How long are my Duolingo English Test results valid?
Duolingo English Test (DET) results are valid for 2 years from the certification date.
This blog explains how long Duolingo English Test scores remain valid, how the 2-year validity is calculated, what happens when scores expire, and how to send or manage your results.
How Long Are DET Results Valid?
A Duolingo English Test score remains valid for exactly 2 years from the date your results are certified and published. This validity period is standard across the industry and aligns with other major English proficiency exams like TOEFL and IELTS, which also maintain a 2-year validity.
How the Validity Period is Calculated
The 2-year validity period begins on the day your test results are certified and officially released, not when you complete the test itself. For example, if you take your DET on September 14, 2024, and your results are certified and published on September 16, 2024, your score will remain valid until September 16, 2026.
Why is the Validity Period 2 Years?
The 2-year validity period exists because language proficiency can change over time. If you don't regularly use English in your daily life, your skills may decline. Universities, employers, and immigration authorities want to ensure that your test score accurately reflects your current abilities, not your language level from several years ago.
Additionally, this timeframe strikes a balance between being long enough for most application cycles while ensuring the score remains a reliable indicator of recent proficiency. Educational institutions and employers need confidence that admitted candidates or hired employees can communicate effectively in English upon arrival or starting work.
Sending Your DET Scores to Institutions: What You Need to Know
How Do You Send Your Duolingo English Test Results?
One of the most convenient features of the Duolingo English Test is the ability to send your scores electronically directly from your DET account to institutions worldwide. The process is simple: log into your DET account, select the certified test result you want to share, search for your chosen institution from Duolingo's database of universities and organizations, and confirm the submission. Your scores are transmitted instantly to the receiving institution.
Free vs. Paid Score Sending
One significant advantage of the DET is that you can send your scores to unlimited institutions completely free of charge. Unlike TOEFL or IELTS, which charge fees for sending scores beyond a certain number, Duolingo allows you to share your results with as many universities, employers, or organizations as you need without any additional cost.
This policy makes DET particularly attractive for students applying to multiple universities or professionals exploring various job opportunities. You never have to worry about budgeting for score report fees or limiting your applications due to cost concerns.
How Long Does Score Delivery Take?
Institutions receive your DET scores instantly through the electronic delivery system. Once you click "Send Results," the receiving institution can access your scores immediately in their system. Most universities and organizations check their DET portals regularly, so your scores should be processed quickly.
However, it's still wise to send your scores well before application deadlines. While the technical delivery is instant, institutions may need time to match your scores with your application file, especially during busy admission periods. Sending scores at least 2 weeks before deadlines provides a comfortable buffer for administrative processing.
Can Institutions Verify Your Scores?
Yes, all DET scores come with a verification feature. When you send your results, institutions receive a link they can use to verify the authenticity of your score directly with Duolingo. This security measure prevents fraud and ensures that admissions officers and employers can trust the results they receive.
What Happens When Your Score Expires?
Once your DET score surpasses the 2-year validity period, it expires and can no longer be used for official purposes. While you'll still be able to view your expired score in your DET account for personal reference, you cannot send it to institutions, and any organization that receives an expired score will not accept it.
If you submitted your score to an institution before it expired, and they accepted it during the validity period, you generally don't need to worry. However, if you're in the middle of an application process or if there are delays, you should verify with the institution whether they require your score to remain valid throughout the entire process or just at the time of application submission.
Can the Validity Period be Extended?
Unfortunately, there is no way to extend the validity of a DET score. Once the 2-year period ends, the score is permanently expired for official use. This policy is consistent across all major English proficiency tests and exists to ensure that scores reflect current language abilities.
If your score has expired or is about to expire and you still need proof of English proficiency, your only option is to retake the test. The good news is that DET allows you to retake the test after a brief waiting period, and you can take it up to three times within a 30-day period. This flexibility makes it relatively easy to obtain a fresh, valid score when needed.
Should You Retake Before Expiration?
If you know you'll need a valid English proficiency score beyond your current expiration date, it's wise to retake the test before your score expires. This approach is particularly important if you're planning to apply for jobs, further education, or immigration programs after your current score's validity period ends.
Retaking the test not only renews your validity period but also gives you an opportunity to potentially improve your score. Many test-takers perform better on subsequent attempts as they become more familiar with the test format and have had additional time to strengthen their English skills.
Frequently Asked Questions on Duolingo English Test Scores
Q: Can I extend my DET validity beyond 2 years?
A: No. DET scores expire permanently after 2 years from the certification date. Retaking the test is the only option.
Q: How many times can I send my DET scores?
A: You can send scores to unlimited institutions free of charge. There are no restrictions or fees.
Q: Do universities accept scores close to expiring?
A: Policies vary. Most require scores valid at submission, while some may require validity through enrollment. Always confirm with the institution.
Q: What if my score expires during the admission review?
A: Most institutions honor scores valid at submission. However, check with specific admissions offices for their policies, as requirements can vary.
Q: Can I still view expired scores?
A: Yes. Expired scores remain visible in your DET account, but cannot be sent or used officially.
Q: Will institutions notify me before expiration?
A: No. Tracking expiration dates is your responsibility. Plan ahead to avoid issues.
Conclusion
Your Duolingo English Test results are valid for 2 years from the certification date, giving you ample time to apply to multiple programs while requiring strategic planning to avoid expiration issues.
If you're preparing to take the DET, proper practice is essential for achieving your target score. DETPractice offers comprehensive preparation resources, including full-length mock exams, practice questions for all test sections, and expert strategies to help you familiarize yourself with the test format and maximize your performance. Starting your preparation with quality practice materials can make a significant difference in your final score and ensure you achieve the results you need within the validity period.
Further Reading
What is "Your test could not be certified" in Duolingo English Test? -
(Understanding why DET tests sometimes aren't certified and how to avoid common issues that prevent certification.)
Understanding Your Duolingo Score: Guide to DET Scoring System
(A practical guide to interpreting your DET subscores and using them to target the areas that will boost your overall score most effectively.)
