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Duolingo English Test Validity: A guide

Updated on 02 February, 2024

Bulbul Sharma

Bulbul Sharma

Manager- Content @upGrad

Duolingo English Test (DET) is an English proficiency test designed to help students and institutions. The DET is meant to be taken by non-native English and native English speakers. This test can be taken on a candidate’s personal computer and online from anywhere and anytime. Like other conventional English proficiency tests like TOEFLIELTS, and PTE, this test also examines a candidate’s four language skills: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. The difficulty level of the test increases with every correct answer and decreases if your answers are wrong. Unlike other English proficiency tests, candidates don't need to visit  test centres to appear for the exam; candidates can take the test from their homes at their convenience. The Duolingo English Test validity is two years.

About The Duolingo English Test

If you compare the Duolingo English Test to other language tests, Duolingo offers an alternative way of learning English. It has more of a game-based approach than audio-based or textbook language learning, which can help keep students interested in the process. Many people do not want to waste their time with other traditional methods and instead thrive on the constant updates incorporated into this type of learning. This test helps students retain information and keep up with new content quicker than traditional textbooks or videos. Duolingo English test validity is something that would be crucial for universities to look into before making the final decision to accept their test as an official English proficiency exam. Duolingo score validity will depend entirely on when you first took your test. The test price is affordable at $49 (INR 3678 *) for the interview and the exam, which can be taken online, meaning that you don't have to spend hours going over long tests in preparation for this exam. Duolingo exam validity is good to go, and universities will accept it as proof of proficiency in the English language.

How Long Is A Duolingo English Test Result Valid For?

Like any certificate, once you receive your result for the Duolingo English Test, validity is for 2 years. The only caveat is that you must retake the exam within this time frame to verify that your English language skills have progressed. You may have to retake the exam even if you have been living in the US for an extended period, as long as English is not your first language. Duolingo English test validity will also be different depending on various factors, such as how much you have studied for the exam, how your English has progressed since then, and whether or not you can pass the test if you retake it.

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How Many Times Can I Attempt a Duolingo Test?

You may take this test as many times as you like, but there is a limit on how many times you can fail the exam. The only condition is that one cannot take the DET more than twice in 30 days. Duolingo exam validity is unlimited, and also if you fail multiple times, you can retake it as many times as you deem necessary. The only part where this relates to Duolingo test validity is that if the student does not improve their English within a certain amount of time, this would mean that the exam isn't helping their English. Maybe they should use another method to ensure their success in the future. 

Is 120 A Good Score In Duolingo?

Often you hear from people that 120 is a good score in the Duolingo language test. This is wrong because it doesn't mean anything for the test apart from being mere "passing" of the exam but does not prove you have proficiency in the English language. Duolingo score validity will be the same as that for any other exam, 2 years from when you appear for it. Since it is a self-paced test, the only difference is that you can retake the test quickly when you feel that your language skills need improving. If one takes the DET, then this is just a passing grade and doesn't say anything about one's ability to speak English.

Score Interpretation of Duolingo English Test:

Score

Description

10– 55

Can understand basic English words but has difficulty understanding what is said or written to them.

60 – 85

Can understand simple English sentences but has difficulty following what is said or written. Has some understanding of numbers..

90– 115

Can understand a wide range of simple and complex spoken and written language. Can communicate in simple and regular routines.

120 – 160

Can communicate with a wide range of vocabulary and grammar structures, both spoken and written. Has a good grasp of language structure, including writing academic texts.

 

Is Duolingo A Better Test of English Than IELTS?

In terms of difficulty, Duolingo is not more complex than the IELTS tests, as most of the questions on Duolingo are close to the ones on IELTS. However, if you compare the scores and how far apart they are from each other, then Duolingo does have an excellent score range for exam purposes. There are so many factors that go into scoring, like the topics covered and passage length, which makes it difficult to compare these tests. If you pick a relatively small number of topics, then scores will be significantly further apart. Also, if you look at the scores for IELTS and Duolingo, it is easy to see that the number of points Duolingo requires to obtain a passing grade is much higher than IELTS.

Conclusion:

The Duolingo English Test can be an excellent way to prove that you have basic levels of English proficiency. However, other factors like your age, the language you learn, and whether or not you live in the United States can play into your overall proficiency. The DET is not a very accurate test in terms of English language proficiency but is still an excellent way to prove basic levels of English ability.

 

* "Disclaimer! All course fees/salaries/expenses are indicative."

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Bulbul Sharma

Manager- Content @upGrad

Bulbul is a self-driven professional and an expert writer & editor. She has been a part of the ed-tech industry for the past 2 years now and is motivated to provide study abroad aspirants with factually correct and relevant information. Her knack for impactful writing makes her blogs worth a read!

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The above tips are the Author's experiences. upGrad does not guarantee scores or admissions.