Complete guide to the Duolingo English Test (DET) July 2025 Updates

Part I: New DET Changes and Rationale

1.1: Executive Summary of July 2025 Update

Effective July 1, 2025, the Duolingo English Test (DET) implemented several major updates that reshape the test-taking experience and the assessment of English language proficiency. This marks a pivotal moment for the DET, moving it toward a model that favors real, interactive communication over testing isolated language skills. The update includes four main changes: a new "Interactive Speaking" question type; an improved "Interactive Listening" module with a "Listen and Complete" task; the removal of the "Read Aloud" and "Listen, Then Speak" questions; and the removal of minimum time requirements for several speaking and writing tasks.¹

Duolingo says these changes aim to make the test more authentic, interactive, efficient, and easier to use.² By simulating real-world conversations and academic listening tasks more closely, the updated test aims to give a clearer and more meaningful measure of a candidate's ability to use English in practical settings, especially at university.³ This change aims to meet the growing needs of test-takers, who want a more engaging and less robotic test, and the thousands of colleges and universities that rely on the DET for high-stakes admissions decisions.³ The changes focus on integrated, productive skills that are key to success in academic and work settings.

1.2: Official Change Log and Details

The July 2025 update is a planned evolution of the Duolingo English Test. Each change, from new tasks to revised procedures, fits a broader strategy. These changes are not just cosmetic. They change how some language skills are measured and how test takers use the platform.

The update adds two question types that test combined skills in more dynamic ways. The Interactive Speaking task puts the test taker in a simulated conversation with an AI persona. It requires spontaneous, context appropriate responses. The Listen and Complete task starts the revamped Interactive Listening module. It asks candidates to show initial comprehension of an academic or conversational scenario before they engage with it more deeply. These items move the test away from measuring isolated skills, such as rote pronunciation, and toward an overall evaluation of a candidate's communicative competence.¹

To keep the test at about one hour, adding these more complex items meant retiring two question types, Read Aloud and Listen, Then Speak. ¹ Duolingo says those tasks mainly tested basic pronunciation and repetition. Removing them lets the test use more interactive and broader speaking and listening tasks that match real world communication better.² This change is a clear trade off. It favors dynamic conversational ability over mechanical phonetic accuracy.

Beyond the question content, the update brings major procedural and user experience changes. Most notably, Duolingo removed the minimum time requirements for five productive skill tasks: Speak About the Photo, Read, Then Speak, Interactive Writing, The Writing Sample, and The Speaking Sample.² Previously, candidates had to speak or write for a set minimum time before they could move on, even if they finished their answer. This change aims to improve the exam's flow, remove frustrating waits, and give test takers more control over pacing.³ Duolingo says its research shows shorter, well formed answers can still give a reliable assessment of language proficiency.² The update also overhauls the visual design of the user interface. The new look follows the popular Duolingo language learning app. It aims to offer a more modern, cleaner, and easier to navigate experience for test takers.³

Taken together, these changes show a clear strategic shift by Duolingo. Official messages keep using terms like "authenticity," "real life conversational scenarios," and "real world communication needs," and that is intentional.² It shows Duolingo wants to present the DET as a more practical and authentic measure of communicative competence. That answers a common criticism of traditional, academically focused proficiency tests. The changes give direct proof of this plan. Replacing "Read Aloud," a mechanical task, with "Interactive Speaking," a simulated dialogue, clearly favors conversational ability over isolated phonetics.² Similarly, changing the Interactive Listening scenario from a text that can be read to an audio file that must be heard forces pure, unassisted listening comprehension, much like attending a university lecture.⁴ This is also a competitive move. By stressing practical communication skills, Duolingo sets the DET apart from rivals often seen as testing a more formulaic and sometimes less practical version of academic English. This increases the value for universities that want students who can not only understand academic material but also take part in the active, communicative life of a modern classroom.

Part II: Test Format Details

Quick Navigation:

• Question Types Overview →
• Interactive Speaking →
• Interactive Listening →
• Scoring System →
• Practice Questions →

2.1: Question Types, Post-July 2025

The Duolingo English Test, in its post-July 2025 iteration, is a computer-adaptive assessment made up of several question types. It measures reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills together. The test is built to be efficient. The adaptive algorithm changes question difficulty based on the test-taker's performance.⁵ The graded portion runs about 45 minutes. After that comes a 10-minute ungraded section with a Writing Sample and a Speaking Sample. Institutions receive those samples along with the scores.⁶

The following table gives a taxonomy of all question types that may appear on the test. It combines information from official guides and expert analyses, and serves as a technical reference.⁷

Reading & Vocabulary

Listening & Vocabulary

Practice Reading & Vocabulary:

• Practice Fill in the Blanks →
• Practice Read and Select →

Practice Listening & Vocabulary:

• Practice Listen and Type →

Integrated Reading

Practice Integrated Reading:

• Practice Interactive Reading →

Integrated Listening

Practice Integrated Listening:

• Practice Interactive Listening →

Productive Writing

Practice Productive Writing:

• Practice Interactive Writing →
• Practice Write About Photo →

Productive Speaking

Practice Productive Speaking:

• Practice Speak About Photo →
• Practice Read Then Speak →

Ungraded Samples

Ready to Practice?

Start with these popular question types:

• Reading Practice →
• Listening Practice →
• Speaking Practice →
• Writing Practice →

2.2: Interactive Speaking Task

The "Interactive Speaking" task is the main addition to the July 2025 DET update. It marks a big step toward testing conversational fluency in a simulated, real time environment. The task moves beyond the monologic speaking prompts found in many language tests. It evaluates a test taker's ability to take part in a dynamic, back and forth exchange.²

Structure and Procedure: The task starts with a preparation prompt that introduces a general topic. After that, the test taker talks with one of Duolingo's AI characters, such as Bea or Oscar.² After the launch, analysis of the live test showed a consistent structure that differs slightly from some materials published before launch. The task has exactly two sets of questions on two different topics. Each set has three sub questions, for a total of six scored speaking responses in the whole task.⁸ This clarification matters, because some initial materials suggested the number of prompts might vary.² For each of the six questions, the AI character gives an audio only prompt. The prompt can be played only once. The test taker then has up to 35 second to plan and record a response.¹ One important procedural detail is that recording does not begin automatically. The test taker must click a "RECORD NOW" button after the prompt plays, and the 35 second timer starts as soon as the question loads.⁸

Skills Assessed: This question type is designed to test a wide range of communication skills. The scoring algorithms evaluate pronunciation and grammatical accuracy. They also rate clarity of expression and how well the response fits the prompt. The system measures overall fluency, including pace and use of pauses, and it judges the range and appropriateness of vocabulary.² The prompts arrive quickly and in sequence, with very little preparation time. That setup targets the ability to produce spoken English spontaneously. That ability is important in real conversations and academic discussions.⁹

2.3: Interactive Listening Module

The "Interactive Listening" module was upgraded to give a more thorough, academic assessment of listening skills. The biggest change is that the initial scenario, which used to appear as text, is now an audio only prompt. That creates a pure listening comprehension task from the start.⁴ The module follows a connected, multi step process. It mirrors listening to, understanding, and summarizing information from a source such as a university lecture or a group discussion.

Multi Stage Process: The module unfolds in three distinct, connected parts:

1. Listen and Complete: The task begins with the candidate listening to the start of an audio scenario. Based on this initial audio, they must answer 3 to 4 fill in the blank questions to show their grasp of key details.²
2. Listen and Respond: The candidate then listens to the remainder of the conversation. After that, they answer a series of 5 to 6 questions that require selecting the most appropriate response in the ongoing dialogue. This part checks deeper understanding of context, speaker intent, and main ideas.³
3. Summarize the Conversation: The final step asks the test taker to write a concise summary of the entire conversation they just heard. Test takers get 75 seconds for this task.⁴

Technical Rules and Nuances: A single timer of 6 minutes and 30 seconds covers the first two stages, "Listen and Complete" and "Listen and Respond".⁴ Candidates can replay the initial scenario audio as many times as they want, even during the "Listen and Respond" phase. The timer keeps running during any replays. That creates a trade off. Test takers must decide whether to replay for clarity or save time for the questions. For the "Listen and Complete" fill in the blank answers, official guidance says minor spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors are not penalized if the meaning stays the same. Paraphrasing is allowed and sometimes required.⁴

Skills Assessed: This three part module tests skills needed for academic work. It checks detailed listening comprehension. It also checks the ability to understand and use academic vocabulary in context. Finally, it tests the ability to summarize and combine key information from a spoken source.²

Researchers found a clear mismatch between pre launch communications and the live test, especially for the Interactive Speaking task. Before July 1, 2025, several sources said the task had "6 to 8 rounds" of questions.² That description implies a variable structure and would require a different study plan focused on endurance and flexibility. After the launch, however, detailed post launch analysis of seven real test sessions showed a fixed structure: two sets of three questions each, for a total of six questions.⁸ This gap suggests a difference between initial design or marketing messages and the final standardized version. For test takers, the difference matters. Preparing for a fixed number of questions lets them plan time and pace more precisely. The consistency of the post launch findings points to the six question format as the current standard. This shows how important it is to use up to date, evidence based information from real test experiences rather than rely only on preliminary announcements that can change or may have been meant to allow future flexibility.

Part III: Scoring and Evaluation

Quick Navigation:

• Score Report Structure →
• Score Conversions →
• Scoring Implications →

3.1: 2025 Score Report

The July 2025 update added a more detailed and clearer scoring system, making the DET score report more useful for test-takers and institutions. The report still shows an overall score from 10 to 160. It now also includes two types of subscores, which give a clearer view of a candidate's language strengths and weaknesses.¹⁰

The biggest change is the new Individual Skill Scores. The report now gives four separate scores for Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.¹¹ This makes the DET report more like other major tests such as TOEFL and IELTS, so admissions officers will find it familiar and easy to read. Each individual score is based on performance on the test items that measure that skill.¹¹

On top of that, the four original Integrated Subscores remain: Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, and Production. The calculation method is simpler and clearer now. Each integrated subscore is now the average of two individual skill scores.¹¹ The relationships are as follows:

1. Literacy = Average of Reading and Writing scores.
2. Comprehension = Average of Reading and Listening scores.
3. Conversation = Average of Speaking and Listening scores.
4. Production = Average of Writing and Speaking scores.

The Overall Score now uses a clearer method too. It is the average of the four individual skill scores, Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Then the result is rounded to the nearest five point increment.¹¹ This structure creates a clear hierarchy. Performance on tasks builds the individual skill scores. Those scores are averaged to make the integrated subscores and the final overall score. A detailed map that shows which question types count toward each subscore helps guide focused preparation.⁷

3.2: Concordance with CEFR, TOEFL, and IELTS

For the DET score to work around the world, it needs to match well-known international standards. Duolingo shares official tables that show how its 10 to 160 scale lines up with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), TOEFL iBT, and IELTS Academic scores.¹² This helps admissions teams and test-takers see how a DET score fits into a more familiar system for measuring language skills.

The CEFR mapping gives a simple description of what a test-taker can do. For example, scores from 90 to 115 match B2 (Upper-Intermediate). At this level, a person can handle school and work tasks with moderate fluency. Scores of 120 or higher match C1 (Advanced) and C2 (Proficient). These scores mean someone is ready for the language needs of college or university.¹² The table below brings together the latest concordance data.

Score Concordance Table

Proficiency Descriptions by CEFR Level

C2 (Proficient) - DET 160: Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can express oneself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely.

C1 (Advanced) - DET 140-150: Can understand a wide range of hard, longer texts and notice hidden meaning. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, school, and work needs. Can write clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects.

B2 (Upper-Intermediate) - DET 120-130: Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics. Can interact with some fluency and spontaneity. Can write clear, detailed text on many subjects and explain a viewpoint on a current issue.

B1 (Intermediate) - DET 90-110: Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar topics often found in work, school, or leisure. Can handle most situations likely to come up while traveling in a place where the language is spoken.

A2 (Basic) - DET 60: Can understand sentences and often-used phrases related to areas of most immediate need.

A1 (Basic) - DET 10-55: Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases.

1. Note: Concordance is based on a synthesis of data from multiple sources.¹² Institutions may use slightly different conversions.

3.3: Implications of the New Scoring

Giving separate scores for each skill is more than a technical change. It turns the DET score report into a precise diagnostic tool. This fixes a major flaw in the old reporting system and gives test-takers much clearer information on how to improve. Under the old system, a low score in an integrated category like "Conversation" was ambiguous. Test-takers could not tell whether the problem was in listening comprehension or in spoken production. That uncertainty made it hard to target their study effectively.¹¹

The new system removes that ambiguity. It gives separate, clear scores for Listening and Speaking, so the report now offers a precise diagnosis. A candidate might have a high Speaking score but a low Listening score, which shows their main problem is comprehension, not production.¹¹ This level of detail lets test-takers study in a focused, efficient way. Instead of generic "conversation practice," they can work on listening exercises, such as following academic lectures or using the new "Listen and Complete" task.

This structural change also affects the test's institutional standing. The four-skill score report is the familiar format admissions officers expect from TOEFL or IELTS scores. By using this format, Duolingo makes the DET report easier for institutional users to read and fit into their existing review processes. That makes the test more credible and should speed up its adoption and increase the trust universities place in its scores. Ultimately, the new scoring architecture makes the test a more useful part of the language learning journey. It provides feedback that helps a student improve far more effectively than the broader, less clear metrics of the past.

Part IV: Implementation and Stakeholder Views

Quick Navigation:

• Technical Issues →
• University Acceptance →
• Preparation Framework →

4.1: Technical Issues and User Experience

The Duolingo English Test is meant to be a streamlined one hour experience, but post-launch analyses show the pre test setup and security checks can pose major technical and logistical challenges for candidates. The official estimate of a five minute setup ⁶ clashes with detailed reports from test preparation organizations that have taken the updated test multiple times. They describe a "pre test gauntlet" that can take nearly 40 minutes to navigate successfully.⁸

During this phase, testers report significant lag when they connect the required second camera, which is often a mobile device. They also face trouble capturing ID documents because glare from a device's default front facing camera obscures them. Testers often need several attempts to position the second camera so the system accepts the environment. These hurdles create major stress and anxiety for test takers before the graded portion of the exam even begins. That stress can affect their mindset and performance.⁸

Public feedback on Reddit and YouTube shows few high quality, independent reviews from individual test takers about the July 2025 update. Many posts have low engagement or mix up the Duolingo English Test with the separate Duolingo language learning app.¹³ As a result, the most detailed and reliable accounts of the real world experience come from structured analyses by professional test preparation organizations that evaluated the new format systematically.⁸ Those analyses show the test content transitions smoothly, but the technical setup is a critical and often overlooked part of the process.

This creates a basic conflict between Duolingo's main brand promise of accessibility and the strict technical demands of its AI driven proctoring system. The DET's offer rests on convenience and access, the ability to certify one's English "anytime, anywhere".¹⁴ But institutions need full confidence in security before they accept test results for high stakes decisions like university admissions. That need pushed Duolingo to put in place a strong security model. It includes a dual camera setup, AI powered monitoring, and review by human proctors.⁸

This clash creates an "accessibility paradox." The security steps that make the test credible for institutions can also create big barriers for test takers. A 40 minute setup full of technical troubleshooting does not match the idea of a simple, widely available process.⁸ That creates a hidden equity problem, where candidates with older hardware, weaker internet connections, or sub optimal testing spaces are at a clear disadvantage. The stress and time lost to technical issues fall unevenly and can hurt those who are already less privileged. A full view of the DET must include these practical hurdles and ways to address them.

4.2: University Acceptance and Validity

Despite any technical hurdles for individual users, the Duolingo English Test has won broad acceptance from higher education institutions worldwide. As of late 2025, the DET is accepted by over 6,000 academic programs globally, a number that grew quickly and has stayed steady even as pandemic testing restrictions eased.¹⁵ This acceptance includes many of the world's most selective and prestigious institutions, including all eight Ivy League universities in the United States, and leading programs at the University of Toronto and Imperial College London.¹⁵

Direct feedback from admissions professionals shows strong trust in the test's validity and security. In a recent survey, 97% of institutional respondents rated the DET's validity as a measure of academic English proficiency as "moderate to very strong".¹⁵ Admissions officers often say the DET helps increase student access and diversify international applicant pools. Many institutions state they do not prefer one English proficiency test over another. If a test appears on their website, they treat it as a valid and trusted measure of a candidate's skills.¹⁶ Direct quotes from university officials support this view:

1. "The DET is a game changer for student access, and it's easy to integrate with admissions," Canadian research university.¹⁵
2. "Our admissions process doesn't favor one test over another, we just need to ensure that your English is strong enough for you to be academically successful... We trust every test that we accept equally," Kathryn Timlin, Senior Associate Director at Georgetown University.¹⁶

Minimum score requirements vary by institution and by how competitive a program is. Some community colleges and less selective universities may accept scores in the 85 to 100 range. Most top tier research universities require scores of 120 or higher for admission to undergraduate and graduate programs.¹⁷ The table below provides a sample of minimum score requirements at various U.S. universities to illustrate these benchmarks.

Part V: Preparation Framework and Strategy

Quick Navigation:

• Basic Preparation →
• Question Strategies →
• Study Plan →

5.1: Basic Preparation Principles

Effective preparation for the Duolingo English Test requires two goals, building real language skill and handling the technical and procedural demands of the online testing environment. Duolingo's official guidance favors "test readiness" over traditional "test prep." It discourages last minute cramming and memorizing test specific tricks. It recommends steady daily practice of all four language skills, reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

For a comprehensive step-by-step preparation plan including test anxiety management and technical setup, see our detailed beginner's guide to DET preparation.¹⁹ The main idea is that the test measures real proficiency, which takes time to develop. Official tips include taking the free practice test several times to learn the question formats and timing, and preparing the physical testing space to meet security rules and avoid test invalidation.²⁰

However, because the pretest setup has known technical problems, basic preparation must also include a clear, practical plan for handling it. Based on real-world test experiences, candidates should follow a detailed checklist to reduce stress and prevent disqualification ⁸:

1. Device Preparation: Ensure both the computer and the secondary camera device (phone or tablet) are fully charged or plugged in. Activate "Do Not Disturb" mode on the secondary device.
2. ID Document: Have a valid, government issued photo ID ready. When prompted to capture a photo of the ID, expect glare from the default front facing camera and be prepared to manually switch to the device's rear camera for a clearer image.
3. Network Stability: Test the internet connection beforehand. A stable, reliable connection is essential, because interruptions can invalidate the test.
4. Camera Positioning: Allow ample time for camera setup. Position the secondary camera so it clearly captures the entire computer screen and keyboard area within the on screen validation box.
5. Anticipate Delays: Do not expect the five minute official estimate. Budget up to 40 minutes for the entire setup and verification process to avoid feeling rushed or anxious if technical issues arise.

5.2: Strategies for New and Challenging Question Types

Beyond basic preparation, getting a high score on the updated DET requires strategies designed for the thinking demands of the new and hardest question types.

Mastering Interactive Speaking: This task depends on thinking and speaking on the spot. You get very little prep time. Practice should build smooth speech and clear, structured thinking for common conversational topics, such as work, family, education, and hobbies.

For a complete walkthrough of all DET question types with detailed approaches, see our beginner's guide to question types.⁹ For each 35-second response, aim for a simple three-part structure. First, give a direct answer to the question. Next, add one or two sentences of explanation or detail. Finally, finish with a short concluding thought or example. This framework keeps your response focused under pressure. Use the full 35 seconds. If your answer ends early, add a relevant detail or example rather than submitting a very short reply, unless doing so would cause awkward pauses.

1. This multi-stage module needs active listening, good time management, and the ability to pull information together. During the first playback, focus on the main topic, who is speaking, and the context.
2. You can replay the audio, but replaying eats into the shared 6.5-minute timer for the first two sections.⁴ Use the "Listen and Complete" fill-in-the-blank questions to spot the most important details. Answer those quickly and accurately to save time for the harder "Listen and Respond" questions.
3. For the final 75-second "Summarize the Conversation" task, follow a clear routine.²¹ Start by naming the main topic or problem. Then state one or two key points the speakers made. End with the outcome or final resolution, if there is one.

5.3: Building a Personalized Study Plan

The best way to prepare for the DET is to personalize study and use your score data. The new, more detailed score report helps with that. After an official practice test or the real test, candidates should look at their individual skill scores (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking) to find weak areas.

For a complete guide to understanding your DET score report, including what each section means, see our detailed score interpretation guide.¹¹ They can then build a focused study plan to improve those skills. For example:

1. Low Reading Score: Focus practice on "Read and Complete" and the five sub-tasks within "Interactive Reading."
2. Low Writing Score: Dedicate time to "Write About the Photo," "Interactive Writing," and practicing timed essays for the "Writing Sample."
3. Low Listening Score: Prioritize "Listen and Type" and repeated practice with the full "Interactive Listening" module.
4. Low Speaking Score: Concentrate on "Speak About the Photo," "Read, Then Speak," and, most importantly, the new "Interactive Speaking" task.

This diagnostic approach is more complex now because test makers removed minimum time limits for several productive tasks. That change creates a metacognitive challenge for test-takers. In the past, the minimum time requirement, for example "speak for at least 30 seconds", gave a clear, external benchmark for a sufficient response. Now that benchmark is gone. The decision to submit a response rests entirely on the test-taker's judgment.¹ This can cause a new kind of test anxiety about self-assessment. Test-takers may ask themselves, "Was my answer long enough? Should I have added more detail? Will I be penalized for being too concise?"

Preparation must now include developing an internal rubric for judging responses in real time. Candidates should practice producing complete, well-structured responses and assessing them on the spot, not just practicing speaking or writing. For a task like "Speak About the Photo," a candidate could use a three-part structure: 1) Describe the central action or subject. 2) Describe the background and context. 3) Make a logical inference or prediction about the scene. Once these three parts are delivered confidently, the candidate can submit the response, whether 30 or 90 seconds have passed. This shifts the focus from duration to completeness, and it is essential because the new test format gives the test-taker more autonomy, and more responsibility.

Conclusion

The July 1, 2025 update to the Duolingo English Test marks a planned change in the exam. The update adds Interactive Speaking and improves Interactive Listening, and it shifts the focus to real-world communication. Duolingo removed tasks that test isolated skills and added tasks that simulate live conversation and academic listening. These changes make the test a more modern, accessible, and practical alternative to traditional proficiency exams, and they aim to improve the user experience while giving universities a more complete and relevant measure of a candidate's readiness for an English-speaking academic environment.

Test-takers and educators must change their preparat`ion strategy. They should move away from rote memorization and build integrated, spontaneous language skills. The new, more detailed score report gives individual skill scores and acts as a diagnostic tool for focused, efficient study plans. Still, the proctoring system now demands more technical setup, and the metacognitive task of self-assessing response sufficiency adds another hurdle that needs careful preparation.

For institutions, the update strengthens the test's credibility. Matching the score report to the industry-standard four-skill format makes interpretation and use in admissions easier. The DET is accepted by over 6,000 programs, including the world's most elite universities, and that growing acceptance shows higher education trusts the test's validity and security and sees it as helping to bring in a more diverse and accessible international student body.

Ultimately, the 2025 Duolingo English Test is a more refined and subtle instrument. It asks test-takers to show not just what they know about English, but how well they can use it to interact, comprehend, and produce meaning in real time. Success on this updated test requires a preparation approach that is active, purposeful, and focused on the key principles of effective communication.

Additional Resources

For practical preparation strategies and detailed guides, explore our related content:

• Complete Beginner's Guide to DET Preparation - Step-by-step test walkthrough and anxiety management
• Interactive Deep Dive into DET - Advanced strategies and tips
• Step-by-Step DET Guide - Detailed preparation framework
• Tech Setup for DET - Technical requirements and troubleshooting
• DET vs IELTS/TOEFL - Comprehensive comparison

Footnotes

Practice Resources

Ready to start practicing? Try these question types:

• Practice Reading Questions
• Practice Listening Questions
• Practice Speaking Questions
• Practice Writing Questions