These are the questions students ask us most often about the Duolingo English Test (DET) and about Teachero’s courses — answered briefly, with no filler, and updated for 2026. They come from students in dozens of countries, so if the exact answer for your programme is not here, message us and we will look it up with you.
Three parts: the test itself, scores and admission, and our live online courses.
- Score scale10–160 in steps of 5
- SubscoresLiteracy, Comprehension, Conversation, Production
- Validity2 years
- Accepted by6,000+ institutions worldwide
- Teachero courseLive online in English + lesson recordings you can review
About the test
How long is it?
About an hour in total: an adaptive section, then Writing and Speaking samples that are sent to institutions alongside your score.
What does “adaptive” mean?
The difficulty moves with your answers. Harder items later in a section usually mean you are doing well, so they are not a reason to panic — and skipping one costs more than a calm, complete attempt.
How often can I retake it?
Up to 3 certified tests in any 30-day period. Take the official practice test before a certified one so the format is already familiar.
What question types come up?
Read and Select, Fill in the Blanks, Read and Complete, Interactive Reading, Listen and Type, Interactive Listening, Read Aloud, Speak About the Photo, Read Then Speak, Listen Then Speak, Write About the Photo, Interactive Writing, Summarize the Conversation, plus the Writing Sample and Speaking Sample. Each one has its own strategy — that is what our course drills.
Which skills are hardest for most students?
Production and Conversation, because they are the two that cannot be bluffed: you have to build an answer quickly and then deliver it. That is where personal correction makes the biggest difference.
Scores and admission
What score do universities need?
It varies by programme: roughly 95–105 for many bachelor programmes, 110–120 for most universities, 120–130 for competitive and graduate programmes. See the UK university requirements and always confirm with the admissions office.
How is the score built?
Scores run 10–160 in steps of 5, with 4 subscores (Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, Production) and 4 skill scores (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking). Some departments set a minimum on a subscore as well as on the overall score, so read the requirement twice.
Is the DET accepted for visas?
It is accepted for admission by 6,000+ institutions worldwide, but it is not a visa English test everywhere: it is not a UKVI SELT, and it is not accepted for the Australian subclass 500 visa. Canada’s SDS route was discontinued in November 2024, so the regular study permit applies and your institution decides what English evidence it needs.
How long is a score valid?
Two years, and you can send it to institutions from your Duolingo account.
DET or IELTS or TOEFL?
On format, the DET is one adaptive hour with computer-delivered Speaking and Writing, while IELTS and TOEFL run longer with fixed sections. On acceptance, the DET covers 6,000+ institutions for admission, while IELTS and TOEFL are recognised more widely on visa routes. If your universities accept the DET, it is usually the most direct path to an offer.
Teachero courses
Who can join?
Anyone, anywhere. Teachero is an online DET academy and students join from the Gulf, Africa, Europe, Turkey, Asia and the Americas.
What language are the classes in?
English, throughout, taught by highly qualified certified instructors specialised in international English exams — so the whole course doubles as exam rehearsal.
What is the difference between the three courses?
Standard: more days, fewer hours per day — a steady pace with time to practise in between. Intensive: fewer days, more hours per day, for a test that is close. Private: one-to-one, content and pace built around you. Schedules are set per round — message us on WhatsApp, or see the course page.
Live or recorded?
Both. Classes are live, and every lecture is uploaded the same day as a lesson recording you can review — which is why any time zone works.
Is there personal correction?
Yes. Your Speaking and Writing are corrected personally by a teacher, never by software.
Are there mock tests?
Yes, full mock tests before your real exam, reviewed with you.
How do I pay?
Card online (Visa or Mastercard) from any country; other payment options are available on WhatsApp.
Can parents follow progress?
Yes, we send progress updates to parents on request.
Choosing your target score
Decide the number before you decide anything else, because it sets how much work each skill needs.
| Typical DET requirement | Where you usually see it |
|---|---|
| 90–100 | Foundation and many bachelor programmes |
| 105–115 | The broad middle of undergraduate admissions |
| 120–125 | Most master’s programmes |
| 130+ | Competitive and selective programmes |
Check the subscore line as well as the overall number: an otherwise fine result is most often rejected because one subscore sits under a stated minimum. Bring the requirement to your first class and we plan backwards from it.
Frequently asked questions
How is the Duolingo English Test scored?
On a scale of 10–160 in steps of 5, with four subscores (Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, Production) and four skill scores (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking). Results are valid for two years.
What score do most universities require?
Around 110–120 for most universities, 95–105 for many bachelor programmes, and 120–130 for competitive or graduate programmes. Confirm with your admissions office.
Can I join the course from any country?
Yes. Teachero is an online DET academy; classes are live and every lecture is uploaded the same day as a lesson recording you can review, so your time zone is not a barrier.
What language are the classes taught in?
English, by certified instructors specialised in international English exams. Arabic-language support is available for Arabic-speaking students who want it.
When are the classes and which course should I take?
Schedules are set per round — message us on WhatsApp for the next round’s details. The standard course keeps a steady pace, the intensive runs fewer days with more hours a day, and the private course is one-to-one built around you.
Is the course suitable if my English is not strong yet?
Strategy is built up from the basics with personal correction on your own answers, but the course is not a beginner English programme. Message us and we will tell you honestly whether it fits.
Is the DET accepted in the UK?
Most UK universities accept it for degree-level admission, usually via their own assessment; it is not a UKVI SELT, so check the visa route with the university.
How do I join?
Message us on WhatsApp at +20 105 578 5572 and we will set everything up.
Still have a question? Send it on WhatsApp and we will answer quickly.
Last updated: September 2026