For overseas students wishing to satisfy English competence standards, the Duolingo English Test offers a practical substitute.
An evaluation of your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in English is done with the Duolingo English Test. The questions on this computer-adaptive test get harder or easier as you go along depending on how you respond to earlier inquiries. You respond to open-ended questions in addition to multiple-choice ones to gauge your spoken and writing English proficiency. All of the questions you respond to are graded by the computer. Also, you have the choice of recording a video interview and writing sample.
For prospective international students, many colleges and institutions in the US demand confirmation of English language proficiency. For this aim, this exam has grown to be a well-liked substitute for the SAT, ACT, or TOEFL.
The Duolingo English Test (DET) has become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional language proficiency exams like TOEFL and IELTS. Designed to be more flexible, affordable, and accessible, it allows test-takers to complete the assessment online from anywhere in the world. In this comprehensive 2024 guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Duolingo English Test, from its structure and scoring system to preparation tips and how it compares with other English language exams. Whether you’re considering taking the test for study or work abroad, this guide will help you navigate the process with ease.
Uses for the Duolingo English Test
Although the Duolingo English Test is primarily used to prove English competence for academic institutions, the results are applicable to any circumstance that calls for confirmation of your abilities. Job interviews and application verification are included in this. Here are a few justifications for taking the Duolingo English Test:
Standardized English proficiency test
Similar to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the Duolingo English Test is a standardized exam. As a result, an increasing number of universities now accept the score reports in place of these exams (1,871 institutions around the globe at the time of writing). A chart that compares test scores is available from Duolingo.
English placement testÂ
For prospective overseas students, schools may employ the Duolingo English Test as a placement test. This can be being correctly enrolled in an English class that matches your academic level or having the appropriate academic support services for a more effective college experience.
Corporate verification of applicantsÂ
You can link to your Duolingo English Test results reports on your resume or Linkedin profile. When conducting an interview, potential employers can check your filmed responses to a variety of interview questions to confirm that you are fluent in English. Also, it aids in setting you apart from other candidates for the same position.
How to take the Duolingo English TestÂ
To take the Duolingo English Test, you need a computer with a reliable internet connection and a front-facing camera. The entire test takes place online, and proctors review your recording to ensure you follow the rules. For this reason, you need to be in a well-lit room with the computer’s video camera, microphone, and speakers turned on. If you use a Mac to take the test, you must give permission to record your computer screen, along with keystroke access before starting the test.
The Duolingo English Test takes about one hour to complete. It’s broken down into three segments:
- Introduction and setup (five minutes)
- Adaptive test (45 minutes)
- Video interview (10 minutes)
You’ll receive your results within 48 hours, and those results remain valid for two years.
Duolingo has strict testing rules for all test-takers to follow. These rules include the following:
- Keep ears and face uncovered and visible to the proctor at all times.
- Keep mobile devices, notes, and textbooks away from the testing area.
- Look at the device screen at all times during the test.
- Stay in the test window at all times.
- Avoid using predictive text input tools and web camera software.
Benefits of the Duolingo English Test Â
In comparison to tests like the TOEFL and IELTS, the Duolingo English Test has a number of advantages. If the company evaluating your language skills accepts the Duolingo test, these benefits can be what makes you decide which test to take:
It is economical.
At the time of writing, the Duolingo English Test costs $49 plus relevant taxes. There is no additional charge to send your results to up to 40 institutions. In contrast, the TOEFL test can cost up to $200, plus $20 for each subsequent score report you’d like to send, depending on where you take the exam. IELTS, on the other hand, varies by region and prices more than $200 for their exam.
It’s practical.
With a properly configured computer and an internet connection, you may take the Duolingo English course from any empty, secluded, and well-lit location. There is no need to schedule an appointment once you purchase the test; you can take it whenever you like for the next 21 days. Also, you can take the test up to two more times within a 30-day window if you had a bad test day.
It happens quickly.
You receive your results immediately because the Duolingo English test is entirely computer-scored. These should be accessible within 48 hours of submitting the test, which is a huge plus if you have an application deadline approaching.
Preparing for the Duolingo English testÂ
As an adaptive test, the Duolingo English exam’s question difficulty will change as you complete each one, so you probably won’t be able to predict in advance which questions you’ll get on test day.
It may not be a good idea to study for the test because your score is intended to indicate how proficient you are in English.
This does not imply that you should forgo test preparation. Here are some strategies for preparing:
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I am Nilay, an experienced English Language Assessment Director at the International English Test, where I have been working full-time since February 2020. I specialize in helping people worldwide validate their English proficiency through comprehensive assessments and certifications.
Before joining the International English Test, I worked as a self-employed English Language Assessment Consultant from January 2015 to December 2019. During this time, I assisted companies and individuals in improving their language skills, helping them achieve their academic and professional goals.
I hold a degree in Engineering and have also studied at Shafston International College in Australia. My educational background has equipped me with the tools to make a meaningful impact in the field of English language learning. Additionally, I enjoy sharing my expertise through articles that explore effective teaching methods and language assessment strategies, contributing to the International English Test and the broader assessment community.
