With a growing number of universities accepting the Duolingo English Test (DET) as proof of English proficiency, students worldwide are opting for this fast, affordable, and accessible exam.
One of its most appreciated features is how quickly test results are delivered — often within just two days.
This blog provides a deep dive into every detail surrounding Duolingo test results, from score timelines and interpretation to validity, certification, and sharing options, so that you’re fully prepared.
Table of Contents
- When Are Duolingo Results Declared?
- Duolingo Score Range and Interpretation
- Certified vs. Non-Certified Duolingo Results
- How to Send Duolingo Scores to Universities?
- Download these guides to read Offline
- Duolingo Score Validity and Attempts
- Universities Accepting Duolingo Scores
- What to Do If You’re Not Satisfied With Your Duolingo Result?
- Common Issues with Duolingo Results & How to Resolve Them
- Study Master Programs in USA
- Conclusion
- Important Resources For PTE/SAT/ACT Exam
When Are Duolingo Results Declared?
Duolingo stands out by offering one of the fastest result delivery times among English proficiency tests. Most students receive their official DET scores within 48 hours of completing the test.
How to Check Your Duolingo Test Results:
- Log in to your Duolingo English Test account
- Go to the "My Tests" section
- View your test status and scores
- Download your digital certificate for your records
You’ll also get an email once your score is ready. Ensure your registered email remains active and check your spam folder if you don’t see any notification within the expected time.
Duolingo Score Range and Interpretation
Unlike other English exams that offer individual section scores, Duolingo combines your performance into an overall score out of 160, along with four subscores.
Duolingo Score Breakdown:
Overall Score | Proficiency Level | IELTS Equivalent |
10 – 55 | Basic | Below 5.0 |
60 – 85 | Intermediate | 5.5 – 6.0 |
90 – 115 | Upper-Intermediate | 6.5 – 7.0 |
120 – 160 | Advanced | 7.5 and above |
Subscores Explained:
- Literacy – Measures your ability to read and write
- Comprehension – Focuses on listening and reading understanding
- Conversation – Tests spoken interaction and listening
- Production – Evaluates written and spoken output
Knowing both your overall score and subscores can help you better understand your strengths and areas for improvement, especially when preparing for a retake or applying to competitive programs.
Certified vs. Non-Certified Duolingo Results
Not every Duolingo result is instantly eligible for sharing with universities. The DET team verifies each test through strict AI and human-led proctoring to prevent malpractice.
What Certification Means:
- Certified Results are verified and can be sent to universities
- Non-Certified Results are flagged due to possible rule violations and cannot be shared
Common Reasons for Non-Certification:
- Background noise or other people visible
- Malfunctioning webcam or microphone
- Looking away from the screen or appearing distracted
- Suspicious behavior or movement patterns
Always take the test in a quiet, well-lit environment, and follow the on-screen instructions carefully to avoid certification issues.
How to Send Duolingo Scores to Universities?
Duolingo allows you to send your test results to as many universities as you wish — completely free.
How to Send Your Duolingo Scores:
- Log in to your DET account
- Go to the "My Tests" section
- Click on "Send Results" beside your certified score
- Search for your chosen institution
- Select and confirm
Additional Tips:
- You can resend your scores anytime during the 2-year validity period
- Always double-check the institution name to avoid errors
- If you retake the test, send the latest score that meets your admission requirements
Duolingo Score Validity and Attempts
Planning your study abroad timeline? Make sure you understand how long your Duolingo score remains valid and how often you can attempt the test.
Key Details:
- ✅ Score Validity: 2 years from the test date
- 🔁 Retake Policy: Unlimited attempts allowed
- 📅 Attempt Limit: Max 2 tests in 30 days
When Should You Retake the Test?
- If your current score doesn’t meet your target university’s requirement
- If your score is non-certified due to technical or rule violations
- If you feel you didn’t perform to your best ability
You can prepare for a retake using Duolingo’s free practice tests and guided prep tools to boost your performance.
🔎 Explore full details on Duolingo English Test Validity here.
Universities Accepting Duolingo Scores
More than 4,000 universities and institutions now accept the Duolingo English Test as valid proof of English proficiency.
Countries Widely Accepting Duolingo Scores:
USA | Australia | Germany |
UK | Canada | Ireland |
Popular Universities and Their Minimum DET Scores:
University | Country | Minimum DET Score |
University of Toronto | Canada | 120 |
Arizona State University | USA | 105 |
University of Glasgow | UK | 115 |
Northeastern University | USA | 120 |
Trinity College Dublin | Ireland | 120 |
McMaster University | Canada | 115 |
University of Birmingham | UK | 115 |
University of Queensland | Australia | 110 |
Jacobs University Bremen | Germany | 115 |
University of Auckland | New Zealand | 110 |
📌 Note: Always refer to the university’s official website for the most updated DET requirements. Some programs, especially in business or healthcare, may have slightly higher benchmarks.
What to Do If You’re Not Satisfied With Your Duolingo Result?
Didn’t get the score you expected? The DET platform offers flexibility, so don’t stress. There are plenty of ways to boost your chances on a retake.
What You Can Do:
- Identify Weak Areas: Analyze subscores to find what needs improvement
- Practice Regularly: Use Duolingo’s practice test or mock questions
- Work on Real-World English Use:
- Watch English movies or podcasts with subtitles
- Practice speaking with peers or tutors
- Write essays or record yourself speaking on topics
- Consider a Gap Before Retake: Give yourself 1–2 weeks for focused preparation
Remember, a better-prepared second attempt could significantly improve your score — and your university prospects.
Common Issues with Duolingo Results & How to Resolve Them
Although Duolingo’s result process is usually smooth, minor issues may arise, such as result delays or certification concerns.
Common Issues and Fixes:
- ⏳ Result Delayed Over 5 Days
- Refresh your dashboard
- Check your spam folder for emails
- Contact DET support
- ❌ Test Not Certified
- Review the violation notice sent via email
- Prepare for a retake in a distraction-free setting
- Appeal if you believe it was wrongly flagged
Where to Get Help:
Visit Duolingo English Test Support for:
- Chat support
- FAQs
- Test environment guidelines
Appeal process for certification issues
Conclusion
Understanding your Duolingo English Test results goes beyond just knowing a number. From interpreting your overall score and subscores to planning retakes, sending results, and choosing the right universities, each step plays a critical role in your study abroad journey.
The test’s fast turnaround time, free score sharing, and increasing global acceptance make it a top choice — but only when you use the results strategically. Stay informed, prepare thoroughly, and ensure your DET score supports your dream of international education.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How soon can I retake the Duolingo English Test if I’m unhappy with my score?
You can retake the Duolingo English Test twice every 30 days. However, you’re only allowed to have two certified results within this period. Make sure to review your performance before reattempting to improve your score strategically.
What does it mean when my Duolingo test is under review for a long time?
A prolonged review period may indicate technical or behavioral issues flagged during the test. Duolingo thoroughly examines such cases for test integrity. If your result is still pending after 48 hours, you may contact support for a status update.
Can I use my Duolingo English Test results for visa applications?
In most cases, DET scores are accepted only by universities, not for visa applications. Countries like the UK, USA, or Australia usually require IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE for visa processing, so always check embassy guidelines separately from university admissions.
Will I get a separate score for speaking or writing in the Duolingo test report?
The Duolingo test provides sub-scores for Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, and Production instead of traditional skill-specific scores. These cover all four language skills through an integrated evaluation model, offering a holistic view of your English proficiency.
What can cause a delay in receiving Duolingo test results?
Delays may occur due to identity verification issues, internet instability during the test, suspicious activity, or high review volumes. Duolingo’s automated and human proctoring systems analyze every session to maintain test security before issuing results.
Are Duolingo English Test scores accepted for competitive graduate programs?
Yes, many competitive graduate programs, especially in the USA and Canada, now accept DET scores. However, some may have higher score requirements or prefer traditional tests, so always check individual program details before applying.
How can I send my Duolingo results to multiple universities?
You can send your Duolingo results to unlimited institutions for free through the Duolingo dashboard. Simply select your certified result, click “Send Results,” and choose the institutions where you'd like to share your scores instantly.
What happens if my Duolingo test is not certified?
If your test is not certified, it means it failed to meet Duolingo’s proctoring standards. Common reasons include looking away from the screen, background noise, or technical issues. You will need to retake the test to obtain a valid result.
Can I download and print a copy of my Duolingo results?
Yes, once certified, you can download a PDF version of your Duolingo score report directly from your account. This document includes your overall and subscores, making it easy to submit to institutions that require offline verification.
Is there an expiration date for Duolingo English Test results?
Yes, Duolingo English Test results are valid for two years from the date of certification. Ensure your score is within the acceptable timeframe required by the university or college you're applying to.
How reliable are Duolingo scores compared to IELTS or TOEFL?
Duolingo’s AI-driven scoring system is aligned with international standards like the CEFR. While accepted by thousands of universities, some institutions still prefer IELTS or TOEFL due to longer-standing credibility. Always check if your chosen program trusts DET equivalency.
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