A step-by-step guide to preparing for the Duolingo English Test

Five years ago, we created the Duolingo English Test to make higher education more accessible to students around the world. This digital-first English proficiency assessment does things differently: It costs only $49, takes only 1 hour, and is the world’s first high-stakes test taken entirely online. Since the test is so different from other standardized tests, it makes sense that our approach to “test prep” might look a little different, too.

Test prep vs. test readiness

This is the time of year when many students are applying to university, and we receive a lot of questions about how to prepare for the Duolingo English Test. Traditional test preparation can involve long hours of study, expensive resources and classes, and rote memorization. That isn't necessary for the Duolingo English Test. The DET is designed to show your real proficiency level in English, so intense studying right before the test will not change your score. Your score improves as your English proficiency improves.

Instead of “test prep,” think of embarking on a journey to “test readiness.” Rather than memorizing test questions or strategies, we suggest this “test readiness timeline” to help optimize your Duolingo English Test experience. Note that this is only a suggestion—go at your own pace when preparing for the test. You can take the test tomorrow, next week, or next year!

A few weeks before test day: get to know the Duolingo English Test

• Conduct some informal research, like watching a quick video walkthrough of the test. Then, check out our YouTube channel and playlists for more useful videos.
• Visit our Test Readiness page, featuring the Official Guide for Test Takers. The guide has helpful information on question types, scoring, the test experience, and more.
• Practice your English daily, using all your skills! The Duolingo Blog has resources for how to practice English in your everyday life.
• Take the free practice test as many times you want. This will show you what types of questions you can expect to see on the real test.

The day before: prepare your space

• Choose a comfortable, quiet environment in which to take the test. Your space should have ample light, a good place to sit, and full privacy.
• Make sure you have all the equipment you need, including a government-issued ID, a computer, and a reliable internet connection.
• Purchase the test in advance, so all you have to do is click “Start Test” when you’re ready to take it.
• Choose a time of day when you’ll think and feel your best. You can take the Duolingo English Test any time, anywhere. Some test takers are early birds and others are night owls--choose the time that works best for you!

On test day: set yourself up for success

• Ensure you have at least one full hour of uninterrupted time. Let everyone around you know not to enter your testing area. You can even print a sign to hang on your door!
• Don’t wear headphones, as it will prevent your test from being certified. Your face and ears should be clearly visible.
• Read all of the rules for test-taking carefully so that your test will be secure and valid. The test will also remind you of the rules right before you start.
• Practice your English right before the test to get in the mindset. Try speaking out loud to a friend, watching a show or listening to a podcast in English, or reading an article.

During the test: stay focused

• Since each test is proctored, you need to look at the screen for the entire test. It may be natural to look away when you are thinking or get distracted, but try to stay focused on the test as best you can.
• Unlike other tests, the Duolingo English Test has only one section, with an adaptive series of questions across all English skills. These exercises are short and predictive, so you won’t have to complete lengthy reading and writing passages.
• Notice the time limit for each question displayed on the screen, and do your best to write or speak as much as you can before the time expires.
• At the end of the graded portion, you’ll complete an ungraded video interview and writing sample. These are shared alongside your scores to universities, so do your best to showcase yourself and your English ability.

After it’s over: continue your journey

• After you finish your writing sample and video interview, you’ll be asked to submit your test. Before you exit the testing window, make sure that your test has completely finished uploading. You will see a notification once it’s done.
• Celebrate! You did it! Expect to receive your results from Duolingo within 2 days.
• Once you receive certified results, you can send them to as many institutions as you want—for free!

Now, you’re in a great place to start preparing for the Duolingo English Test. You can visit our Test Readiness page anytime for more information. If you’re looking for an affordable, convenient English test that you can take from anywhere, this could be the path for you. Good luck!