What is the DET, how much does it cost, and how long does it take?
The DET is an adaptive online English test taken in a private room. Rules and prices can change, so check the official checkout and policy pages before paying and again before test day.
| Question | Official information in 2026 | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Price | US$70 for one test credit | Confirm currency, tax, and options at checkout |
| Test time | About one hour | Allow extra time for setup and upload |
| Where | Online, at home | You need a private room, computer, phone, internet, and accepted ID |
| Score | 10–160, in five-point increments | Each program sets its own requirement |
| Standard results | Normally within two days | Leave time before your application deadline |
| Score validity | Two years from the certified test date | The score must still be valid when required |
| Acceptance | More than 6,500 programs, according to DET | Check the exact program and intake |
Which question types are on the DET in 2026?
The adaptive section changes difficulty and can vary within the ranges published by DET. These are the current official task names and frequencies.
| Question type | Current frequency | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Read and Select | 15–18 | Identify real English words |
| Fill in the Blanks | 6–9 | Complete one word from context |
| Read and Complete | 3–6 | Restore missing letters in a passage |
| Listen and Type | 6–9 | Type the sentence you hear |
| Interactive Reading | 2 sets of 6 | Complete linked reading tasks |
| Interactive Listening | 2 sets of 8–10 | Follow a conversation, respond, and summarize |
| Write About the Photo | 3 | Describe an image in writing |
| Interactive Writing | 1 two-step set | Answer, then expand after a follow-up |
| Speak About the Photo | 1 | Describe an image aloud |
| Read, Then Speak | 1 | Read a prompt and give a sustained answer |
| Interactive Speaking | 1 set of 6–8 | Answer a sequence of spoken prompts |
| Writing Sample / Speaking Sample | 1 each | Create samples that can be shared with institutions |
The full session also includes identity checks, a room scan, policy confirmation, and result upload. Rehearse those steps on the device and network you will use.
How should I set up my room, computer, and phone?Follow a practical test-day checklist based on the current official rules.How is the DET scored, and what is the maximum score?
DET scores run from 10 to 160 in five-point increments. The report includes an overall score, four individual subscores, and four integrated subscores.
| Score | What it represents | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | The average of Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking, rounded to the nearest five | Compare it with the program's overall requirement |
| Reading / Writing / Listening / Speaking | Performance on tasks related to each skill | Find a relatively weak skill |
| Literacy | Reading + Writing | Review combined written-language performance |
| Comprehension | Reading + Listening | Review receptive-language performance |
| Conversation | Listening + Speaking | Review spoken interaction |
| Production | Writing + Speaking | Review language production |
DET publishes statistical comparison tables for tests such as IELTS and TOEFL. Treat them as approximate ranges, not exact point-to-point conversions, and follow the receiving institution's policy.
Build a 7-, 14-, or 30-day DET study planUse your subscores and recurring errors to decide what to practise each day.How much is one DET test, and how many attempts do I get?
The official 2026 readiness guide lists one test credit at US$70. A credit can produce one certified result; it is not an unlimited-retake pass.
- You normally have 21 days after purchase to take the test; check the deadline in your account.
- One test credit allows up to three attempts to start, complete, and upload a test. Starting an attempt counts.
- Once an attempt is certified, the credit is used even if attempts remain.
- You may buy no more than three tests in any 30-day period.
- A two-test bundle contains two credits with separate completion windows described by DET.
Is the DET difficult?
Difficulty depends on your current English, target score, and familiarity with the format. Because the test adapts, two candidates may not see the same sequence.
| Common challenge | Why it matters | Useful preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptive difficulty | Later questions respond to earlier performance | Use the official practice test to experience the format |
| Vocabulary and spelling | Small word-form and function-word errors add up | Practise words in sentences and dictation |
| Fast task changes | Reading, listening, writing, and speaking alternate | Learn tasks separately, then mix them |
| Timed production | You may know the idea but struggle to organize it | Answer directly, then add a reason and example |
| Security rules | A strong language response can still be uncertified | Rehearse the device, room, and phone checks |
How quickly do DET results arrive, and how long are they valid?
Standard results normally arrive within two days after a successful upload. Faster Results shortens processing to 12 hours but does not change certification standards.
| Item | Timing or rule | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Standard results | Normally within two days | Do not test at the last possible moment |
| Faster Results | Within 12 hours | Faster processing does not guarantee certification |
| Validity | Two years from the certified test date | Make sure the score remains valid when needed |
| Score sending | No fee to send to any number of institutions | Select the correct institution and program |
If a result is delayed, check the status in your account and the email address used to register, including spam. Follow the account prompt or contact official support before buying another test.
Which universities accept the DET, and where do I find score requirements?
DET reported in June 2026 that more than 6,500 programs accept the test. Acceptance changes, so verify the exact program rather than relying on an old institution list.
- Find the institution in the official DET acceptance search.
- Open the admissions page for the exact program and intake.
- Check the campus, degree level, applicant type, and entry year.
- Record overall, subscore, validity, and submission requirements.
- If the policy is unclear, ask the program's admissions office in writing.
Is there a DET question bank, and how should I use the free practice test?
DET offers a repeatable free practice test for learning the adaptive format, current question types, and an estimated score range. The estimate is not an official result.
- Use the first attempt to learn the interface rather than chase a score.
- On the next attempt, record uncertainty, time pressure, missing words, and stalled responses by task type.
- Work on two or three recurring problems at a time.
- Retest under similar conditions and compare errors, not only the estimated range.
- Avoid unofficial 'real question banks'; accuracy and currency cannot be assumed.
What should I check before booking the DET?
Confirm the admissions policy, identification, equipment, room, and timeline before you buy a test credit.
- Your program accepts DET and you have recorded its score and deadline requirements.
- Your accepted government-issued ID is current and matches your account.
- Your computer, camera, microphone, speakers, phone, and network meet current requirements.
- You have a quiet, private, well-lit room with a clear desk.
- You have taken the official practice test and reviewed the current policies.
- Your schedule leaves time for standard processing, technical problems, or a retest if needed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Duolingo English Test?
The DET is an adaptive online English proficiency test taken at home on a computer, with a phone recording the computer screen and keyboard. It takes about one hour.
How much does the DET cost in 2026?
Duolingo's 2026 readiness guide lists one test credit at US$70. Confirm the final currency, tax, bundle, and Faster Results options at official checkout.
How long does the DET take?
The official test time is about one hour. Also allow time for identity and room checks and for uploading the completed test.
What is the maximum DET score?
The scale runs from 10 to 160. There is no universal passing score; each institution or program sets its own requirements.
How quickly can I receive DET results?
Standard results normally arrive within two days. Faster Results shortens processing to 12 hours without changing the certification rules.
How long is a DET score valid?
A certified DET result is valid for two years from the test date.
Which universities accept the DET?
DET says more than 6,500 programs accept it. Confirm the current policy and required score on the page for your exact program and intake.
Can I take the official DET practice test more than once?
Yes. The free practice test can be repeated, but its estimated range is not a certified score.
Is the DET hard?
That depends on your English, target, and familiarity with the tasks. Use the official practice test to find your own vocabulary, dictation, writing, speaking, or timing problems.
Official sources and verification note
This guide supports study and preparation; it does not replace official Duolingo English Test policy. Recheck the official pages before your test.
- The Ultimate Guide to DET ReadinessOfficial 2026 overview of price, duration, practice, equipment, result timing, and score sending.
- Test StructureCurrent task names, frequency ranges, response formats, and adaptive structure.
- How Is the DET Scored?The 10–160 scale, individual subscores, integrated subscores, and scoring.
- Subscore UpdateHow the overall score relates to the four individual subscores.
- Results Processing TimeStandard two-day processing and the 12-hour Faster Results option.
- Result ValidityThe two-year validity period and limits after expiry.
- Which Universities Accept the DET?June 2026 acceptance figure and institution search guidance.
- Test Policies, Rules, and RequirementsPurchase limits, identification, equipment, room, and conduct rules.
- Test Credit AttemptsOne test credit, three attempts, and certified-result rules.
- Test BundlesHow two-test bundles and completion windows work.
- Score Comparison TablesStatistical interpretation and limits of DET comparison tables.