Is Duolingo English Test Free (2024)?

You can take the Duolingo English Test for free, but only under specific circumstances. Most people will need to pay the standard fee to take the test. This blog post details the standard fees, the conditions for free testing, and the rules for free retakes.

Standard Fees

The Duolingo English Test (DET) offers transparent pricing for individuals seeking to assess their English proficiency.

Single Test Fee: The cost for taking the test once is $65, which covers the entire testing process, including access to the online platform and scoring of your results.

Two-Test Package: For those who might need to retake the test or are preparing multiple applications, a two-test package is available for $110. This option provides a more economical way to manage retesting.

Additional Fees: If you require your results more urgently, the DET offers expedited services:

If you need your test results within 12 hours, you can opt for the expedited service for an additional $39. This ensures prompt delivery of your scores, which can be crucial for tight application deadlines.

After obtaining certification, the exam results can be shared for free and are valid for two years.

Fee Waivers and Free Opportunities

Duolingo aims to make its English test more accessible, especially for individuals facing financial difficulties.

Fee Waiver Policy: Each year, more than 10,000 fee waivers are available. These waivers are distributed through universities, so applicants should inquire with the institutions they are applying to in order to determine their eligibility.

Free Opportunities for Low-Income Students: Additionally, low-income students may have the chance to take the Duolingo English Test for free. This initiative aims to support students who might otherwise struggle to afford the testing fee, promoting greater access to education and opportunities.

Free Retake Rules

When you purchase a Duolingo English Test, you'll receive one credit, which gives you three attempts. If you’ve already taken the Duolingo English Test and need to retake it, you might be eligible to do so for free!

Here are the situations in which you can retake the Duolingo English Test at no cost:

l You encountered a technical issue during the test.

l Your test was not certified due to a "minor" rule violation, such as frequently looking away from the screen, and you still have attempts remaining on that credit.

For specific rules regarding the three retake opportunities, candidates can refer to this article.

https://www.detpractice.com/how-many-times-can-i-take-duolingo-english-test

Here’s a list of situations where you cannot retake the Duolingo English Test for free:

l Serious Rule Violations: If Duolingo suspects that you violated a serious testing rule—such as seeking help during the exam—you must either buy a new test or appeal to your results. Appeals must be submitted within 72 hours of receiving your results.

l Certified Results: If your results have been certified, you will need to purchase a new test.

l Blocked Account Notification: If you received an email stating that your Duolingo English Test account has been blocked—typically due to serious rule violations like having someone else take the test for you—you will need to submit an appeal. If your appeal is denied, you will not be able to retake the test.

l Expired Test: If two years have passed since your test date and your original Duolingo English Test has expired, you will need to buy a new test.

In summary, the Duolingo English Test offers a variety of pricing options, expedited services for urgent needs, and opportunities for financial assistance, making it a flexible and accessible choice for English language assessment.