Duolingo English Test eligibility criteria involve minimal requirements. There are no academic prerequisites, no nationality restrictions, and no mandatory documentation needed to register. All you need is a valid Indian passport at the time of taking the test. Anyone with a valid passport, a quiet testing environment, and a computer with a camera, a microphone, and a stable internet connection can take the test. While Duolingo recommends test-takers to be 13 years or older (and some institutions may set their own minimum age requirements), DET is essentially open to all.
DET has become one of the most accessible and widely accepted English proficiency exams for students applying to universities abroad. Unlike traditional exams like IELTS or TOEFL, the DET can be taken entirely online, making it a convenient option for applicants across the world. Because of its flexibility, affordability, and global acceptance, understanding the Duolingo eligibility criteria is crucial for students planning to submit DET scores for admission to universities in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and beyond.
Duolingo English Test Eligibility 2026
DET has no strict academic or nationality-based eligibility. Anyone can register and take it to demonstrate English skills for study abroad. It's ideal for undergraduate, postgraduate, or professional applications. Here's a breakdown:
| Category | Requirement / Details |
|---|---|
| Age | No minimum or maximum age limit. Candidates under 13 years old require parental, guardian consent (contact Duolingo support). |
| Education | None required. Suitable for high school students, undergraduates, or professionals applying abroad. |
| Identification | Passport ONLY. Must match your registration name exactly. |
| Technical Setup |
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| Other |
|
Age Limit on Duolingo English Test
Duolingo does not set a minimum age for taking the test, but students under 13 years old must provide parental consent. This is done through an online consent form that must be completed at the time of registration.
Ques. Can parents sit in the room while a minor takes the DET?
Ans. No. Regardless of age, no one else is allowed in the room during the exam. External presence leads to test invalidation.
Ques. Is the parental consent form required for every retake?
Ans. No. Once consent is granted for the child’s account, it generally applies to all future DET attempts unless Duolingo requests an update.
Duolingo English Test Academic Qualifications
There are no academic qualifications needed to take the Duolingo English Test. Applicants do not have to show any educational documents, and the test is open to anyone who can register online and complete the payment.
Ques. Can DET be taken by students who are not currently enrolled in any school or college?
Ans. Yes. Drop-year students or individuals between academic stages can take the test without restrictions.
Ques. Will Duolingo ask for academic transcripts during verification?
Ans. No. DET does not cross-check academic history. Universities may later request transcripts separately for admission.
Duolingo English Test Requirements
Before taking the Duolingo English Test, candidates must ensure they meet the basic technical and environmental requirements. These include:
- A valid ID (ONLY Passport for Indian students)
- A quiet, well-lit room
- At least 60 minutes of uninterrupted time
- A reliable internet connection
- A computer (Windows or macOS)
- A front-facing camera
- A microphone
- Functional speakers
The Duolingo English Test is designed to be convenient, fast, and affordable, allowing candidates to take it anytime, from anywhere. The entire test can be completed in about 1 hour, and results are typically available within 48 hours. Many countries now accept DET scores for student visa applications as well. Additionally, there is no limit on the number of attempts, you may take the test as many times as you wish.
Must Read: Duolingo English Test Readiness
Ques. Can I take the DET on a Linux computer?
Ans. No. Duolingo currently supports only Windows and macOS operating systems for the test.
Ques. What happens if my internet drops during the test?
Ans. The test may pause or end depending on the disruption. Duolingo Support will review your case, but a retake may require a new payment.
Duolingo English Test Attempts Limit
There is no overall limit on how many times you can take the Duolingo English Test (DET). However, Duolingo does have a few rules that candidates must follow:
Key Points to Remember:
- You cannot take the test more than 3 times within a 30-day period.
- After purchasing the test, you get 21 days to take it. After that, the exam expires, and you will have to purchase another at full cost.
- If you’re unsure about your attempt limit, check your purchase history from the last 30 days to see how many tests you have already bought.
Also Read
Ques. Does each retake require full payment?
Ans. Yes. Every DET attempt is treated as a separate test purchase unless you receive a voucher from an institution.
Ques. Will universities see how many times I attempted the DET?
Ans. No. Institutions only see your submitted score report, not your attempt history.
Duolingo English Test Score Validity
The Duolingo English Test score is valid for 2 years from the date you take the exam. Once your results are available, you can send your scores to unlimited institutions for free.
Although the DET is a relatively new English proficiency test, more universities around the world are now accepting it as proof of English language skills. However, score validity and acceptance criteria can vary from one university to another.
Since policies may change over time, applicants should regularly check the official websites of their chosen universities to stay updated on the latest DET score requirements and validity rules.
Must Read
The Duolingo English Test offers one of the simplest and most flexible eligibility processes for students planning to study abroad. With no academic or nationality restrictions and minimal technical requirements, it is accessible to almost anyone. As global acceptance continues to grow, DET has become a reliable option for proving English proficiency for university admissions and visa applications. Students should always check institution-specific policies to stay updated on the latest requirements.
FAQs
Ques. Can Indian students use documents other than a passport for DET in emergencies?
Ans. No. Duolingo strictly requires a passport for Indian test-takers. If your passport has expired, you must renew it before booking the test.
Ques. Is DET eligibility different for undergraduate and postgraduate admissions?
Ans. No. The eligibility to take the test is the same for both. However, universities may set different score requirements depending on the program level.
Ques. Can working professionals take the DET for job or immigration purposes?
Ans. Yes. Many employers and certain immigration pathways accept DET as proof of English proficiency, depending on the country or organization.
Ques. Are homeschooled students eligible for DET?
Ans. Absolutely. Homeschooled applicants can take the test without any additional requirements since no academic documents are needed.
Ques. Can minors use school-issued IDs if they don’t have a passport?
Ans. Not for Indian students. Even minors must use a valid passport as Duolingo does not accept school IDs.
Ques. Is DET suitable for candidates from non-English medium backgrounds?
Ans. Yes. Many test-takers from regional or non-English-medium schools use DET successfully after basic preparation.
Ques. Can I use Bluetooth earphones or external headphones?
Ans. No. Headphones or earphones of any kind are not allowed. You must use computer speakers for audio playback.
Ques. Can I take multiple tests in a single day?
Ans. You can purchase multiple tests, but you can attempt only one test at a time and stay within the 3-attempt/30-day rule.
Ques. Can I resend DET scores to institutions after the two-year validity expires?
Ans. No. Once the score expires, institutions will no longer accept it, and you must reattempt the test.
Ques. Do universities accept superscoring (combining the best section scores from multiple attempts)?
Ans. No. Duolingo issues a single composite score per attempt. Universities consider only one complete score report.
Ques. Can I access and download my score certificate anytime?
Ans. Yes. As long as your score is valid, you can access and download your certificate through your Duolingo account dashboard.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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