Exam field guide
Duolingo English Test preparation with a clear practice method
Develop adaptable English skills through short decisions, close reading, and concise writing practice.
- Provider
- Duolingo
- Format version
- 2026.2
- Registry verified
- Speaking
- Not assessed
Duolingo English Test · 2026.2
Format ledger
| Section | Items | Duration | Compass route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compass Reading rehearsal | 40 | 31 min | Supported |
| Compass Listening rehearsal | 25 | 20 min | Supported |
| Compass Writing rehearsal | 6 | 16 min | Supported |
| Official four-skill adaptive test | Variable | 60 min | Outside scope |
Preparation priorities
- make accurate decisions without rushing
- use surrounding language to resolve uncertainty
- write concise responses with specific support
Score boundary
Speaking is Not assessed. The supported sections are: Compass Reading rehearsal, Compass Listening rehearsal, Compass Writing rehearsal. The registered policy disables an overall result, so this practice produces neither a complete official result nor an eligibility decision. The registry format notice is reproduced separately without modification.
The original 75-interaction four-skill draft delivers 40 Reading, 25 Listening, 6 Writing, and 4 Speaking interactions with uncalibrated Compass two-stage routing. The official DET changes difficulty continuously, can vary length, and uses calibrated IRT and response models across all four skills. Constructed Writing and Speaking are not assessed, so Compass produces no official score, no 10-160 estimate, and no overall or admission result.
Source ledger
Provider and public-authority references recorded in the exam registry.
- DET Test Structuretestcenter.zendesk.comOpen source
- DET Test Structure and Questionstestcenter.zendesk.comOpen source
- How the DET Items Are Scoredtestcenter.zendesk.comOpen source
- How is the DET scored?blog.englishtest.duolingo.comOpen source
- DET research and technical materialenglishtest.duolingo.comOpen source
Frequently asked questions
How should I practise rapid language decisions?
Set a clear evidence rule for the task, answer once the rule is met, and review hesitation separately from actual errors.
What helps when vocabulary is unfamiliar?
Use word parts, sentence role, and the meaning of nearby clauses before deciding whether the word fits the context.
How can a short written response stay specific?
Choose one central point, support it with a concrete detail, and remove sentences that merely repeat the prompt.
Duolingo English Test
Turn the format into evidence
Start with a short skills check, then rehearse the supported structure under its recorded timing.