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Duolingo English Test Pass Rate, Format & Study Guide

A real reference for anyone preparing for the Duolingo English Test (DET) — Duolingo exam — pass rate, retake policy, how it's scored, and a practical study timeline. This is independent reference content, not a sales page: everything below is sourced from Duolingo English Test's own certifying body.

What the Duolingo English Test exam is

The Duolingo English Test is an adaptive test taken online in about one hour, and it reports an overall score from 10 to 160 in 5-point increments (Duolingo English Test). The overall score is the average of four subscores, listening, speaking, reading and writing, each also on a 10 to 160 scale. There is no pass mark: each university or other institution sets the score it requires.

Why it matters

Many universities accept the Duolingo English Test as proof of English proficiency for admission.

Who this exam is for

International applicants who need an English proficiency score for admissions.

Pass rate

The certifying body does not publicly publish an official pass rate for this exam. Be wary of third-party sites citing a specific number here — treat any pass-rate claim you see elsewhere for this exam as unverified.

If you don't pass — retake policy

Duolingo sets the limits on how often you may test; check its current rules before you buy another attempt.

How it's scored

There is no pass or fail result; the test reports a score and each institution sets its own minimum. The portal's percentages are a self-check only. Format: an adaptive test of about one hour; the portal's 80-question practice set is a timed self-check, not an adaptive simulation. No official pass rate is available for this exam, so none is quoted here.

Format at a glance

Format: Adaptive computer test, about 1 hour · reading, listening, speaking and writing tasks · overall score 10 to 160 in 5-point steps
Real exam cost: $70 for one attempt (Duolingo English Test, October 2026); price confirmation at checkout

The Duolingo English Test is an adaptive test taken online in about one hour, and it reports an overall score from 10 to 160 in 5-point increments (Duolingo English Test). The overall score is the average of four subscores, listening, speaking, reading and writing, each also on a 10 to 160 scale. There is no pass mark: each university or other institution sets the score it requires. Adaptive computer test, about 1 hour · reading, listening, speaking and writing tasks · overall score 10 to 160 in 5-point steps. There is no pass or fail result; the test reports a score and each institution sets its own minimum. The portal's percentages are a self-check only.

Full eligibility requirements and everything the Duolingo English Test study portal includes is on the Duolingo English Test product page.

What each domain actually tests

Duolingo describes the task types and the four subscores. This portal groups its practice by reading, listening, speaking and writing and practices only tasks that can be answered by choosing or typing a short response.

Eligibility requirements, in full

There are no eligibility conditions for taking the test, but your target institution decides whether to accept it and what score to require.

What it actually costs

$70 per attempt; additional services such as fast results may cost extra at checkout.

Keeping the credential — maintenance & recertification

Scores are used according to each institution's policy; confirm the validity period with the institution.

How to actually prepare

Work through the exam topics one area at a time, finish with timed full-length practice runs of 80 questions in one sitting.

What's changing (2026)

Duolingo revises task types, prices and rules; this guide follows the 2026 Question Guide and related documents listed under Verification as of October 2026.

Want a full practice question bank built around this exact format?

See the Duolingo English Test study portal

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