# OralPrep vs Duolingo English Test: speaking exam simulator and English certification

Canonical URL: https://oralprep.app/compare/oralprep-vs-det
Language: en

> Compare OralPrep, a simulator for DELF, TCF and IELTS speaking exams, with Duolingo English Test: purpose, prices and free official DET preparation.

**Published 3 October 2026. Prices and features checked on 3 October 2026.**

*We publish this comparison at OralPrep, so we have a commercial interest in it.*

| Service | What you do | Language and skills | What you receive | Published price | When to use it |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| OralPrep | Simulations of the speaking part of language exams | French: DELF A1–B2 and TCF; English: IELTS Speaking | Automated feedback and indicative practice scores | €9.99 for 12 evaluations; first evaluation free | To rehearse the speaking part of DELF, TCF or IELTS |
| Duolingo English Test | An online English exam lasting about an hour | English: reading, writing, listening and speaking | A certified result, normally within two days | US$70 for one test; official practice test free | To provide proof of English for a programme that accepts DET |

If a university specifically asks you for a Duolingo English Test (DET) result, you need to take that exam. OralPrep simulates the speaking parts of language exams: DELF, TCF and IELTS. It helps you rehearse for those exams, but does not issue a certified result for your application.

**The prices above come from the public websites. Check availability and the final price in the OralPrep app or at DET checkout. €9.99 buys practice evaluations; US$70 pays for one test.**

## Which one do you need?

Start with the exam you are taking:

- Your university application requires DET: use the official DET practice test to learn the tasks, then take the paid exam. Check the requirements for your particular programme before paying.
- You are preparing for IELTS Speaking: OralPrep lets you rehearse the speaking exam with timed simulations and automated feedback. You still need to prepare reading, writing and listening.
- You are taking DELF or TCF: OralPrep offers simulations of the oral exam in French. Choose the format that matches your exam; DET assesses English.

## Duolingo English Test is separate from the Duolingo app

The name can be confusing. Duolingo offers language courses in its learning app and, separately, an English proficiency exam called the Duolingo English Test. Lessons in the app are not a requirement for taking DET, and completing a course does not give you a DET result.

## How OralPrep simulates the speaking exam

In a simulation, you respond aloud to the tasks for your chosen exam, keep to the time allowed and receive automated feedback. OralPrep is available on iOS, with formats for DELF A1–B2, IELTS Speaking and TCF Tout Public, Canada, Québec and IRN.

If you run out of time, rehearse how to bring your answer to a close within the limit. Review the feedback before your next session to choose what to work on. The indicative score should not be treated as a prediction of your exam result.

**Useful for:** Rehearsing how to answer within the exam format and time limits, then using the feedback to guide your preparation.

**What it does not cover:** OralPrep has no dedicated DET simulator. IELTS Speaking tasks do not reproduce the DET speaking tasks.

## What taking Duolingo English Test involves

DET assesses reading, writing, listening and speaking online. The exam takes about an hour. It is adaptive: the difficulty of some questions changes according to your answers. Certified results are normally available within two days of taking the exam.

For DET preparation, its free official practice test has a clear advantage over OralPrep: you practise the tasks from the exam you will actually take. It lasts about 45 minutes, gives you an estimated score range and can be taken as often as you like. Familiarity with the format helps you understand the instructions; it does not replace learning and practising English.

**Useful for:** Obtaining a certified English result where DET is accepted, with free official practice before you pay.

**What to check:** Acceptance and the minimum score for your programme, as well as the equipment and rules for taking the exam at home.

## Before paying for DET

First, open the admissions page for the programme you want to join. Check whether it accepts DET and what score it requires. A university may accept different tests or set different requirements for different programmes; its name on a list of DET institutions is not enough.

Next, take the free official practice test and compare the estimated range with the score your programme requires to judge how much preparation you need.

Finally, read the official preparation guide linked below and check the equipment, identification and room requirements. Do that before paying so you have time to resolve any problems.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I submit an OralPrep score instead of a DET result?

No. An OralPrep score is an indicative assessment of a simulated speaking exam. If DET is the test you need for your application, you must obtain a certified result from Duolingo English Test.

### Will an IELTS Speaking simulation in OralPrep help me prepare for DET?

It can give you more practice speaking English, but the tasks and scoring differ. An OralPrep practice score cannot predict your DET result. Use the official DET practice test for its format.

### How much does Duolingo English Test cost?

The official price checked on 3 October 2026 was US$70 for one test. You can take the official practice test for free before deciding to buy the exam.

### Does the free DET practice test give a certificate?

No. It gives an estimated score range. You can repeat it for practice, but it does not produce a certified result.

### Do I need to use the Duolingo app before taking DET?

No. The language-learning app and the English test are separate products. You can take DET without completing a Duolingo course.

## Sources checked on 3 October 2026

- [DET — exam format and results](https://englishtest.duolingo.com/test-takers)
- [DET — US$70 price and preparation guide](https://blog.englishtest.duolingo.com/duolingo-english-test-readiness/)
- [DET — free practice test, duration and estimated scores](https://testcenter.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360011076591-The-Practice-Test-Prepare-to-take-the-Duolingo-English-Test-and-estimate-your-score)
- [DET — institutions accepting the test](https://www.englishtest.duolingo.com/institutions)
- [OralPrep — exams, price and access](https://oralprep.app/)
- [DET — how it differs from the Duolingo app](https://blog.englishtest.duolingo.com/duolingo-english-test-myths/)

## Rehearse your DELF, TCF or IELTS speaking exam

Choose your exam in OralPrep and try an oral exam simulation. The first evaluation is free.

[Explore OralPrep](https://oralprep.app/)
