Duolingo English Test 2026: test dates, format, how to book and free practice
The Duolingo English Test is an online English test of about one hour, taken at home on your own computer and accepted by many universities for admission. It has no exam dates at all: Duolingo's 2026 test-taker guide says you can take it "at any time, anywhere in the world". This guide explains how to buy and sit it, what your computer and room need, the Duolingo English Test pattern, the 10 to 160 score, and a four-week plan with mock tests.
Duolingo English Test at a glance
| Conducting body | Duolingo |
| What it is for | University admission and placement; some employers |
| Mode | At home on a computer, in the desktop app, with a phone as a second camera |
| Questions | Mixed question types; many adapt and the number can change |
| Time | About 1 hour |
| Marking | 10 to 160 in steps of 5, overall and for Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking |
| Language | English |
| How often | Any time; up to 3 tests in a 30-day period |
| Official website | englishtest.duolingo.com |
Test dates and booking
There is no exam date to wait for. From Duolingo's Official Guide for Test Takers, 2026 (read 20 October 2026):
- You can buy a single test or a bundle of two. After buying, you have 21 days to begin the test; with a bundle you have another 21 days for the second test after the first result.
- You can buy up to 3 tests in a 30-day period.
- Your score report comes within 48 hours, or 12 hours if you pay for faster results.
- You can send your results to an unlimited number of institutions at no extra cost. A certified result is valid for two years.
So the date is yours to choose, but do not buy too early: the 21-day window starts at purchase.
How to take the Duolingo English Test
- Check that each university on your list accepts the test and the score it needs; Duolingo has an institution search.
- Create a free account at englishtest.duolingo.com with a valid email address.
- Click Buy Now, choose one test or two, and two-day or faster results, and pay.
- Download the desktop app (Windows or Mac). During setup you scan a QR code to install the mobile app.
- When ready, start the test within 21 days: show your ID, scan the room, and set your phone to record your screen and keyboard.
Keep ready:
- A government-issued photo ID, the actual physical card or passport (not a copy or a photo of it), not expired.
- A computer with camera, speakers and microphone, and a phone that is charged or plugged in.
- An internet connection of at least 2 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload; Duolingo advises against a mobile hotspot.
- A quiet room, with no headphones, notes, pen or paper. Taking notes is against the rules.
Duolingo English Test exam pattern
The test is not split into four papers; question types are mixed.
| Question type | Time | How many |
|---|---|---|
| Read and Select | 5 seconds a word | 15 to 18 words |
| Fill in the Blanks | 20 seconds a sentence | 6 to 9 |
| Read and Complete | 3 minutes a passage | 3 to 6 |
| Listen and Type | 1 minute a sentence | 6 to 9 |
| Interactive Reading | 7 or 8 minutes a passage | 2 sets of 6 tasks |
| Interactive Listening | 6 min 30 s, then 75 s to summarise | 2 sets |
| Write About the Photo; Interactive Writing | 1 minute a photo; about 8 minutes | 3 photos; 1 task |
| Speak About the Photo; Read, Then Speak; Interactive Speaking | 20 s to prepare, 90 s to speak, or 35 s a turn | 1; 1; 6 to 8 turns |
| Writing Sample and Speaking Sample | About 10 minutes | 1 each |
You cannot go back to a question. The writing and speaking samples are scored and are also sent to institutions with your result.
Scoring. Every score is from 10 to 160 in steps of 5. The overall score is the average of Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking, rounded to the nearest 5. The report also shows Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation and Production, each the average of two skills. There is no pass mark and no negative marking.
Duolingo English Test syllabus
There are no topics to learn. The test checks vocabulary (spotting real words, finishing words), reading for detail and main idea, listening and typing, and writing and speaking about pictures and everyday questions. Each question type is described on our Duolingo English Test syllabus page.
A four-week plan before you start the test
| Week | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1 | One full Duolingo English Test mock. Note which question types felt rushed. |
| 2 | Read and Complete and Fill in the Blanks daily: spelling must be exact. Listen and Type daily. |
| 3 | Write About the Photo and Interactive Writing three times a week; speaking tasks recorded daily. |
| 4 | A second full mock, then the free practice test on Duolingo's site. Set up your room and equipment, then buy and take the test. |
Our practice form is fixed and does not adapt as the real test does, so treat its score as an estimate. Read how to analyse a mock test after each attempt.
Useful links
- Buy the Duolingo English Test (englishtest.duolingo.com)
- Official Guide for Test Takers, 2026 (PDF)
- Scoring Guide for Teachers, 2026 (PDF)
- Free Duolingo English Test mock tests
- Duolingo English Test syllabus
- Duolingo English Test dates
- TOEFL iBT 2026: test dates and how to book
- IELTS 2026: test dates and how to book
Frequently asked questions
When can I take the Duolingo English Test?
Any time. You buy the test online and must begin it within 21 days of buying it, at home on your own computer.
How long does the Duolingo English Test result take?
Duolingo says within 48 hours, or 12 hours if you buy faster results.
How many times can I take the Duolingo English Test?
You can buy up to 3 tests in any 30-day period.
Is there negative marking in the Duolingo English Test?
No. Closed questions are marked right or wrong or with partial credit, and nothing is taken off for a wrong answer. A blank when time runs out counts as wrong, so always answer.
What ID do I need for the Duolingo English Test?
A government-issued photo ID that has not expired, held up in person. Copies or photos of the ID are not accepted.
What is a good Duolingo English Test score?
There is no pass mark. Each university sets its own, so check each one's admission page.