The Duolingo English Test (DET) is one of the easiest and most flexible ways to prove your English proficiency. Unlike traditional exams such as IELTS or TOEFL, the DET can be taken from the comfort of your home. This makes it an ideal option for international students who want to save time, money, and the stress of traveling to a test center.
If you’re planning to take the test, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to take the Duolingo English Test at home.
1. Check the Requirements
Before you book the test, make sure you have:
- A computer (Windows or Mac) with a reliable internet connection.
- A front-facing camera, microphone, and speakers.
- A quiet, well-lit room with no distractions.
- A valid passport, driver’s license, or government-issued ID.
Important: Phones and tablets cannot be used—you must take the test on a computer.
2. Create a Duolingo Account
Go to the official Duolingo English Test website and sign up with your email. You’ll use this account to register, pay, and receive your results.
3. Purchase the Test
- The test costs around $59 USD (price may vary slightly).
- You can also buy a bundle of two tests at a discount in case you want to retake.
- Payment can be made using debit/credit cards or PayPal.
4. Download the Test Software
Once you purchase, you’ll be asked to download the Duolingo English Test application on your computer. Install it and log in with your Duolingo account.
5. Prepare Your Room and Equipment
Since the DET uses AI and human proctors to monitor, you need to follow strict rules:
- Sit alone in a quiet room.
- Place your computer on a desk (not on your lap or bed).
- Remove any headphones, notes, or study materials.
- Make sure your face is clearly visible with proper lighting.
Tip: Any suspicious activity (like looking away from the screen or talking to someone) may cancel your test.
6. Take the Test
The test lasts about 60 minutes and includes:
- Reading, writing, listening, and speaking tasks.
- Short exercises like filling in missing words or describing a picture.
- A video interview and writing sample at the end, sent to universities along with your score.
7. Submit and Wait for Results
After finishing, your test is automatically submitted. Duolingo reviews your video and answers for security.
- Results arrive in 24–48 hours.
- Scores range from 10–160 and can be sent directly to universities for free.
8. Send Your Scores to Universities
One of the best parts of DET is that you can send your results to unlimited universities for free—unlike IELTS or TOEFL, which charge extra fees per institution.
Final Thoughts
Taking the Duolingo English Test at home is simple, fast, and convenient. With just a computer, a good internet connection, and a quiet space, you can complete the test in about an hour and get results in two days.
This makes it a fantastic option for students applying to universities in the USA, UK, Canada, and beyond—as long as your target institution accepts it. Always check the admission requirements before booking.
Common FAQs How to Take Duolingo English Test at Home
What are the basic technical requirements for the Duolingo English Test?
You must have a reliable computer with a functioning microphone and speakers. Additionally, your device needs a front-facing camera to monitor your movements. You should also ensure a stable internet connection to avoid interruptions during the session.
Can I take the test on a mobile phone or tablet?
No, the test strictly requires a laptop or desktop computer. You must use a supported browser like Chrome or Opera for the best experience. Consequently, tablets and smartphones are not compatible with the testing software.
What kind of environment do I need for the home-based test?
You must sit in a quiet, well-lit room where you are completely alone. In fact, no one else should enter the space while you are testing. Furthermore, your background should be plain to avoid any suspicion of hidden notes.
What documents do I need to verify my identity?
You will need a government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or a national identity card. Before you begin, you must hold this ID up to your camera for verification. Therefore, keep your physical ID close to your workstation at all times.
Am I allowed to wear headphones or earphones during the test?
Absolutely not, because your ears must remain visible throughout the entire session. The system needs to ensure you are not receiving external audio assistance. Instead, use your computer’s internal or external speakers to hear the prompts.
What are the rules regarding eye contact and movement?
You must keep your eyes on the screen for the duration of the exam. If you look away frequently, the proctors may invalidate your results. Similarly, you should stay within the camera frame to prove you are not using outside resources.
Can I take notes or use a pen and paper?
No, the Duolingo English Test prohibits any physical note-taking. You cannot have paper, pens, or even a blank notebook on your desk. For this reason, you should clear your workspace of all non-essential items before starting.
How long does the Duolingo English Test take to complete?
The entire process usually takes about one hour from start to finish. This includes a quick setup, a graded section, and an ungraded video interview. However, you should set aside a full 90 minutes to account for technical checks.
What happens if my internet disconnects during the exam?
If your connection fails, you may lose your progress for that specific attempt. Nevertheless, Duolingo often allows you to restart the test at no extra cost if a technical error occurs. Just make sure to contact their support team immediately to resolve the issue.
How soon will I receive my certified results at home?
You will typically receive your scores within 48 hours of completing the test. Once verified, you can send these results to as many institutions as you like for free. As a result, this is one of the fastest ways to prove your English proficiency.
Top universities that accept the Duolingo English Test (DET)
Below is a curated list of popular universities in your target countries for the 2026 intake.
1. United Kingdom (UK)
Most UK universities accept DET for both undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
- Imperial College London | Visit Website
- University College London (UCL) | Visit Website
- University of Warwick | Visit Website
- University of Southampton | Visit Website
- University of Bristol | Visit Website
2. United States (USA)
The USA has the highest number of institutions accepting Duolingo scores.
- Yale University | Visit Website
- Columbia University | Visit Website
- New York University (NYU) | Visit Website
- Johns Hopkins University | Visit Website
- University of California, Berkeley | Visit Website
3. Canada
While historically strict, many major Canadian research universities now list DET on their websites.
- University of Toronto | Visit Website
- McGill University | Visit Website
- University of British Columbia (UBC) | Visit Website
- University of Alberta | Visit Website
- McMaster University | Visit Website
4. Italy
Italy has become a hotspot for English-taught programs that recognize Duolingo.
- Sapienza University of Rome | Visit Website
- University of Bologna | Visit Website
- Politecnico di Milano | Visit Website
- University of Padua | Visit Website
- University of Pisa | Visit Website
5. Australia (Additional Country 1)
Note: While universities accept it for admission, always check current visa (Home Affairs) requirements.
- University of Melbourne | Visit Website
- University of New South Wales (UNSW) | Visit Website
- Monash University | Visit Website
- Australian National University (ANU) | Visit Website
6. Germany (Additional Country 2)
Several top technical and business schools in Germany now accept DET for English-taught Master’s programs.
- Technical University of Munich (TUM) | Visit Website
- RWTH Aachen University | Visit Website
- Technische Universität Berlin | Visit Website
- ESMT Berlin | Visit Website
Pro-Tip: Always verify the minimum score on the university’s official “English Proficiency” page, as requirements often differ between a Bachelor’s (typically 105-115) and a Master’s (typically 120-130).