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DET - 2025

Test Format :

Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking

Duration :

1 hour

Mode :

Online & Computer-Based

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Last updated - 19 October '24

DET Overview

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an online English proficiency exam designed for students and professionals to demonstrate their English language skills. It’s widely accepted by universities, colleges, and institutions around the world as an alternative to traditional tests like TOEFL or IELTS.

Ways to take DET Focus Edition Exam

At a Test Center (In-Person)

  • Availability: Only at Duolingo-authorized test centers.
  • You schedule the test via Duolingo’s site.
  • Visit the test center with a valid government-issued ID.
  • Take the test under the supervision of proctors.
  • Candidates who need higher verification standards or applying to institutions that require in-person testing.

Key Features of DET Focus Edition

  • Includes enhanced identity verification.
  • Comes with live human proctoring.
  • Test format is similar to the regular DET but with more secure delivery.
  • Results are typically available within 2 days.
  • Recognized by specific institutions that require high-stakes English proficiency testing.

DET Pattern

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an online English proficiency test designed to evaluate the English language skills of non-native speakers. It's accepted by thousands of universities and institutions worldwide as an alternative to TOEFL or IELTS.

Section Duration Details
Introduction & Setup 5–10 minutes
  • System check, ID verification, and rules explanation
  • Requires webcam, microphone, stable internet, and government-issued ID
Adaptive Test 45 minutes
  • Tests Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking skills
  • Question difficulty adjusts based on responses
Video Interview + Writing Sample 10 minutes
  • Speaking Prompt: Speak on a chosen topic (1–3 mins)
  • Writing Prompt: Write on a selected topic (3–5 mins)
  • Not scored, but sent to schools

DET Syllabus

Skill Sub-skills Tested Question Types
Reading Vocabulary, Grammar, Comprehension
  • Read and complete (fill in the blanks)
  • Read and select (real words)
  • Read aloud
Writing Sentence formation, Grammar, Vocabulary, Coherence
  • Write about the photo (1–2 sentences)
  • Short writing (50–100 words)
  • Writing sample (50+ words, ungraded)
Listening Listening comprehension, Pronunciation
  • Listen and select (real words)
  • Listen and type (dictation)
  • Speak the answer
Speaking Fluency, Pronunciation, Vocabulary, Coherence
  • Speak the answer
  • Read aloud
  • Speaking sample (1–3 minutes, ungraded)
Integrated Skills Multiple skills at once
  • Listen and type
  • Read and speak
  • Describe image (writing/speaking)
Test Format Adaptive, Skill-based
  • Duration: ~1 hour
  • Difficulty adjusts based on performance
  • Includes 2 ungraded samples