As the Duolingo English Test continues to grow in popularity, our research team is dedicated to understanding the diverse community of test takers and the factors influencing their scores. Our latest report, Duolingo English Test: Demographic and Score Properties of Test Takers, offers a detailed analysis of who is taking the DET, why they’re taking it, and how their scores align across different groups.
Here are some key takeaways from the report:
1. Diverse test-taker demographics
The DET attracts test takers from all over the world. The report highlights the range of backgrounds and demographics represented, with test-takers hailing from more than 100 countries. The most common regions were Asia (63% of test takers), North America, and Europe. Among individual countries, India and China represented the largest share of test takers, reflecting the growing demand for English proficiency certifications in these regions.
2. Why test takers choose the DET
The vast majority of test takers—90%—reported that their primary motivation for taking the DET was for educational purposes, with undergraduate and graduate admissions leading the way. This underscores the importance of the DET as a trusted tool for accessing higher education opportunities globally.
3. Score distribution: A balanced measure
The report provides detailed statistics on score distributions across literacy, conversation, comprehension, and production skills. These insights help universities and other institutions better understand what DET scores represent, and how they align with expected language proficiency levels.
4. First-time vs. repeat test takers
First-time test takers made up the majority (68%) of all sessions. The report also shows that first-time test takers generally achieve slightly higher scores than those retaking the test, likely reflecting that many repeaters are attempting to improve their results.
5. Supporting fairness and transparency
In keeping with our commitment to transparency, this report complements the DET Technical Manual by offering detailed evidence of the test’s score distributions and demographic properties. By providing these insights, we aim to support both test takers and institutions in interpreting DET scores and ensuring the test’s ongoing fairness and reliability.
Why this matters
Understanding the demographic and score properties of the DET helps us ensure that the test remains an equitable and reliable tool for all users. As the DET continues to expand its global reach, we are committed to conducting ongoing research that sheds light on how the test performs across different groups and contexts. We believe that transparency in testing, combined with robust data, empowers both students and institutions to make informed decisions.
To dive deeper into the findings and explore the full report, check out our Research and Publications page!