If you’re preparing for the Duolingo English Test (DET), you probably want to prove your English level in a quick and affordable way.
Whether you’re applying for a university, a visa, or a new job, understanding the Duolingo test cost —and how it compares to others—can help you make the best decision possible.
In this guide, we’ll break down the Duolingo English Test price, additional fees, and smart strategies to save money while improving your score.
How Much Does the Duolingo English Test Cost?
The Duolingo English Test is known for being:
- Cheap
- Quick
- Convenient
That’s especially when compared to traditional exams like IELTS and TOEFL.
Current Duolingo Test Price in Different Regions
Starting in February 2025, the standard price for the Duolingo English Test is $70 USD.
Unlike IELTS & TOEFL, it doesn’t matter which country you live in. The price that DET charges will always be the same.
However, the price you pay may vary slightly depending on regional taxes or conversion rates, so it’s a good idea to check the latest Duolingo English Test price on the official Duolingo website.
Comparison Between the Duolingo Test and Other English Exams
| Exam | Cost | Duration | Results |
| Duolingo English Test | $70 USD | ~1 hour | 2 days |
| IELTS | $215–$250 USD | 2 hours 45 minutes+ | 5–7 days |
| TOEFL | $190–$250 USD | ~3 hours | 6 days |
Why does the Duolingo Test stand out?
- Affordable: You save almost $200 compared to the other exams.
- Fast and Flexible: Take it online from home in just one hour.
- Quick Results: Get your scores in 2 days, compared to a week or more for other tests.
You can get a 10% discount on the Duolingo English Test price, and get your results in just 24 hours, through Last Minute English.
Factors That Influence the Duolingo English Test Price
There are a few reasons why the DET is cheaper than IELTS & TOEFL:
Why Is the Duolingo English Test Price Lower Than Other Exams?
- Fully Online: Unlike traditional exams, there are no testing centers, in-person examiner or invigilators. Those people are expensive! (I should know – I used to be an IELTS Examiner!)
- Streamlined Process: The test uses AI-driven technology for assessment, reducing costs.
- Global Accessibility: It’s designed to be taken anywhere, anytime—no travel expenses.
Additional Fees: Sending Results to Universities and Institutions
A big complaint that many students have about TOEFL is that they charge you so much money ($25 each time after your first four!) to send your results to different universities.
So for instance, if you wanted to send your TOEFL results to 10 universities, it could cost you an extra $150, on top of the exam fee!
One of the big advantages of the Duolingo English Test is that you can send your scores to as many institutions as you like—for free.
And your DET results are valid for 2 years, just like IELTS and TOEFL, so you have plenty of time to save all those $25 and $25… and $25, $25, $25!
(And if you’re like me, that’s a lot of extra ice-cream you can afford to buy!)
Duolingo Test Cost: How to Save Money on Your Exam
Now, the Duolingo English Test price is pretty low, but if you have to take it 5 times, the costs will start to rise.
The cheapest possible way of taking the DET is to pass it first time.
If you keep failing and taking it again, you will start to spend a lot of money.
So here’s how you can maximize your chances of passing on your first try and avoid the cost of taking the test again and again:
1. Strategies to Pass the Duolingo Test on Your First Attempt
At Last Minute English, we help students like you score 120 the first time you take the DET.
We always tell our students to focus on:
- Practicing production skills: Improve your speaking and writing with prompts similar to the test. Don’t write your first Interactive Writing answer in the real test!
- Using model answers: Learn from high-scoring examples. For instance:
Sample Question: “Technology has transformed the workplace. Have you experienced changes? Do you think the changes are positive?“
Sample Answer:
“Technology has radically transformed the modern workplace, changing how people communicate, collaborate, and complete tasks. I have personally experienced several of these changes, and overall, I believe they have been positive.
One major shift is the rise of remote work. Thanks to video conferencing tools and cloud-based platforms, it is now possible to work effectively from almost anywhere. This has made teams more flexible and improved work-life balance. Another key development is the use of automation and AI. In my experience, these tools help reduce repetitive tasks, allowing people to focus on creative or strategic work.
Although some worry about job losses, I think the benefits outweigh the downsides. Technology has increased efficiency and opened up new types of jobs and skills.
In conclusion, the changes brought by technology in the workplace have improved productivity and flexibility. If used wisely, these tools can make work more efficient and rewarding.“
For more Level 140 Sample Answers, check out our DET Preparation Course.
2. Use Free Resources and Practice Exercises
There are lots of free things you can use online to practice.
For instance, you can use the free exercises, videos, and sample prompts like the ones we share on our YouTube channel.
Practicing consistently will save you time, stress, and money.
Duolingo English Test Fees: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Take the Duolingo Test for Free?
No, but at just $70 USD, it’s significantly cheaper than other options. And you can get a 10% discount if you study with Last Minute English.
2. How Many Times Can I Take the Duolingo Test, and How Much Will It Cost Me?
You can take the test as many times as you need overall. But… you can only take it 3 times in 30 days.
And remember… each attempt costs $70, so make sure you prepare well so that you get your score first time.
3. Does the Duolingo Test Price Include Sending Results?
Yes! You can send your scores to unlimited institutions for free—no hidden fees.
Practical Tips to Improve Your Duolingo Test Score (and Save Money!)
Improving your production score is often the biggest challenge for students.
Production basically means speaking and writing for a long time.
Your Production score is decided by question types like:
- Interactive Writing (write for 5 & 3 minutes)
- Writing Sample (write for 5 minutes)
- Write about the Photo (write for 1 minute)
- Speaking Sample (speak for 3 minutes)
- Read then Speak (speak for 90 seconds)
- Speak about the Photo (speak for 90 seconds)
Production is different to Conversation, which is a mix of speaking and listening.
The time you speak in Conversation is also shorter than in Production.
How can you improve your Production score in DET?
Here are some tips to help you get the best Production score possible:
- Focus on clarity and structure: It’s very important to make your answers easy to understand, and well-organised. You should always start any long answer with a plan in your head about what you will say or write. Check out this article for more details.
- Record yourself speaking: If you only practice by speaking in your head, you will feel weird in the real DET. Instead, practice answering prompts aloud to build your confidence. In particular, you should focus on continuing and finishing your answers if you make a mistake. Remember, when you record yourself speaking in the DET, there’s no chance to start the recording again. It’s one time only!
- Learn from examples: Use high-quality sample answers (like the ones we provide at Last Minute English). Don’t learn those sample answers by heart, but instead, take useful words and sentences from them to use in your own test.
You can also check out Duolingo English Test Production videos like this:
Why Choose the Duolingo English Test Over Other English Exams?
Compared to traditional exams like IELTS or TOEFL, Duolingo offers:
- Online Convenience: You can take the test from home without visiting a testing center.
- Shorter Duration: You can finish the exam in just 60 minutes (as long as your mum doesn’t interrupt you!)
- Cheaper than IELTS: You can take the DET for as little as $63 with the Last Minute English 10% discount.
- Faster Results: You can get your results in as little as 24 hours if you book through Last Minute English.
Click here to find out more about our course.
By choosing the Duolingo English Test, you’re opting for an affordable, reliable, and flexible way to showcase your English skills. With the right preparation and resources, success is just a step away!
Final Thoughts
If you still have questions or need more guidance (about the Duolingo English Test price or something else), let us know in the comments. We’re here to help you achieve your goals—faster and smarter!
