The Duolingo exam is intended for candidates whose native language is not English, and the achieved result can be used for studying or working abroad. Duolingo test results are now accepted by an increasing number of universities, employers, and institutions worldwide, due to its accessibility, flexibility, and clear scoring system.
IN DETAIL ABOUT
Duolingo exam
The Duolingo English Test is a standardized online English language exam that assesses the level of understanding and use of English in academic and professional contexts.
Structure and scoring
Structure, scoring, and taking the Duolingo exam
The Duolingo test is taken online, from the comfort of your home or another quiet space with a reliable internet connection. To access the exam, you need a valid identification document, a computer with a camera, speakers, and a microphone. After registering on the official website, the Duolingo application is installed on your computer, through which image and sound are checked and the test begins.
The test assesses reading, writing, listening, speaking, and correct use of English, and consists of three consecutive parts, without a break:
The first part is a short introduction lasting 5 minutes, during which you receive clear instructions and rules for taking the exam.
The second part is an adaptive test lasting 45 minutes, which assesses all language skills except speaking. The adaptive format means that the difficulty of the questions adjusts based on your answers – correct answers lead to more challenging tasks, while the order and type of questions differ for each candidate. Questions are mixed and appear in an unpredictable order.
Within the test, speaking tasks also appear, including reading sentences you see on the screen, describing an image, and answering independent questions.
The third part is a video interview lasting 10 minutes. Although this section is not scored, universities receive it for review. It consists of questions you answer orally or in writing, and its purpose is to provide additional insight into your communication and thinking.
The total duration of the exam is 60 minutes.
The Duolingo test result consists of four scored components:
Literacy (reading and writing ability)
Comprehension (listening and reading understanding)
Conversation (listening and speaking ability)
Production (written and spoken expression)
Scoring
Results are reported on a scale from 10 to 160 points. Each component is scored separately, and the overall result is the average of all four areas. In addition to the numerical score, candidates receive a descriptive overview of their language abilities, which helps universities assess academic readiness.
Duolingo test results can be compared with results from other standardized tests and with the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) scale.
How to take the exam
Registration, price, and results
Registration for the Duolingo test is conducted entirely online. You need internet access, a computer or smartphone, and a valid identification document (passport, ID card, or new version of a driver’s license). The test must be taken in a well-lit room, without distractions.
It is important to follow these five rules of the Duolingo test:
You must have your identification document with you during the exam.
The use of headphones is not allowed – only the computer microphone is used.
No one else may be present in the room during testing.
Taking notes is not allowed.
Looking away, off-screen, or leaving your seat is not allowed.
The price of the Duolingo test is 49 USD (plus possible taxes).
Results are delivered by email, in the form of a link to the certificate, two days after taking the exam.
If you are taking the DUOLINGO test soon, here are a few practical tips for taking the DUOLINGO exam:
Since questions appear in an unpredictable order, it is important to be ready to quickly switch between different skills – reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
Texts and audio tasks are short, and the pace is fast. Once you skip a question, you cannot return to it, so it is important to stay focused.
In listening tasks, it is necessary to write down what you hear. The audio can be played up to three times: the first time to capture the main idea, the second time to add details, and the third time to check meaning and spelling.
A free practice test is available on the official website, which you can take multiple times to become familiar with the format and pace of the exam:
https://englishtest.duolingo.com/readiness
More detailed information about the DUOLINGO test and registration can be found on the official website:
https://englishtest.duolingo.com/.
Sources:
1. https://englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants. Accessed February 14, 2022.
2. https://englishtest.duolingo.com/readiness. Accessed February 14, 2022.
3. https://testcenter.zendesk.com/hc/en-us. Accessed February 14, 2022.
