The DET in 2026: What You Need to Know First
The Duolingo English Test is a 60-minute, fully online exam taken from home on a computer with a webcam, microphone, and — as of September 2025 — a mandatory secondary smartphone camera. It is scored on a scale of 10 to 160 and accepted by over 6,000 institutions across 110+ countries, including all eight Ivy League universities.
Unlike IELTS or TOEFL, the DET does not have separate reading, writing, listening, and speaking sections in fixed order. Instead, all four skills are assessed together through 13 distinct question types that appear mixed throughout a single 45-minute adaptive section. The difficulty of each question adjusts in real time based on how you answered the previous one — this is the IRT (Item Response Theory) algorithm that makes the DET adaptive.
This guide covers the current 2026 format — including every change introduced in the July 1, 2025 update, which removed two question types, added one, and significantly restructured two others. If you have been preparing with older materials, some of what you know about the test format is outdated.
The DET does not test skills in isolated blocks. Every question type simultaneously draws on reading, writing, listening, or speaking — and most affect more than one subscore. Understanding the format is the single most efficient preparation investment you can make.
DET 2026: Complete Format Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total duration | ~60 minutes |
| Number of sections | 3 (Setup, Adaptive Test, Sample Section) |
| Number of question types | 13 (as of July 1, 2025 update) |
| Scoring scale | 10–160 (in 5-point increments) |
| Subscores reported | 8 — Literacy, Comprehension, Production, Conversation (integrated) + Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking (individual) |
| Score validity | 2 years from test date |
| Results delivery | Within 48 hours standard; 12-hour fast-track for +$40 |
| Test location | From home — webcam + secondary smartphone camera required |
| Cost | $70 USD (single test); $118 for a 2-test bundle |
| Last major format change | July 1, 2025 — Interactive Speaking added; Read Aloud and Listen Then Speak removed |
The Three Parts of the DET
Every DET session follows the same three-part structure in fixed order:
| Part | Duration | What Happens | Scored? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 1: Setup | ~5 minutes | ID verification, system check, webcam calibration, secondary camera setup. The test does not begin until both cameras are confirmed active. | No |
| Part 2: Adaptive Test | ~45 minutes | All 13 question types appear here in mixed order, adapting in difficulty to your real-time performance. This section determines your overall score and all eight subscores. | Yes |
| Part 3: Sample Section | ~10 minutes | Writing Sample (5 min) and Speaking Sample (1–3 min). These are not scored by the adaptive algorithm but are sent directly to universities alongside your score report. Admissions officers read and watch them. | Sent to universities |
One critical point about Part 3 that many candidates underestimate: because admissions officers view the Writing Sample and Speaking Sample directly, a weak performance here can raise doubts even when your overall score is strong. Treat these as scored tasks in your preparation.
What Changed in the July 2025 Update
Many guides published before mid-2025 describe a test format that no longer exists. Here is a precise summary of every change from the July 1, 2025 update:
| Change Type | Detail |
|---|---|
| ADDED | Interactive Speaking — 6 questions in a simulated conversation with an animated character. 35 seconds to record each response. Replaces the conversational depth that Listen, Then Speak previously covered. |
| REMOVED | Read Aloud — no longer appears on the test. |
| REMOVED | Listen, Then Speak — no longer appears on the test. |
| EXPANDED | Interactive Listening — now begins with a Listen and Complete subtask (3–4 fill-in-the-blank questions while listening). The scenario audio can be paused and replayed; the timer continues during playback. |
| REMOVED | Minimum time requirements — the minimum required response duration was removed for: Interactive Writing, Speak About the Photo, Read Then Speak, Writing Sample, and Speaking Sample. You may submit when satisfied. |
| ADDED (Sept 2025) | Secondary camera requirement — a smartphone positioned to capture your full screen and keyboard is now mandatory for all certified sessions. |
All 13 DET Question Types Explained (2026)
Below is every question type currently on the DET, organized by the primary skill it tests. Each entry covers what appears on screen, exactly what you do, how long you have, how often it appears, and which subscores it affects.
Reading Question Types
1. Read and Select
| What you see | A single word displayed on screen for 5 seconds. |
| What you do | Click Yes if it is a real English word, No if it is an invented word. There is no typing — just one click per question. |
| Time limit | 5 seconds per word. The screen advances automatically. |
| Frequency | 15–18 times throughout the adaptive section |
| Subscores | Literacy, Reading |
| Key tip | Trust your instinct — most invented words have subtly wrong letter combinations (e.g., flurment, cradive). Overthinking costs you the 5 seconds. Real words at higher difficulty levels will be rare, low-frequency academic vocabulary. |
2. Fill in the Blanks
| What you see | A short passage (3–5 sentences) with one or more words partially removed — only the first letter(s) are shown. |
| What you do | Type the complete missing word in each blank. Both American and British spelling are accepted on this task. |
| Time limit | 20 seconds per sentence |
| Frequency | 6–9 times |
| Subscores | Literacy, Comprehension, Reading |
| Key tip | Read the entire sentence before typing. The surrounding grammar tells you whether a noun, verb, adjective, or transition word is required — this eliminates most guesswork even when the vocabulary is unfamiliar. |
3. Read and Complete
| What you see | A full paragraph (100–150 words) with the second half of multiple words removed — only the opening letters remain. The first and last sentences are always kept complete. |
| What you do | Type the missing letters to complete each word. American English spelling only — British spelling is not accepted on this task. |
| Time limit | 3 minutes for the entire passage |
| Frequency | 3–6 times |
| Subscores | Literacy, Comprehension, Reading |
| Key tip | Read the full passage before filling in any gap — context resolves most words automatically. A blank and a wrong answer receive the same score, so always attempt every gap. Never leave a blank empty. |
4. Interactive Reading
| What you see | A longer academic passage followed by a set of questions. This appears once as a grouped task with up to 5 different subtypes. |
| What you do | Answer all subtypes in sequence. The five subtypes are: Complete the Sentence (select the best word/phrase to complete a sentence from the passage), Complete the Passage (choose words from a dropdown to fill gaps), Highlight the Answer (click on the text that answers a given question), Identify the Idea (write a one-sentence summary of a paragraph), and Title the Passage (select the most appropriate title from options). |
| Frequency | 1 set per exam (containing multiple sub-questions) |
| Subscores | Literacy, Comprehension, Reading |
| Key tip | The Identify the Idea subtask requires you to write a sentence — it is the only Interactive Reading subtype that tests writing production. Do not rush it. A single precise sentence that accurately captures the paragraph's main point scores higher than a detailed but unfocused one. |
Listening Question Types
5. Listen and Type
| What you see | An audio clip plays — a short spoken statement of 5–15 seconds. |
| What you do | Type exactly what you heard, word for word. You can replay the audio up to 3 times. Minor spelling errors that do not change meaning are not penalized; missing function words (articles, prepositions) are penalized. |
| Time limit | No fixed typing limit, but a countdown begins after the last replay. |
| Frequency | 6–9 times |
| Subscores | Literacy, Comprehension, Listening |
| Key tip | Use all three replays strategically: first pass for overall meaning, second for filling gaps, third for verifying function words (a/an/the, in/on/at). Missing small words is the most common scoring error on this task. |
6. Interactive Listening
| What you see | Two full conversational scenarios — one casual (between classmates) and one formal (with a professor). Each lasts approximately 6–7 minutes. You are placed in the role of the student in both. |
| What you do | Answer questions across three subtypes per scenario: Listen and Complete (hear a short audio; fill in 3–4 blanks — NEW as of July 2025), Listen and Respond (select the most appropriate response to what the speaker just said — 5–6 questions per scenario), and Summarise the Conversation (write a short summary of the conversation — 75 seconds per summary). The scenario audio can be paused and replayed; the timer continues during playback. |
| Frequency | 2 full scenarios per exam |
| Subscores | Comprehension, Conversation, Listening |
| Key tip | For Listen and Respond, the correct answer is not always the most enthusiastic or agreeable response — it is the most pragmatically appropriate one in an academic context. Answers that are overly casual with a professor, or that contradict what was just said, are always wrong. For the Summarise the Conversation subtask, write in flowing prose — not bullet points — and focus on the main topic discussed and any conclusion or decision reached. |
Writing Question Types
7. Write About the Photo
| What you see | A photograph — an everyday scene, person, outdoor environment, or object. |
| What you do | Write one or more sentences describing what you see. Aim for 2–3 grammatically complex sentences (40–50 words). Describe only what is visible — no personal opinions. Hedged inferences ("appears to be," "likely") are acceptable and can boost your score. |
| Time limit | 60 seconds. No preparation time — the timer starts immediately. |
| Frequency | 3 times in a row (consecutive appearances, midway through the adaptive section) |
| Subscores | Writing, Literacy, Production |
| Key tip | Use the 3-part structure: foreground action → setting/background → mood or atmosphere inference. Reserve the final 10 seconds to proofread — typos and missing articles directly hurt your Literacy subscore. Writing three consecutive photos that each affect three subscores simultaneously makes this one of the highest-impact tasks on the exam. |
8. Interactive Writing
| What you see | A written discussion prompt — opinion, personal, or scenario-based. |
| What you do | Write a response in Phase 1 (5 minutes, ~120 words), then respond to a follow-up prompt in Phase 2 (3 minutes, ~80 words). During Phase 2, your Phase 1 response remains visible on screen — use this to reference and build on your earlier points with new vocabulary and new content. Phase 1 is locked after submission and cannot be edited. The follow-up prompt is pre-written, not AI-generated from your specific response. |
| Frequency | 1 time per exam |
| Subscores | Literacy, Production, Writing |
| Key tip | The single biggest Phase 2 mistake is paraphrasing Phase 1. The scoring model evaluates whether Phase 2 genuinely expands the argument — a new example, a counter-argument, a practical implication. Repeating the same points in different words provides no additional scoring signal. |
9. Writing Sample (Part 3 — sent to universities)
| What you see | An academic or personal essay prompt. |
| What you do | Write a structured response in 5 minutes. You receive 30 seconds of preparation time before writing begins. Aim for 100–130+ words. Minimum time requirement removed July 2025 — submit when satisfied. |
| Time limit | 5 minutes (+ 30 seconds preparation) |
| Frequency | 1 time — Part 3 only |
| Subscores | Not scored by the adaptive algorithm — sent directly to universities as a certified writing sample |
| Key tip | Use the 30-second preparation window to decide on your position and identify two supporting reasons before writing. A response that directly answers the prompt in the first sentence, develops two specific points with examples, and concludes with a forward-looking statement reads as C1+ to an admissions reviewer. |
Speaking Question Types
10. Speak About the Photo
| What you see | A photograph — the same category of images as Write About the Photo. |
| What you do | Describe the photo verbally into your webcam. Minimum time requirement removed July 2025 — speak until you have given a complete, detailed description. |
| Time limit | Up to 3 minutes. Submit when satisfied. |
| Frequency | 1 time |
| Subscores | Production, Conversation, Speaking |
| Key tip | Use the same foreground → background → inference structure as the written version, but deliver it as continuous spoken prose — not as a list of observations. Maintain a natural pace; speaking too quickly to fill time produces choppy, unnatural delivery that signals low oral fluency. |
11. Read, Then Speak
| What you see | A written prompt on a topic — similar in nature to the Interactive Writing prompts. |
| What you do | Read the prompt, then speak your response directly into your webcam. Organize your response with a clear position, two supporting points, and a brief conclusion. Minimum time requirement removed July 2025. |
| Time limit | Up to 3 minutes. Submit when satisfied. |
| Frequency | 1 time |
| Subscores | Comprehension, Production, Speaking |
| Key tip | Do not read the prompt aloud — the question tests spoken production, not reading. Use the reading time to plan your spoken response structure, then speak from memory. Candidates who look down to re-read the prompt repeatedly interrupt their own spoken fluency. |
12. Interactive Speaking ⭐ NEW — July 2025
| What you see | A simulated conversation interface with an animated character presenting questions one by one. Each question builds on the previous one. |
| What you do | Listen to each question (audio plays once — no replay), then click the Record Now button manually and speak your response within 35 seconds. There are 6 questions total in a connected conversational thread. You cannot go back to a previous question. |
| Time limit | 35 seconds per response. The audio prompt plays once only. |
| Frequency | 1 set of 6 questions per exam |
| Subscores | Conversation, Production, Speaking |
| Key tip | Because each question builds on the previous one, your responses should reference the conversational thread — not treat each 35 seconds as an isolated standalone answer. Listen carefully to each prompt before clicking Record: you cannot replay it. Short pauses are better than filler sounds ("um," "uh," "like") — a clean, brief silence followed by a confident sentence scores higher than continuous hesitation markers. |
13. Speaking Sample (Part 3 — sent to universities)
| What you see | A written prompt — similar in format to Read, Then Speak. |
| What you do | Speak your response directly into your webcam. Minimum time requirement removed July 2025. Deliver a structured, fluent response of 60–90 seconds. Submit when satisfied. |
| Time limit | Up to 3 minutes. Submit when satisfied. |
| Frequency | 1 time — Part 3 only |
| Subscores | Not scored by adaptive algorithm — sent directly to universities alongside the Writing Sample and score report |
| Key tip | Admissions officers watch this. Dress appropriately, ensure your background is neutral and well-lit, and deliver your response at a measured pace. A 70-second response that is clearly structured and fluent is more impressive than 3 minutes of rambling to fill the time. |
DET 2026 Master Cheat Sheet: All 13 Question Types at a Glance
| Question Type | Skill | Time Limit | Frequency | Subscores |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Read and Select | Reading | 5 sec / word | 15–18× | Literacy, Reading |
| Fill in the Blanks | Reading | 20 sec / sentence | 6–9× | Literacy, Comprehension, Reading |
| Read and Complete | Reading / Spelling | 3 min / passage | 3–6× | Literacy, Comprehension, Reading |
| Interactive Reading | Reading | Varies by subtype | 1 set | Literacy, Comprehension, Reading |
| Listen and Type | Listening | Up to 3 replays | 6–9× | Literacy, Comprehension, Listening |
| Interactive Listening | Listening | ~6–7 min / scenario | 2 scenarios | Comprehension, Conversation, Listening |
| Write About the Photo | Writing | 60 sec / photo | 3× | Writing, Literacy, Production |
| Interactive Writing | Writing | 5 min + 3 min | 1× | Literacy, Production, Writing |
| Writing Sample | Writing | 5 min | 1× (Part 3) | Sent to universities |
| Speak About the Photo | Speaking | Up to 3 min | 1× | Production, Conversation, Speaking |
| Read, Then Speak | Speaking | Up to 3 min | 1× | Comprehension, Production, Speaking |
| Interactive Speaking ⭐ | Speaking | 35 sec / question | 1 set (6 questions) | Conversation, Production, Speaking |
| Speaking Sample | Speaking | Up to 3 min | 1× (Part 3) | Sent to universities |
How the 13 Question Types Map to Your 8 Subscores
Understanding which question types feed which subscores is the most efficient way to direct your preparation. If you know your weakest subscore, you can prioritize the specific question types that will move it.
| Subscore | Skills Measured | Primary Question Types |
|---|---|---|
| Literacy | Reading + Writing | Read and Select, Fill in the Blanks, Read and Complete, Interactive Reading, Listen and Type, Write About the Photo, Interactive Writing |
| Comprehension | Reading + Listening | Fill in the Blanks, Read and Complete, Interactive Reading, Listen and Type, Interactive Listening, Read Then Speak |
| Production | Writing + Speaking | Write About the Photo, Interactive Writing, Speak About the Photo, Read Then Speak, Interactive Speaking |
| Conversation | Listening + Speaking | Interactive Listening, Interactive Speaking, Speak About the Photo |
| Reading | Reading (isolated) | Read and Select, Fill in the Blanks, Read and Complete, Interactive Reading |
| Writing | Writing (isolated) | Write About the Photo, Interactive Writing, Writing Sample |
| Listening | Listening (isolated) | Listen and Type, Interactive Listening |
| Speaking | Speaking (isolated) | Speak About the Photo, Read Then Speak, Interactive Speaking, Speaking Sample |
For a detailed breakdown of what each subscore means, how universities use them, and targeted strategies for raising your lowest subscore, see our full guide: DET Score Report Decoded: What Your 8 Subscores Mean.
Proctoring: What to Prepare Before Your Exam
The DET proctoring system runs continuously throughout Parts 2 and 3. The following requirements apply to every certified session in 2026:
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary camera (webcam) | Must be positioned to show your full face, centered and well-lit throughout the session. |
| Secondary camera (smartphone) | Mandatory since September 2025. Must capture your full screen and keyboard. Cannot be the same device running the test. |
| Room scan | You will be asked to scan your room with your webcam at the start of the session. Clear your desk of all materials. |
| No external materials | No notes, phones within reach, second monitors, or browsers. Grammarly and all other applications must be closed. |
| No copy-paste | All text must be typed directly. Any detected copy-paste action results in test invalidation. |
| Silent, locked room | No background voices or sounds. Other people cannot enter the room during the test. |
How to Prepare for Every Question Type with Prepingo
Knowing the format is the starting point. Converting that knowledge into exam-day performance requires timed, structured practice under realistic conditions — across all 13 question types, not just the ones you already find comfortable.
Prepingo's practice platform covers all 13 current DET question types with:
- Authentic question interfaces — each question type replicates the exact DET screen layout, timer behavior, and interaction model. Interactive Speaking practice includes the animated character interface and 35-second recording windows. Interactive Listening practice includes the two-scenario format with the pause/replay feature.
- Subscore-level diagnostics — every practice session generates estimates for all eight subscores, not just an overall score. This tells you exactly which question types to prioritize next.
- Isolated question-type drilling — practice only Listen and Type, only Read and Complete, or only Interactive Writing in a focused session, without having to run a full mock test to reach those question types.
- Full adaptive mock tests — complete 60-minute simulations with all 13 question types in realistic mixed order, under dual-camera proctoring simulation. This builds the cognitive switching speed and endurance the real exam demands.
Start with a full mock test to get your baseline subscore profile, then use the isolated drills to target your weakest areas. Launch your first practice session on Prepingo today.
Frequently Asked Questions: DET Format 2026
How many question types does the DET have in 2026?
13 question types, as of the July 1, 2025 update. They are: Read and Select, Fill in the Blanks, Read and Complete, Interactive Reading, Listen and Type, Interactive Listening, Write About the Photo, Interactive Writing, Speak About the Photo, Read Then Speak, Interactive Speaking, Writing Sample, and Speaking Sample. Read Aloud and Listen Then Speak were removed in the July 2025 update.
How long is the Duolingo English Test?
The DET takes approximately 60 minutes in total: around 5 minutes for setup and ID verification, 45 minutes for the adaptive test section, and 10 minutes for the Writing Sample and Speaking Sample.
What changed in the DET in July 2025?
Four main changes took effect on July 1, 2025: Interactive Speaking was added (6 questions, 35 seconds each, in a simulated conversation); Read Aloud and Listen Then Speak were removed; Interactive Listening was expanded with the new Listen and Complete subtype; and minimum time requirements were removed for Interactive Writing, Speak About the Photo, Read Then Speak, Writing Sample, and Speaking Sample.
Does the DET require a secondary camera in 2026?
Yes. As of September 2025, a smartphone secondary camera is mandatory for all certified DET sessions. It must be positioned to capture your full screen and keyboard throughout the test. Sessions without the secondary camera correctly placed will be invalidated.
What is the difference between the adaptive section and the sample section?
The adaptive section (45 minutes) contains all 13 question types and determines your overall score and all 8 subscores. The sample section (10 minutes) contains the Writing Sample and Speaking Sample — these are not scored by the adaptive algorithm but are sent directly to universities alongside your certified score report. Admissions officers read and watch them as part of your application review.
What subscores does the DET report?
The DET reports 8 subscores in addition to your overall score: four integrated subscores (Literacy, Comprehension, Production, Conversation) and four individual subscores (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking). All 8 subscores are visible to universities when you share your results. For a detailed explanation of what each subscore means and how to improve specific ones, see our DET Score Report guide.
What is the difference between Interactive Listening and Listen and Type?
Listen and Type is a short, single-sentence dictation task — one audio clip, up to 3 replays, type exactly what you heard. It appears 6–9 times. Interactive Listening is a full simulated conversation scenario (~6–7 minutes) with three subtypes: Listen and Complete, Listen and Respond, and Summarise the Conversation. It appears twice — once as a casual conversation and once as a formal academic context. The two tasks test different listening skills at different levels of complexity.
Is the Writing Sample scored?
The Writing Sample is not scored by the DET adaptive algorithm — it does not directly contribute to your 10–160 score. However, it is sent to every institution you share your results with, and admissions officers read it as part of your application. A weak Writing Sample can raise concerns even when your overall score is strong. Treat it as scored in your preparation.