Duolingo Exam Pattern

Vaishali Pandey
Updated On:
Feb 10, 2025

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Understanding the Duolingo exam pattern and syllabus is essential to achieving high scores in this widely recognised English proficiency exam. Unlike traditional language tests, the Duolingo exam offers a convenient, fast, and affordable online format, allowing students to take the test anywhere and anytime. 

Familiarity with the Duolingo exam pattern will help candidates better prepare for the 2025 syllabus, enabling them to tackle the test confidently and efficiently, whether for study or work in English-speaking countries.

By the end of this blog, you will know

  • A clear understanding of the Duolingo exam pattern, including all sections and their specific time limits.
  • Insight into the key skills assessed by the exam and how they are evaluated through adaptive questions and video samples.
  • A comparison of Duolingo with other English proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL and helpful tips on preparing for the exam.

Duolingo Exam Pattern 2025: Highlights

Duolingo Exam Pattern 2025: Highlights

Here’s a quick overview of the Duolingo exam pattern for 2025.

Parameter

Details

Conducting Body

Duolingo

Mode of Test

Online

Duolingo Exam Fees

INR 4852 (USD 59)

Duration of Exam

60 minutes

Sections in DET Test

2

Types of Questions 

Objective and Descriptive

Duolingo Exam Pattern

  • Introduction - 5 minutes
  • Adaptive test - 45 minutes
  • Writing and speaking sample - 10 minutes

Duolingo Exam Syllabus

Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking

Scoring

10-160

Accepting Countries

UK, Australia, USA, New Zealand, etc.

Duolingo Test Validity

2 years from the date of the exam

What is the Duolingo English Test?

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an online test that assesses a person's English language proficiency. It's designed for international students and institutions. The test is affordable, easy to take, and recognised by many organisations globally. It evaluates four language skills: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking, similar to tests like TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE.

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Duolingo Exam Pattern: How Many Sections Are There in Exam? 

The Duolingo exam pattern consists of several key sections that assess different language skills. Here is an overview of the sections:

Sections

Ability Analysed

Literacy

Ability to read and write

Comprehension

Ability to listen and read

Conversation

Ability to speak and listen

Production

Ability to write and speak

Duolingo Exam Pattern 2025

The Duolingo format consists of three main sections: Introduction, the Computer Adaptive Test, and the Video Writing and Speaking Samples. Each test part is designed to assess various aspects of your English proficiency and follows a structured timeline. 

Below is a detail of each section in the Duolingo English test pattern:

Section

Details

Duration

Introduction

- Explains test rules and requirements.

- Requires a valid government ID for registration.

- Ensures proper computer setup (camera, microphone, speakers, and a well-lit room).

- Non-compliance can lead to test invalidation or permanent ban.

5 minutes

Adaptive Test (Graded)

- The most critical part of the test.

- Includes short questions to evaluate English skills.

- The difficulty of questions adapts based on the candidate's performance.

- Tests literacy, comprehension, conversation, and production.

45 minutes

Video Writing and Speaking Sample (Ungraded)

- Includes open-ended prompts shared with institutions alongside your score.

- Candidate selects one of two prompts within 30 seconds.

- Speaking sample: 1-3 minutes.

- Writing sample: 3-5 minutes.

- Review options provided before submission.

10 

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Duolingo Exam Pattern: Adaptive Test Section Syllabus

The Duolingo Adaptive Test is a 45-minute exam designed to assess your English skills through various question types. The difficulty of questions changes based on your performance, and the test ends once your score is determined. There is no fixed number of questions, making it a personalised and efficient way to evaluate your abilities.

Here’s a table showing Duolingo English test format along with the types of questions, skills assessed, and time limits for each section:

Questions Type   

Skills Assessed

Time limit

Read and complete   

Tests Literacy and Comprehension skills

3 min

Read and select

Evaluates Literacy and Comprehension

1 min

Listen and select

Focuses on Comprehension and Conversation

1.5 min

Listen and types

Measures Comprehension and Conversation

1 min

Read aloud

Assesses Comprehension and Conversation

20 sec

Write about photo

Tests Production and Literacy

1 min

Speak about photo

Evaluate Production and Conversation

1 - 1.5 min

Read and write

Focuses on Conversation and Production

0.5 - 1.5 min

Listen and speak

Tests Conversation and Production skills

0.5 - 1.5 min

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Duolingo Exam Pattern 2025: Detailed Syllabus

The Duolingo English Test (DET) evaluates various language skills through multiple interactive sections. Each section targets specific abilities such as reading, writing, listening, and speaking. 

Here is a detail of the sections in the adaptive test:

Section

Description

Skills Assessed

C-test

Candidates fill in missing or damaged letters in short passages to assess their vocabulary and grammar knowledge.

Writing, Vocabulary, Grammar

Yes & No Vocabulary

Test-takers identify correctly spelled words from a list to measure their vocabulary knowledge.

Vocabulary

Dictation

Candidates listen to short passages and transcribe them using the keyboard.

Listening, Writing

Elicited Imitation

Test-takers listen to a sentence, understand it, and repeat it verbally to evaluate their reading and speaking abilities.

Reading, Speaking

Interactive Reading

Includes tasks like reading for comprehension and reading to learn to evaluate understanding of written content.

Reading

Interactive Listening

Focuses on listening skills through university-oriented conversations involving students and teachers, alongside reading and writing components.

Listening, Reading, Writing

Extended Writing

Involves three picture description tasks and two independent writing tasks based on prompts.

Writing

Extended Speaking

Requires test-takers to describe topics or images, present arguments, or share experiences for durations of 5 minutes and 90 seconds.

Speaking

Duolingo Exam Pattern: Writing and Speaking Syllabus

The Duolingo English Test assesses your writing and speaking skills through straightforward tasks. Below are the sections and their time limits:

Questions

Time Limit

Choose the prompt

30 seconds

Attempt the video-speaking sample

1-3 minutes

Writing Sample

3-5 Minutes

Review

Enough Time

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Comparison of Duolingo Exam Pattern vs. IELTS vs TOEFL

The Duolingo English Test offers a different approach to assessing language proficiency than traditional tests like IELTS and TOEFL. 

Below is a comparison of key parameters between these three tests:

Parameter

IELTS

TOEFL

Duolingo

Administrator

IDP

Educational Testing Service (ETS)

Duolingo

Accepted By

Over 10,000 academic institutions worldwide

Over 11,000 universities in 140+ countries

Over 5,000 academic institutions worldwide

Test Types

Academic IELTS, General IELTS

Internet-based Test (iBT)

Computer-based tests with adaptive questions and virtual interviews

Test Mode

Paper-Based and Computer-Based

Internet-based only (Test Center and Home-Based)

Online

Skills Assessed

Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing

Speaking, Listening, Writing, Reading

Listening, Reading, Speaking, Writing

Test Duration

2 hours and 45 minutes

116 minutes

1 hour (45 minutes adaptive test and 10 minutes open-ended interview questions)

Fees (Indian Students)

₹17,000

₹16,900

$65 (approximately ₹5,400)

Score Range

1 - 9 (band scores)

0 - 120

10 - 160

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Duolingo Exam Pattern: Rules and Regulations

To ensure fairness and integrity during the Duolingo English Test, the following rules and regulations must be followed:

Rule

Requirement

Room Setup

You must be alone in the room during the test.

Face and Ears Visibility

Your face and ears must remain visible and uncovered throughout the test.

Headphones/ Earphones

Headphones or earphones are not allowed.

Outside Materials

No mobile devices, notes, textbooks, or any other external materials are permitted.

Communication

No communication with others during the test.

Writing Instruments

Pens or papers are not allowed during the exam.

Focus on the Screen

You must not look away from the screen at any time during the test.

Test Window

You are allowed to leave the test window only after the exam has concluded.

Grammar/Spelling Checkers

The use of grammar or spelling checkers is not permitted.

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Duolingo Exam Pattern: DET Requirements

Here are the essential hardware, software, and additional requirements for taking the Duolingo English Test:

Category

Requirements

Hardware/Software

  • Supported Browser 
  • Microphone
  • Front-Facing Camera
  • Speaker

Other Requirements

  • Passport/Driver’s License/Government ID
  • Computer
  • Well lit Room
  • Reliable Internet Connection

Duolingo Exam Pattern 2025: Test Scores and Validity 

The Duolingo English Test scores are valid for two years, providing ample time for candidates to use their results for academic or immigration purposes. Scores range from 10 to 160, with higher programs typically requiring scores above 120.

Here is an overview of the Duolingo exam score ranges:

Score Range

Description

120-160

Proficient in writing and speaking. Understands pragmatic, figurative, and idiomatic phrases.

90-115

Can communicate on unfamiliar topics. Understands and interacts with both abstract and concrete topics.

60-85

Grasp the main points of work or academic content. Can communicate personal details easily.

10-55

Understand basic English and phrases. Can communicate simple, straightforward information.

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Comparing Duolingo English Test Score with IELTS and TOEFL

Below is a comparison of Duolingo English Test scores with IELTS and TOEFL iBT scores.

Duolingo Score

TOEFL iBT Score

IELTS Academic Score

160

120

8.5-9

155

119

8

150

117-118

7.5

145

113-116

7

140

109-112

6.5

135

104-108

6

130

98-103

5.5

125

93-97

5

120

87-92

4.5

115

82-86

4

110

76-81

3.5

105

70-75

3

100

65-69

2.5

95

59-64

2

90

53-58

1.5

85

47-52

1

80

41-46

0.5

75

35-40

0

70

30-34

0

65

24-29

0

60-10

0-23

0

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Duolingo Exam Fees

Below is a Duolingo English Test price and related information:

Aspects

Details

Standard Duolingo Exam Fees

The test costs INR 5423 ($65) for Indian students. 

Bundle Duolingo Exam Fees

Test takers can avail of a "Best Value" option by booking two tests together for USD $110 (approximately INR 9,178), reducing the cost to USD $55 per test.

Unlimited Score Sharing

Results can be shared with unlimited universities at no additional cost

Payment Method

PayPal, Credit Card, Debit Card, UPI

Validity Period

Once the fee is paid, the test must be completed within 90 days.

Benefits of Taking the Duolingo English Test

The Duolingo English Test offers numerous advantages, making it an accessible and reliable option for assessing English language proficiency.

1. Affordable and Accessible

Provides a cost-effective way to assess language skills, ensuring quality education for anyone with an internet connection.

2. Measures Proficiency Accurately

Allows candidates to evaluate their English proficiency effectively, making it a reliable assessment tool.

3. Increasing Demand

Its reliability and convenience have led to growing popularity among students and professionals.

4 Time and Cost Efficiency

Unlike traditional tests such as TOEFL and IELTS, Duolingo is affordable and time-saving.

5. Online Convenience

The test can be taken entirely online, providing flexibility and eliminating the need for physical test centers.

6. Global Recognition

Accepted by universities, employers, and government agencies worldwide, enhancing its credibility and appeal.

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Duolingo Exam Dates 2025 

The Duolingo English Test has no fixed schedule, allowing candidates to take the test at any time. Students have 90 days to complete the test once they begin the registration process. The test can be taken any day within this 90-day period, making it highly flexible. Although no specific dates are set for the exam, the above list provides a general guideline.

Duolingo Exam: Eligibility Criteria

The Duolingo English Test is a flexible and accessible option for demonstrating English language proficiency, with minimal requirements for applicants. 

Below is an overview of its eligibility criteria:

Eligibility Criteria

Details

Academic Criteria

No specific academic qualifications are required, and no academic certificates must be submitted. Anyone worldwide can take the test.

Age Limit

No age restriction, but applicants under 13 must provide parental or guardian consent.

Number of Attempts

Candidates can attempt the test twice within 30 days. Unlimited attempts are allowed year-round to achieve desired scores.

Documentation

Valid government-issued ID (e.g., passport, driver’s license, or national ID) is required. A stable internet connection, compatible browser, microphone, and front camera are necessary for the online test.

Countries Accepting Duolingo English Test

Here’s a table listing countries that accept the Duolingo English Test:

United States

China

United Kingdom

Qatar

Canada

Ireland

Australia

Germany

New Zealand

France

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Institutes Accepting Duolingo English Test Scores

Thousands of institutions worldwide accept Duolingo English Test scores, providing an accessible and efficient way for students to meet English proficiency requirements. Below is a list of some notable institutions across various countries that accept Duolingo English Test scores:

Top Science and Engineering Schools Accepting Duolingo Exam 

Serial No.

Institution Name

1

University of California, Berkeley

2

University of Washington

3

University of Texas at Austin

4

Georgia Institute of Technology

5

University of Florida (Warrington)

6

Texas A&M University

7

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

8

University of Southern California

9

University of Minnesota

10

Ohio State University

Serial No.

Institution Name

1

University of California, Berkeley

2

University of Washington

3

University of Texas at Austin

4

Georgia Institute of Technology

5

University of Florida (Warrington)

6

Texas A&M University

7

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

8

University of Southern California

9

University of Minnesota

10

Ohio State University

Top Business Schools Accepting Duolingo Exam

Serial No.

Institution Name

1

Harvard Business School

2

University of Chicago, Booth School of Business

3

Dartmouth College, Tuck School of Business

4

Vanderbilt University, All Grad Programs

5

Washington University in St Louis, Olin Business School

6

Cornell University, SC Johnson College of Business

7

University of Notre Dame, All Grad Programs

8

Carnegie Mellon University, Tepper School of Business

9

Emory University, Goizueta Business School

Duolingo Exam Preparation Tips

A focused approach is essential to succeed in the Duolingo English Test (DET). Here are some effective tips to guide your preparation:

1. Understand the Duolingo Exam Pattern

The Duolingo English Test consists of three main sections:

  • Introduction and Onboarding (5 minutes): Submit an ID and review test rules.
  • Adaptive Test (45 minutes): This section evaluates your reading and listening skills.
  • Writing and Speaking Sample (10 minutes): Respond to prompts to demonstrate your grammar and language proficiency.

2. Work on Your Vocabulary

Dedicate time each day to learning new words using online resources, dictionaries, or apps. Consistently reviewing and practising these words will significantly improve your language skills.

3. Improve Listening Skills

Enhance your listening abilities by engaging with English media such as movies, TV shows, web series, and audiobooks. Replaying challenging sections will help you understand different accents, tones, and language nuances.

4. Leverage YouTube Resources

Utilise the vast array of free educational content available on YouTube. Look for grammar lessons, pronunciation guides, and expert coaching videos to refine your English language skills.

5. Practice Descriptive Writing

The writing section tests your ability to describe events or topics. Improve your descriptive writing by choosing random objects or situations and writing detailed accounts of them. This will enhance your organisation skills and writing fluency.

6. Try Sample Papers

Familiarise yourself with the exam format by practising sample papers available online. These resources give you an understanding of the question types and help gauge your readiness. The official Duolingo website provides free sample papers to assist with your preparation.The Duolingo English Test is a well-structured, adaptive exam that measures your English proficiency in a personalised and efficient manner. With its affordability, accessibility, and global recognition, it has become a favored choice for students worldwide.

 By understanding the Duolingo exam pattern and preparing accordingly, you can maximise your chances of success and make the most of the opportunities it offers for academic and professional growth.

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FAQ for Duolingo Exam Pattern

How many sections are there in the Duolingo exam?

The Duolingo English Test consists of three sections: Introduction and Onboarding, the Adaptive Test, and the Writing and Speaking Samples. The entire exam can be completed in approximately one hour.

Can I prepare for the Duolingo exam in one week?

While one week is a short time to significantly improve your English skills, focus on maintaining a positive mindset and managing stress. Review last-minute tips and make yourself comfortable with the test format, as rapid skill improvement may not be possible in such a short period.

What are the new question types in the Duolingo exam?

The Duolingo exam includes various new question types, such as:

  • Listening Comprehension: Short audio clips with multiple-choice or open-ended questions.
  • Verbal Test: You need to record yourself reading a text aloud.
  • Vocabulary Check: Testing your word knowledge.
  • Read and Select: Choose correct answers from the provided text.
  • Fill-in-the-Blanks: Complete sentences with missing words.
  • Interactive Reading: Engage with dynamic reading exercises.

Is the Duolingo English Test score valid for two years?

Yes, the Duolingo score validity is two years from the test date. After this period, you must retake the test to maintain an updated score.

How many times can I take the Duolingo test?

There is no limit to how many times you can take the Duolingo English Test; however, you cannot take it more than three times within 30 days.

Is a score of 120 on the Duolingo test good?

A score of 120 or above is considered excellent and reflects advanced English proficiency. Scores between 90 and 119 are acceptable for academic admissions, while scores below 90 may indicate the need for further language preparation.

Which countries will accept the Duolingo English Test in 2025?

The Duolingo English Test is accepted in many countries, including:

  • USA
  • Canada
  • UK
  • Australia
  • Germany
  • France
  • China
  • India

Is the Duolingo English Test easier than IELTS?

The Duolingo English Test and IELTS serve different purposes. Duolingo is more of a language-learning and proficiency test, whereas IELTS is specifically designed to evaluate English language skills for academic and professional purposes. Duolingo is generally considered less challenging than IELTS.

Is there an age limit for taking the Duolingo test?

Duolingo applies specific parental controls for users under 13 years of age. Once users reach 13, they can manage their account settings independently, including making their account private if desired.

What happens if I fail the Duolingo test?

If you fail to pass or complete the test, you have up to three attempts to use the test credit. Each test attempt counts as one use of the credit. If a technical issue prevents your test from being certified, you may retake it at no additional cost, provided you still have attempts left.

Is the Duolingo English Test accepted in Canada?

Yes, the Duolingo English Test is widely accepted in Canada as an alternative to TOEFL or IELTS. Many Canadian universities recognise it as valid proof of English proficiency.

Which part of the Duolingo test is the hardest?

The Production section, which assesses your ability to write and speak, is often considered the most challenging part of the Duolingo English Test. It requires strong verbal and written communication skills.

Is the Duolingo English Test accepted for visas?

The Duolingo English Test is accepted for US, UK, and Ireland visas. For countries like Canada and Australia, acceptance depends on whether the institution is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) for study permits.

What is the passing score for the Duolingo English Test?

A passing score for the Duolingo English Test typically ranges between 115 and 120. Leading universities and institutions often consider 120 or above as an excellent score.

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