Duolingo English Test Guide 2026: Your Essential Prep Companion

Our updated Duolingo English Test guide for 2026 gives you clear, fast strategies to prepare with confidence.

The Duolingo English Test continues to evolve, and so does our preparation strategy. Today, we're thrilled to announce the release of the DET Express Guide 2026—a comprehensive yet concise handbook designed to help you conquer the test with confidence.

At the end of this article, you'll find the complete PDF download link for the full guide.

What’s New in the DET Guide 2026?

The Duolingo English Test has undergone significant changes, and our guide reflects every update. Here's what you need to know:

Updated Question Types in the Duolingo English Test Guide

The test format has been refined. Some question types have been removed, while others have been enhanced:

· Interactive Speaking now features exactly 6 questions covering two different topics

· Read, Then Speak remains a core speaking task with 90 seconds of response time

· The test continues to use adaptive technology, meaning questions adjust to your skill level in real-time

Streamlined Test Experience

The current DET format focuses on what matters most—accurately measuring your English proficiency across all four skills: Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing. Our guide breaks down each skill area with practical strategies you can implement immediately.

What’s Inside the DET Express Guide?

Complete Test Rules Overview

Before you even think about practice, you need to understand the rules. Our guide covers:

· Environment requirements (room setup, lighting, internet connection)

· ID requirements for different countries

· What to avoid during the test (and the consequences of breaking rules)

· Secondary camera positioning for keyboard recording

Every Question Type Explained

We've documented all current question types with:

· Exact timing and frequency for each task

· Adaptive vs. non-adaptive classification

· Clear task descriptions so you know exactly what to expect

· Battle-tested strategies that actually work

From Read and Select (5 seconds per word) to Speaking Sample (3 minutes of recorded response), every question type gets the attention it deserves.

Scoring Criteria Decoded in the Duolingo English Test Guide

Understanding how you're scored is half the battle. Our guide breaks down:

For Writing:

· Content (relevance, completeness, development)

· Discourse Coherence (clarity, structure, logical flow)

· Grammar (range, accuracy, punctuation)

· Lexis (vocabulary diversity, sophistication, spelling)

For Speaking:

· All writing criteria, plus:

· Fluency (speed, natural pauses, minimal fillers)

· Pronunciation (intelligibility, stress, intonation)

Score Comparison Tables

Wondering how DET scores compare to IELTS or TOEFL? We've included a quick-reference comparison table so you can understand where you stand.

Why the DET Express Guide Is “Express”

Time is precious. That's why we designed this guide to be concise and actionable. No fluff, no unnecessary theory—just the essential information you need to:

1. Understand what each question looks like

2. Know exactly how much time you have

3. Apply proven strategies immediately

4. Avoid common mistakes that cost points

Whether you're taking the test next week or next month, you can read through this guide in a single sitting and walk away with practical knowledge you can use right away.

In addition to our Express Guide, we strongly recommend exploring the official DET resources to ensure you have the most authoritative and up-to-date information.

How to Use the DET Guide Effectively

Before You Practice

Read through the entire guide to familiarize yourself with all question types. Pay special attention to the scoring criteria—knowing how you're evaluated helps you focus your practice on what matters most.

During Practice

Keep the guide open as a reference. After each practice question, review the relevant strategies. Ask yourself: "Did I apply these tips? What could I do differently?"

Before Test Day

Do a final review of the test rules. Make sure your setup meets all requirements. Skim the strategies one more time to refresh your memory.

Ready to Get Started?

The DET Express Guide 2026 is available now on DET Practice. Combined with our extensive practice resources, you'll have everything you need to achieve your target score:

18,000+ practice questions covering every question type

Full-length mock tests with authentic exam conditions

AI-powered assessment for instant, personalized feedback

Your English proficiency journey starts here. Download the DET Express Guide 2026 and take the first step toward your dream score.

The DET Express Guide 2026 is independently developed by DETPractice.com and is not affiliated with Duolingo or the official Duolingo English Test. All practice materials are designed for educational purposes.

Download the DET Express Guide 2026 → Duolingo English Test Guide 2026

Start Practicing Now → Duolingo English Test Practice