Test format & sections
Adaptive Core
~35m · Varies (adaptive algorithm)
Questions adapt in real-time — difficulty increases with correct answers. Read and Select tests lexical depth by asking you to spot valid English words among invented non-words. Interactive Speaking (added 1 July 2025) replaced the old Read Aloud and Listen Then Speak tasks with 6-8 short spontaneous questions, no prep time. Each item type targets multiple subscores simultaneously.
Interactive Reading & Listening
~10m · 2 extended tasks
Interactive Reading: one continuous passage-based exercise — complete the sentences, complete the passage, highlight the answer, identify the idea, and title the passage, all built on the same passage. Interactive Listening: a simulated campus conversation where you repeatedly choose the best next response, then write a 75-second summary.
Video Interview & Speaking Sample
~10m · Several prompts
Not scored by the algorithm — reviewed by Duolingo staff and sent directly to universities alongside your score, used to validate the rest of the result. Cannot be retaken separately — it is part of the single test session.
How Duolingo English Test is scored
Adaptive algorithm: questions get harder or easier based on your answers in real-time. AI scores across 4 subscores (Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, Production). No partial credit — each item is right or wrong.
Score levels
Typical requirements
Duolingo English Test frequently asked questions
Is the Duolingo English Test accepted by universities?
As of 2025, Duolingo reports acceptance at over 5,000 programmes globally, including many in the US, Canada, UK, and Australia. However, acceptance varies significantly by institution and programme — always verify directly with your target university, as some still prefer IELTS or TOEFL.
How long is the Duolingo English Test?
Approximately 1 hour total — about 45 minutes of graded adaptive questions plus a mandatory (but algorithm-unscored) ~10-minute Video Interview and Speaking Sample segment used to validate the rest of your result; it's part of the single test session, not something you can skip or retake separately. The test is taken online via your computer with AI proctoring.
How is it scored?
The overall score ranges from 10–160. There are also four subscores: Comprehension (10–160), Conversation (10–160), Literacy (10–160), and Production (10–160). Most universities provide minimum overall score requirements, though subscore requirements vary.
How quickly are results available?
Results are typically available within 48 hours of completing the test. Once certified, you can share results directly with institutions through the Duolingo platform.
How long are Duolingo English Test scores valid?
2 years from the test date.
What is the Video Interview section?
An optional 10-minute unscored section where you record spoken responses on open-ended topics. These are shared with institutions alongside your scores and give admissions teams additional insight into your spoken English. It does not affect your numeric score.