Learn the test before you chase a score
Choosing where to practise? Compare PrepEx, Arno and DETPractice for free access, full mocks and useful feedback.
Unsure what your result means? Learn how accurate the Duolingo practice score is, why estimates differ, and how to use a practice log to plan your next session.
How the DET works
Understand the one-hour flow, computer-adaptive delivery, task sequence, and the Writing and Speaking Samples.
All 13 task families
See the current frequency, timing, response mode, and direct practice link for every parent task family.
10–160 score guide
Learn how overall, individual, and integrated subscores are reported and how different response types are evaluated.
Room and equipment setup
Prepare the supported computer, second camera, accepted ID, speakers, room, desk, software, and network.
Rolling seven-day plan
Turn your test date, focus subscores, and completed PrepEx attempts into one available next action at a time.
PrepEx practice tests
Run a complete PrepEx mock when you understand the task families and can protect an uninterrupted practice window.
Choose a section, then choose the exact task
DET Reading practice
Work on word decisions, vocabulary in context, C-test passages, and linked reading sets.
DET Listening practice
Separate exact dictation practice from conversation tracking and summarization.
DET Writing practice
Compare photo description, connected interactive responses, and the extended sample.
DET Speaking practice
Practise visual description, prepared answers, adaptive conversation, and the shared sample.
What each DET task asks you to do
The current test uses 13 parent task families. Start with the short description below, note the time pressure, and open the dedicated guide when you need the full method and matching PrepEx practice. The groups follow PrepEx's primary practice sections; one response can still contribute evidence to more than one DET subscore.
Reading task types
DET Reading moves from five-second word decisions to linked passage work. Use the four guides below to practise the format you actually need.
Read and Select
Decide whether each displayed string is a real English word.
- Appears
- 15–18 words
- Time
- 5 seconds each
- Practise
- Build fast word recognition without guessing from familiarity alone.
Fill in the Blanks
Complete one unfinished word in a sentence by typing only the missing letters.
- Appears
- 6–9 sentences
- Time
- 20 seconds each
- Practise
- Read the whole sentence before committing to a word.
Read and Complete
Restore missing letters across a passage using vocabulary, grammar, and context.
- Appears
- 3–6 passages
- Time
- 3 minutes each
- Practise
- Read once for the topic before filling every gap.
Interactive Reading
Answer connected vocabulary, passage, evidence, main-idea, and title questions.
- Appears
- 2 sets of 6 questions
- Time
- Shared 7- or 8-minute timer
- Practise
- Track the set timer, not just the question in front of you.
Listening task types
Listening practice needs two different modes: exact sentence recovery and a linked conversation that ends with a written summary.
Listen and Type
Listen to a sentence and type what you hear, with up to three plays.
- Appears
- 6–9 sentences
- Time
- 1 minute each; up to 3 plays
- Practise
- Use the first play for the sentence shape and key content words.
Interactive Listening
Complete a conversation, respond to it, then write a short summary.
- Appears
- 2 sets of 8–10 questions
- Time
- Shared 6:30, then 75 seconds to summarize
- Practise
- Build a compact note trail: who, why, problem, response, and outcome.
Writing task types
The three writing families test different kinds of control: rapid visual description, connected responses, and one sustained sample.
Write About the Photo
Describe a photo in writing with relevant detail and clear language.
- Appears
- 3 photos
- Time
- 1 minute each
- Practise
- State the main scene first, then add precise, connected visual details.
Interactive Writing
Write an initial response, then answer a related follow-up prompt.
- Appears
- 1 set of 2 questions
- Time
- 30-second preparation; 5 minutes + 3 minutes
- Practise
- Develop the first answer clearly, then extend it with genuinely new information.
Writing Sample
Develop an extended written response that is shared with score recipients.
- Appears
- 1 prompt
- Time
- 30-second preparation; 5 minutes
- Practise
- Use a clear position or narrative thread and develop a few specific ideas.
Speaking task types
Speaking tasks range from a visual description to a multi-turn conversation and a three-minute sample. Practise the response shape as well as pronunciation.
Speak About the Photo
Describe a photo aloud with relevant detail, structure, and clear delivery.
- Appears
- 1 prompt
- Time
- 20-second preparation; up to 90 seconds
- Practise
- Identify the setting and main action during preparation.
Read, Then Speak
Read a prompt, prepare briefly, and give a connected spoken response.
- Appears
- 1 prompt
- Time
- 20-second preparation; up to 90 seconds
- Practise
- Turn the prompt into two or three short answer points.
Interactive Speaking
Respond to a sequence of related spoken questions in a simulated conversation.
- Appears
- 1 set of 6–8 questions
- Time
- 35 seconds per answer
- Practise
- Answer the exact question in the first sentence.
Speaking Sample
Give an extended response; the official test shares the recorded video with score recipients.
- Appears
- 1 prompt
- Time
- 30-second preparation; 3 minutes
- Practise
- Use preparation time to choose a position and two developed points.
Move from information into the right attempt
| Goal | Best resource | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Learn the current structure | DET format guide | You are new to the test or returning after a format change. |
| Understand one task | DET task library | You need its timing, response mode, and practice link before trying it. |
| Target one skill | DET skill-practice guides | You know the section but need to compare its task families first. |
| Run a full session | PrepEx practice tests | You want a complete practice experience and a saved PrepEx report. |
| Plan the next week | DET Study Plan | You have a test date and want a focused sequence based on your evidence. |
| Review saved evidence | DET Dashboard | You want task coverage, recent results, and practice recommendations. |
| Prepare the real room | DET setup guide | You need to verify equipment, phone-camera placement, ID, and rules. |
Four facts to anchor your preparation
You need a supported desktop or laptop with a front-facing camera, microphone, and speakers, plus a charged phone camera that records your head, shoulders, screen, and keyboard. You also need a physical accepted ID and a private, well-lit room.
Use PrepEx to learn and practise; use Duolingo for official decisions
PrepEx creates independent practice content, feedback, and practice estimates. It does not reproduce Duolingo's operational item bank, adaptive selector, proctoring, or scoring model. Check the current official pages again before your test because rules and technical requirements can change.
- Official DET Test Structure
- Official item-scoring overview
- Official test policies, rules, and requirements
- Official device and operating-system requirements
- Official phone-camera setup
Official pages rechecked September 1, 2026. Duolingo's live Help Center remains the authority for current candidate rules.