireland lists Duolingo scores for its study visa: 55 for foundation programs and 75 for other programs. Your certificate must be dated within 2 years of your course start.
UK: not a SELT
The DET is not on the UK Home Office list of Secure English Language Tests (GOV.UK SELT guidance). So you can't use it where a SELT is required.
However, for degree-level courses, UK universities can self-assess your English (GOV.UK Student visa English). Some may accept Duolingo under self-assessment. Ask your university in writing before you book.
USA and Canada
In the USA, there's no government minimum for the F-1 visa; schools set their own English requirements. In Canada, IRCC doesn't require a language test for a study permit; again, schools set the requirements.
That means acceptance in both countries is school by school. Check each school's English page.
Australia
The Australian Student visa score table we cover lists IELTS, PTE Academic and TOEFL iBT for Australia. If you're considering Duolingo for Australia, confirm with the Department of Home Affairs and your provider first.
Duolingo English Test: honest pros and cons
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
About 1 hour, versus 2 h 45 min for IELTS | Not a UK SELT |
Taken at home, no travel | Acceptance varies school by school |
Results within 2 days | Strict home setup: camera, mic, speakers, phone, desktop app |
Around US$70 in most countries (confirm at checkout) | Your video and writing samples go to schools |
Sending results is free | Adaptive format can feel unfamiliar at first |
Choose Duolingo if your schools accept it, you don't need a UK SELT, and you have a reliable home setup.
Choose another test if you need a UK SELT, your target country's visa rules list other tests, or your schools don't list Duolingo.
Key takeaways
About 1 hour, adaptive, online at home.
Scores 10–160 in 5-point steps, with Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation and Production subscores.
Results within 2 days; valid 2 years; sending results is free.
Up to 3 tests in any 30 days; start within 21 days of buying.
Around US$70 in most countries — confirm at checkout.
Not a UK SELT. Ireland lists 55 (foundation) and 75 (other programs).
FAQ
How long is the Duolingo English Test?
About one hour, taken online at home.
What is a good Duolingo English Test score?
It depends on your school or visa. For example, Ireland's study visa lists 55 for foundation programs and 75 for other programs. Universities set their own targets.
Is the Duolingo English Test accepted for a UK visa?
It's not a UK SELT. Some UK universities may accept it for degree-level study through self-assessment.
How many times can I take the Duolingo English Test?
Up to 3 times in any 30-day period.
How long are Duolingo English Test results valid?
Two years.
What do I need to take the Duolingo test at home?
A computer with a camera, microphone and speakers, the desktop app, a phone for the ID and room scan, and a physical government ID.
Practice before you pay
Because every attempt costs money, practice first. Try a free Duolingo practice test with AI scoring, check your target on our score requirements page, and use the Student Hub to plan your next steps.
Checked against official sources on 26 October 2026. Fees and rules change, so confirm on the official site before you book.
IELTS, TOEFL, PTE and Duolingo English Test are trademarks of their owners; Prep Passport is not affiliated with them.
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