The Duolingo English Test certificate is an official document that verifies your English proficiency based on your DET performance. It includes your overall score, sub scores, CEFR alignment, and a secure verification link. Recognized by thousands of institutions worldwide, this certificate is a fast, affordable, and flexible alternative to traditional English tests.
In this guide, you'll read more about the certificate’s key features, what it includes, how to download and verify it, where it’s accepted, and how certified results differ from non-certified ones.
The Duolingo English Test certificate is an official digital document that confirms your English proficiency based on your performance in the Duolingo English Test (DET). It includes your overall score, sub scores, CEFR alignment, and a secure verification link.
This certificate is accepted by over 6,000 academic programs across 110+ countries, including top universities like Harvard, MIT, andImperial College London.
Unlike traditional paper-based certificates, the Duolingo certificate is entirely online. It’s available within 48 hours of completing the test and can be shared instantly with universities, employers, or immigration authorities. The DET is taken in over 12,000 cities worldwide, making it one of the most accessible English proficiency tests globally.
Key Features of the Duolingo Certificate
The Duolingo English Testcertificate is designed to be simple, fast, and globally accepted. It provides a verified snapshot of your English proficiency and is suitable for academic, professional, and immigration use.
The Duolingo English Test certificate is a digital document that summarizes your performance in the test. It’s designed to be easy to read, share, and verify. Once your test is reviewed and certified, the certificate becomes available in your Duolingo account.
Here’s what you’ll find on the certificate:
Full Name of the test taker
Photograph taken during the test
Overall Score (on a scale of 10–160)
Subscores for: Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, Production
CEFR Level (Common European Framework of Reference)
Test Date and certificate issue date
Unique Verification Link for institutions to confirm authenticity
How to Download Your Duolingo English Test Certificate
Once your Duolingo English Test is reviewed and certified, your certificate becomes available in your account. You don’t need to wait for an email or physical delivery; it’s accessible online and ready to download.
Follow these steps to download your certificate:
Log in to your Duolingo English Test account at https://englishtest.duolingo.com.
Navigate to the “My Tests” section on your dashboard.
Locate the test that has been marked as “Certified.”
Click on “View Results.”
On the results page, select “Download Certificate” to save the PDF file.
Important Notes:
You can download the certificate as many times as needed.
Make sure your test status shows “Certified” before attempting to download.
The certificate includes a secure verification link for institutions to validate your score.
Duolingo Certificate Score Breakdown
The Duolingo English Test certificate provides a detailed breakdown of your performance across key language skills. This breakdown helps institutions assess your proficiency more accurately and gives you insight into your strengths and areas for improvement.
Overall Score
Your overall score ranges from 10 to 160. It reflects your general English proficiency and is calculated using an adaptive testing model. This model adjusts the difficulty of each question based on your previous answers. If you answer correctly, the next question becomes harder; if you answer incorrectly, the next one becomes easier.
The final score is not just a sum of correct answers, it’s a weighted result based on how you performed across various difficulty levels. It represents your combined ability in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Higher scores indicate stronger command of the language:
120–160: Advanced to proficient
90–115: Upper-intermediate
60–85: Intermediate
10–55: Basic
CEFR Alignment
The certificate also maps your overall score to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Here is the breakdown of CEFR Levels along with the score range:
Duolingo Score Range
CEFR Level
Proficiency Description
10–55
A1–A2
Basic user
60–85
B1
Intermediate user
90–115
B2
Upper-intermediate user
120–140
C1
Advanced user
145–160
C2
Proficient/native-like user
This mapping helps institutions quickly interpret your score in terms of globally accepted language standards. It also allows you to compare your proficiency level with other tests like IELTS or TOEFL.
Sub scores
In addition to the overall score, the certificate includes four subscores. These are also rated on a 10–160 scale and reflect your performance in specific skill areas:
Literacy – Reading and writing ability
Comprehension – Understanding spoken and written English
Conversation – Speaking and listening in real-time interactions
Production – Constructing spoken and written responses
Sub scores help institutions evaluate your strengths in each domain and may be used to set minimum requirements for specific programs.
Validity of the Duolingo Test Certificate
Understanding the validity of your Duolingo English Test certificate is essential for planning university applications, visa submissions, or job opportunities. The certificate is not valid indefinitely; it comes with a fixed usage period that institutions strictly follow.
How Long Is the Certificate Valid?
The Duolingo English Test certificate is valid for 2 years from the date you take the test. This means if you took the test on October 30, 2025, your certificate would remain valid until October 30, 2027.
Once the certificate expires:
You cannot share it with universities or employers.
Institutions will no longer be able to verify your score.
You’ll need to retake the test to obtain a new certificate.
How to Verify a Duolingo Test Certificate
Verifying a Duolingo English Test certificate is essential for institutions to confirm the authenticity of a candidate’s score. Each certificate includes a unique verification link and a Certificate ID, which allows universities, employers, and immigration authorities to validate the results securely.
Only institutions and partners registered with Duolingo under the Member+ Tier can access the official verification dashboard. Students cannot verify their own certificates manually but can share the secure link with institutions for validation.
Verification Methods:
Using the Verification Link
Every certificate includes a URL that starts with certs.duolingo.com/...
This link leads directly to the candidate’s certified score report.
Using the Certificate ID
Institutions can enter the Certificate ID in the Duolingo Admin Portal: https://englishtest.duolingo.com/dashboard/home
Alternatively, they can use the Results tab: https://englishtest.duolingo.com/dashboard/results
Certified vs Non-Certified Duolingo Results
Not every Duolingo English Test result is automatically eligible for sharing with universities or institutions. The difference between certified and non-certified results is based on whether the test met Duolingo’s strict security and integrity standards during and after the test session.
Here is the main difference:
Aspect
Certified Result
Non-Certified Result
Certificate Availability
Yes
No
Verification Link
Included
Not available
Score Sharing
Up to 40 institutions
Not allowed
Subscores & CEFR Levels
Included
Not included
Eligibility for Admission
Accepted by institutions
Not accepted
Reason for Status
Passed security checks
Failed security or technical review
To ensure your result is certified, follow all test rules carefully, use a stable internet connection, and take the test in a quiet, well-lit room without interruptions.
Conclusion
The Duolingo English Test certificate offers a fast, flexible, and globally recognized way to prove your English proficiency. With its digital format, detailed score breakdown, and secure verification process, it’s a practical choice for students, professionals, and institutions alike.
Whether you're applying to universities, seeking visa support, or exploring job opportunities, understanding how the certificate works, from download to sharing, can help you make the most of your test results. Always check the validity period and institutional requirements to ensure your certificate remains relevant and accepted.
What is the purpose of the Duolingo English Test certificate?
The Duolingo English Test certificate is official proof of your English proficiency. It’s used for university admissions, job applications, and visa processes. It includes CEFR-aligned scores and subscores, making it globally recognized by over 6,000 institutions.
How is the Duolingo certificate different from a regular score report?
Unlike a basic score report, the Duolingo certificate includes a secure verification link, CEFR mapping, and subscores. It’s a certified document that institutions can validate online, making it suitable for formal applications and recognized by academic and professional bodies.
Can I use the Duolingo certificate for university applications abroad?
Yes, the certificate is accepted by thousands of universities worldwide, including top institutions in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. It meets English proficiency requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate programs, provided the institution lists Duolingo as an accepted test.
Is the Duolingo certificate accepted for student visa applications?
The certificate can support visa applications if the admitting institution accepts Duolingo scores. Countries like Canada and Ireland allow DET for study permits, while others may require Secure English Language Tests. Always confirm with the embassy or consulate.
Is there a fee to download or share the Duolingo certificate?
No, Duolingo does not charge extra to download or share your certificate. You can send your certified results to up to 40 institutions for free. The certificate is available as a downloadable PDF and includes a shareable verification link.
What happens if my Duolingo certificate expires before admission?
If your certificate expires before your admission cycle ends, institutions may reject your application. Duolingo certificates are valid for two years. You’ll need to retake the test to obtain a new certified result for submission.
Can I retake the test to renew my Duolingo certificate?
Yes, you can retake the Duolingo English Test anytime. Each test purchase allows up to three attempts within 21 days. A new certified result will replace the expired certificate, and you can share it with institutions again.
How do universities verify the authenticity of my Duolingo certificate?
Universities verify your certificate using the secure link provided on the document. Registered institutions access the Duolingo dashboard to confirm your score and certification status. This ensures the result is genuine and untampered.
What is the verification link included in the Duolingo certificate?
The verification link is a unique URL embedded in your certificate. It leads to your official score report hosted on Duolingo’s platform. Institutions use this link to validate your result and confirm its certification status.
Can I send my Duolingo certificate to multiple universities?
Yes, Duolingo allows you to send your certified result to up to 40 institutions for free. You can do this directly from your test dashboard. There is no limit on how many times you can download or share the certificate.
How many institutions can I share my Duolingo certificate with for free?
You can share your Duolingo certificate with up to 40 institutions at no additional cost. This feature is included with your test fee and helps streamline the application process for multiple universities.
What should I do if my certificate download fails or shows errors?
If your certificate download fails, check your internet connection and browser settings. You can also access the certificate from the Duolingo dashboard and use the 'Print Results' option to save it as a PDF. Contact support if issues persist.
Are there any restrictions on using the Duolingo certificate for job applications?
While not universally required, many employers accept the Duolingo certificate as proof of English proficiency. You can include the verification link on your resume or LinkedIn profile. Always confirm with the employer if they recognize DET.
Can I use my Duolingo certificate for immigration or PR purposes?
Duolingo certificates are generally not accepted for permanent residency applications. Most immigration authorities require tests like IELTS General or CELPIP. However, the certificate may support job applications or study permits depending on the country.
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