Duolingo English Test (DET)

Duolingo English Test (DET) by Duolingo, Inc.

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a fully online, high-stakes English proficiency assessment accepted by thousands of universities and institutions around the world for admissions decisions.

Built specifically for the digital age, the DET combines adaptive assessment, artificial intelligence, and advanced psychometric methods to measure the English skills students need for success in higher education and upskilling. The test assesses reading, writing, listening, and speaking through a series of interactive tasks that adapt in real time to each test taker's performance, producing precise scores in approximately one hour, with certified results available within two days.

Unlike traditional assessment systems built around physical testing centres, the DET allows eligible students to complete the assessment remotely using a personal computer and internet connection. This significantly reduces barriers associated with travel, scheduling, and testing availability while maintaining rigorous standards for security, and score validity.

The DET is supported by a multidisciplinary team of assessment researchers, psychometricians, applied and computational linguists, machine learning scientists, software engineers, and language testing experts. Research is continuously published through peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations, technical documentation, and public validation reports.

Innovation extends beyond delivery. The DET continually develops new assessment formats, including interactive tasks that better reflect authentic language use in modern academic environments. Responsible AI principles guide the development and evaluation of automated scoring and security systems to ensure fairness, transparency, and rigour. The DET also works closely with higher education institutions, admissions professionals, researchers, and educators worldwide. Their feedback informs ongoing improvements to assessment design, reporting, accessibility features, and institutional support.

Beyond admissions, the DET contributes to expanding educational opportunity through initiatives including the Duolingo English Test Access Programme, which supports displaced learners and refugee students seeking pathways into higher education.

Together, these innovations have created a modern assessment platform that combines rigour with accessibility, helping students demonstrate their potential while enabling institutions to evaluate applicants with confidence.