The Duolingo English Test is a flexible, fast, and cost-effective way to demonstrate your English proficiency for applications to universities and colleges. Here, you'll learn step-by-step everything you need to know about creating your account, booking your test appointment, preparing, the test day itself, and submitting your results.

1. Create a Duolingo Account

To take the Duolingo English Test, you first need to create an account on the official Duolingo English Test website. The registration process only takes a few minutes:

1. Open the Duolingo English Test website: Go to englishtest.duolingo.com.

2. Click "Sign Up": Select "Sign Up" and enter your personal data (first name, last name, and email address).

3. Create a username and password: Establish a username and a secure password.

4. Confirm your account: Confirm your email address with the verification code you receive by email.

5. Complete your account details:

   • Select your native language.

   • Indicate whether you need the test for a university application or for other reasons.

6. Start the test: After setting up your account, you can either start the test immediately or choose a later time.

2. Book your Duolingo Test Appointment

Duolingo offers very flexible test booking, as the test can be taken at any time. This is how you book your test appointment:

1. Sign in to your Duolingo account.

2. Click "Take the Test":

   You can either start the test immediately after registration or choose a later time.

3. Check the technical requirements:

   Duolingo will automatically check your internet connection, camera, microphone, and speakers.

4. Enter payment information:

   Select the payment method (credit card, PayPal, etc.) and complete the payment.

5. Confirm the test window: You have 21 days to start the test after the payment has been made. You can take the test at any time within these 21 days.

3. Duolingo Test Preparation

Thorough preparation for the Duolingo English Test is crucial for a good result. Here are some recommendations to optimize your preparation:

1. Use the official Duolingo Practice Tests:

   • You can take free practice tests on the Duolingo English Test website.

   • These tests will help you become familiar with the format and tasks.

2. Utilize additional learning resources:

   • The Duolingo English Test website offers many additional materials, including videos, guides, and sample questions.

   • You can also prepare with general English tests like TOEFL or IELTS to improve your language skills in all areas.

3. Use the "Test Readiness" feature:

   • Duolingo offers a feature that allows you to assess your test readiness. This function will show you your strengths and weaknesses and give you tips on what to focus on.

4. Avoid stress situations on test day:

   • Ensure that you can take the test in a quiet and undisturbed environment.

   • Allow enough time for the test (approx. 1 hour) and make sure you are well-rested and focused.

5. Test your equipment in advance:

   • Check your camera, microphone, and internet connection before starting the test to avoid technical issues.

   • Make sure your browser (preferably Chrome or Firefox) is up-to-date and that no background programs are running that could affect your internet speed.

4. Duolingo: Test Day - What to Consider?

On the test day, it is important to strictly follow all rules and technical requirements to ensure your test is valid. Here are the most important points:

Preparation before the test start

1. Test location:

   • A quiet room that is well-lit and completely free of distractions.

   • No other persons may be present during the test.

   • The desk must be empty, except for your computer and the permitted note-taking materials (a whiteboard or a transparent plastic sheet and a dry-erase marker).

   • Ensure that no mirrors or reflective surfaces are visible in the background.

2. Technical requirements:

   • Computer: Desktop or laptop with Chrome or Firefox (no tablets/smartphones).

   • Webcam: The camera must show your face and the entire work area.

   • Microphone and speakers: Headphones or headsets are not allowed.

   • Internet connection: Stable and fast internet connection to avoid interruptions.

3. Identity verification:

   • You must present a valid ID (passport, ID card, or driver's license).

   • Show the room with the webcam to ensure that no unauthorized materials are present.

5. Sending Duolingo Results

After successfully completing the Duolingo test, you will typically receive your test results within 48 hours. This is how you send your results to the desired institutions:

1. Sign in to your Duolingo account: Go to the website and log in.

2. Go to "Test Results": Click on the "Test Results" section to view your scores.

3. Select "Send Results": Choose the "Send Results" option.

4. Search for the desired institutions:

   • Enter the name of the university or organization you want to send the results to.

5. Add recipients:

   • Add the recipients to the list. You can select up to 40 institutions for free.

6. Confirm the selection:

   • Verify that all desired institutions are included in the recipient list and confirm the selection.

6. Rescheduling the Duolingo Test

Duolingo offers the flexibility to easily reschedule or change the start time of the test. Since there are no fixed test dates, the process is very straightforward:

1. Log in to your Duolingo account.

2. Go to "My Tests":

   Click on the test you want to reschedule or change.

3. Select "Reschedule" or "Change Test Time":

   You can change the start time at any time before you have logged in.

4. Confirm the change:

   There are no fees as long as you make the changes within the 21-day window.