DET: Quick Guide to the Duolingo English Test (2025)
What does DET mean?
DET = Duolingo English Test
DET stands for the Duolingo English Test, a fully online English proficiency assessment developed by Duolingo. This computer-adaptive test evaluates your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills through an innovative format that adjusts to your ability level in real time.
Why people use the abbreviation
The abbreviation "DET" has become the standard shorthand in the international education community. Students, universities, and education advisors worldwide use DET to refer to this increasingly popular English proficiency exam. It's quick, memorable, and distinguishes it from other language tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
Who takes the DET
The DET is taken by international students seeking admission to English-speaking universities, professionals needing proof of English proficiency for work opportunities, and individuals applying for immigration purposes. In 2025, India ranks first among test takers, with students from over 110 countries choosing the DET as their preferred English assessment.
How the DET works (quick overview)
Format (concise bullets)
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Duration: 60 minutes total
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Three main sections:
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Introduction and Setup (5 minutes): ID verification and technical checks
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Adaptive Test (45 minutes): Graded section evaluating all four skills
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Writing and Speaking Sample (10 minutes): Graded open-ended responses sent to institutions
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Adaptive technology: Questions adjust difficulty based on your performance in real time
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Five testing modules: Initial Comprehension, Comprehension, Interactive Comprehension, Production, and Shared sections
Length & delivery
The DET can be taken entirely from home—no test center required. You'll need a quiet room with stable internet connection, a computer with camera and microphone, and a valid ID. The test is on-demand, meaning you can take it whenever you're ready without advance booking or scheduling appointments.
Security requirements
To ensure test integrity, the DET implements strict security measures:
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Government-issued photo ID required for identity verification
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Room scan before the test begins to verify no prohibited materials
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AI-powered proctoring monitors your behavior throughout the test
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A secondary camera for enhanced monitoring
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You must remain alone in the room with no interruptions
DET scoring & score ranges
Score range (10–160)
The DET uses a scoring scale from 10 to 160 points, with scores reported in 5-point increments. Your overall score represents your holistic English proficiency across all four skills. You'll also receive four subscores showing performance in specific areas: Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, and Production.
Since July 2024, the DET also provides individual skill scores (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking) to better align with other English tests, making it easier for universities to compare DET scores with IELTS and TOEFL requirements.
CEFR alignment
DET scores align with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) levels:
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10-55: Below A1 (Beginner)
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60-85: A1-A2 (Elementary to Pre-intermediate)
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90-115: B1-B2 (Intermediate to Upper-intermediate)
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120-160: C1-C2 (Advanced to Proficient)
What is a "good" DET score?
A good DET score depends on your target institution:
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90-100: Acceptable for some undergraduate programs at less competitive universities
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105-115: Required by many public universities in the US and Canada
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115-125: Considered strong for most undergraduate and graduate programs
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130+: Expected by top-tier institutions like Ivy League schools and highly competitive programs
Most universities require a minimum score between 100-120, with competitive programs often expecting 120 or higher. Always check your specific university's requirements, as standards vary by institution and program level.
Who accepts the DET?
Common universities
Over 5,400 institutions worldwide accept the DET in 2025. Notable universities include:
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United States: Harvard, Yale, MIT, Stanford, Columbia, Duke, Cornell
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Canada: University of Toronto, McGill University, University of British Columbia
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United Kingdom: Imperial College London, King's College London, University College London, University of Bristol
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Australia: Australian National University, Monash University, University of Sydney
Regions (US/Canada/Europe)
United States: 95% of the top 100 US universities accept the DET for undergraduate admissions, and 75% of graduate programs with high international enrollment recognize DET scores.
Canada: 90% of Canada's top universities by international student enrollment accept the DET for undergraduate admission. Nearly half of English-medium graduate programs also accept DET scores.
United Kingdom: Many Russell Group universities now accept the DET. While some UK visa types require Secure English Language Tests (SELT), most student visas accept the DET when the university's language of instruction is English.
Europe: Over 500 European universities accept the DET, including institutions in Germany (Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich), France (Sorbonne University), and the Netherlands.
Minimum score examples
Real university requirements demonstrate the range of expectations:
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Arizona State University: 90-95
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University of West Florida: 95
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Northeastern University: 105
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University of California, Berkeley: 115
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University of Michigan: 115
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Harvard University: 125+ (select graduate programs)
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Yale University: 120-130+
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Duke University: 120+
How to prepare for the DET
If you're new to the DET, start with understanding the test format and question types. Focus on building fundamental English skills across reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Practice with adaptive learning tools that mimic the DET's difficulty-adjusting algorithm. The guide post above can help you quickly become familiar with the question types and format of the DET.
Question types → Free DET Courses
Familiarize yourself with all DET question types:
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Read and Select (identify real English words)
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Fill in the Blanks (complete sentences with missing words)
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Read and Complete (type missing letters in passages)
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Interactive Reading (answer questions about passages)
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Listen and Type (transcribe spoken sentences)
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Interactive Listening (answer questions about conversations)
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Read Then Speak (spoken responses)
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Speak About the Photo (spoken responses)
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Interactive Speaking (spoken responses)
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Speaking Sample (spoken responses)
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Write About the Photo (written responses)
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Interactive Writing (written responses)
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Writing Sample (written responses)
Free practice resources
Regular practice is essential for DET success. Use platforms offering realistic practice questions, instant AI-powered scoring, and detailed feedback. Take full-length mock tests to build stamina for the 60-minute exam and identify areas needing improvement.
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DET Practice (All in one DET prep platform.)
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Official Duolingo Practice Test (Official practice test from Duolingo.)
DET vs other English tests (quick check)
DET vs IELTS
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Cost: DET costs US$70 globally; IELTS ranges from US$170-US$245 depending on location
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Duration: DET takes 1 hour; IELTS takes approximately 2 hours 45 minutes
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Results: DET delivers results within 48 hours; IELTS takes up to 13 days
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Location: DET is taken at home; IELTS requires visiting a test center
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Retakes: DET allows retakes after receiving results (up to 3 times per 30 days); IELTS can be retaken immediately after receiving scores
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Score comparison: DET 120-125 ≈ IELTS 6.5; DET 130-135 ≈ IELTS 7.0
DET vs TOEFL
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Cost: DET costs US$70; TOEFL iBT ranges from US$185-$325
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Duration: DET takes 1 hour; TOEFL takes about 2 hours
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Results: DET within 48 hours; TOEFL takes 6 days
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Location: DET is at-home only; TOEFL offers both test center and home options
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Format: DET uses adaptive questioning; TOEFL uses fixed linear format
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Score comparison: DET 120 ≈ TOEFL 95; DET 130 ≈ TOEFL 105
Why many students switch to DET
Students increasingly choose the DET for several compelling reasons:
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Affordability: At US$70, it's significantly cheaper than IELTS (US$170-US$245) or TOEFL (US$185-US$325)
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Convenience: Take the test anytime from home without scheduling appointments or traveling to test centers
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Speed: Results arrive in 48 hours instead of 6-13 days
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Flexibility: No advance booking required; take it when you feel ready
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Growing acceptance: Over 5,400 institutions in 110+ countries now recognize DET scores
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Modern format: AI-powered adaptive testing provides efficient, personalized assessment
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Unlimited score sends: Share your results with unlimited universities at no additional cost
The DET's combination of accessibility, affordability, and rapid results has made it the fastest-growing English proficiency test, particularly appealing to students seeking convenient alternatives to traditional testing.
Start preparing DET now
Ready to take your DET? Begin your preparation journey today our comprehensive resources designed to maximize your score potential.
The DET's adaptive format means your preparation should focus on building genuine English proficiency across all skills rather than memorizing specific questions. Consistent daily practice, exposure to English content, and familiarity with the test format are keys to success.
Take action today:
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Explore free practice questions to understand the test format
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Complete a full-length mock test to assess your current level
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Identify your weak areas and create a targeted study plan
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Practice regularly with AI-powered feedback tools
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Join a community of DET test takers for tips and support at DET Practice Facebook page
With dedicated preparation and the right resources, you can achieve the DET score you need to reach your academic goals. Start practicing now and take control of your study abroad journey.
Start your free practice today at DET Practice.
