Preparing for the Duolingo English Test? You’ll want to make sure you’re familiar with test rules, question types, and what to do beforehand.
Because it’s an online test, there are a few very specific rules related to connectivity, camera use, and equipment. This Duolingo English Test preparation guide covers all you need to know.
Duolingo English Test structure and scoring
The Duolingo English Test is computer-adaptive, meaning that the questions get more difficult when you answer correctly, and they become easier if you don’t. This allows the test to assess your English level efficiently in a relatively short time.
In about 60 minutes, you’ll do the following:
- Set up and ID verification (5 minutes)
- Scored assessment (45 minutes)
- Writing and Speaking samples (10 minutes)
Scores range from 10 to 160. You’ll get an overall score, along with subscores for:
- Production (Writing and Speaking)
- Literacy (Reading and Writing)
- Comprehension (Reading and Listening)
- Conversation (Speaking and Listening)
Types of questions in the Duolingo English Test
You’ll come across a wide range of question types. Learn more about what they involve in the table below:
Question type | What you need to do |
Is this a real English word? | Read the word, select “Yes” or “No.” |
Fill in the blanks | Complete the sentence with the correct word. |
Mixed Language Skills | Listen to the recording and type what you hear. |
Complete the text with the correct words | Fill in the blanks, this time in a text rather than a sentence. |
Interactive reading | Select the correct word or sentence (multiple choice options) to fit a reading passage. |
Interactive listening | Listen to the recording and answer the relevant questions. |
Write a description | Describe the image you see on the screen. |
Write about a given topic | You’ll see a question on the screen. Answer it by writing, then reply to the follow-up question, which will appear once you submit your answer. |
Speak about an image | Record yourself speaking about the image you see on the screen. |
Speak about a given topic | You’ll see a question on the screen. Answer it by speaking, then record yourself again to answer the follow-up questions, which will appear once you submit your answer. |
How to take the Duolingo English Test
All you need to do to take the test is create an account on the Duolingo English Test website and purchase the test. You can take it anytime within 21 days, as there are no fixed test dates.
Duolingo English Test price
As of 2026, the Duolingo English Test costs $70. The price gets cheaper if you purchase two tests ($118 for both, working out to $59 each).
You’ll get your results in 2 days, but you can choose the express option (for an additional $39) to receive them within 12 hours.
Duolingo English test requirements
To take the test, you’ll need:
- A laptop or desktop computer
- A fully charged phone with a camera
- A working webcam, microphone, and speaker
- A stable internet connection
- A quiet, private room
- A valid passport or government-issued ID
Duolingo English Test preparation tips
Once you’re familiar with the question types and technical requirements, check out these Duolingo English Test preparation tips.
1. Familiarise yourself with the rules
An online English test comes with its own specific set of rules. For example, it’s a natural reflex to look away while thinking. But in the Duolingo English Test, you’re expected to look at the screen at all times, except when you’re typing. This rule is there to make sure the test is fair and that no one is using external help. Other rules you should be aware of include:
- You shouldn’t speak until the test explicitly asks you to.
- Taking notes and recording questions aren’t allowed.
- VPNs, virtual machines, or assistive software can’t be used.
- Your ears must be visible throughout the test, so no headphones or earbuds.
- You’re expected to stay fully within the camera frame, with your eyes, ears, and mouth visible at all times.
- You’ll need to use your phone camera to record your computer screen and keyboard.
2. Practise with the free sample questions on Duolingo
When you create a Duolingo English Test account, you’ll be able to access free test practice questions. These questions are very similar to what you’ll see on the actual exam, and they follow the same time limits. Check them out before the test to spot your weak areas.
3. Use your time wisely
Most questions on the Duolingo English Test have their own time limit. For example, a Fill in the Blanks question gives you 20 seconds to respond, meaning you must complete that task within those 20 seconds. Finishing early won’t give you extra time on later questions, so don’t rush.
4. Make English a part of your daily life
Read English books, watch series in English, and try speaking and writing as much as possible. The Duolingo English Test has a lot of questions that test your ability to find the right word in the right context. Regular exposure to the language will make these tasks more intuitive and natural.
5. Refresh your knowledge for Production tasks
Writing and Speaking are Production tasks in the Duolingo English Test. You’ll want to use language as naturally as possible, while showing that you have a rich vocabulary. It’s smart to refresh your knowledge of connecting words (and, also, however, because, etc.) and synonyms (big = large, major, significant, etc.). These help you express ideas more clearly, avoid repetition, and sound more fluent.
6. Think about your articulation for Speaking tasks
For Speaking tasks, your answers need to be clearly heard and easy to understand. If your voice is too quiet or your sentences aren’t articulated well, you may lose points. Consider recording yourself and listening to those recordings before the test, so you find the right volume and pace.
7. Prepare your environment in advance
Take the test in a quiet and bright space, so the reviewers can clearly see that you’re alone in the room. Don’t leave this to the last minute: choose and prepare your testing location well in advance.
Duolingo English Test common mistakes
According to Duolingo, these are the most common broken rules:
- Looking away from the screen
- Not setting up the second camera the right way (It must record both the computer screen and the keyboard)
- Getting external help (Even if someone enters the room and asks something in another language, this may be flagged as external help)
- Copying responses (No notes or pre-written texts allowed in the test)
- Running software in the background (Apps on auto-launch also count)
And just like other English tests, don’t skip proofreading, avoid using the same words too much, and give relevant answers. Make sure to:
- Check for spelling, grammar, and word order in Writing tasks
- Use synonyms and varied sentence structures
- Read the question carefully
Your checklist before taking the Duolingo English Test
Use this checklist to make sure you have everything you need for the big day:
- Do you have all the required equipment? Computer, webcam, microphone, speaker, a fully charged phone with a camera, and a stable internet connection.
- Have you set up your test environment? Choose a quiet, well-lit space.
- Have you checked the rules? Keep your eyes on the screen, stay in the camera frame, and don’t forget the second camera.
- Are you familiar with the test structure? Create an account on Duolingo English Test, and start practising with sample questions.
