Placement Test

UMBC ELI uses DuoLingo English test to assess applicants’ English proficiency at the time of application in order to place applicants into the appropriate level of courses at the ELI.

In order to help you to make significant progress while you study with the UMBC ELI, we need you to submit a DuoLingo English test score before or at the time of your application. DuoLingo English test is designed to evaluate your preexisting knowledge of English. We would like to know what you already know so that we can place you at the right level of course(s) at the ELI.

For a quick walk-through of the test experience, you can sign up and take a Practice Test at https://entlishtest.duolingo.com/register.

Are you ready to take a placement test?  Please go to: https://englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants.

For the cost of the test and other details, please read the following Q&As.

DuoLingo English test is designed to evaluate your preexisting knowledge of English. We want to know what you already know so that we can place you at the right level at the ELI.

The Duolingo English Test costs the US $59.

The exam portion of the Duolingo English Test contains a series of speaking, reading, writing, and listening exercises. This portion is graded. The second, ungraded portion of the exam consists of a video interview and a writing sample. In each section, the test taker will be able to respond to one of two prompts offered.

For a quick walkthrough of the test experience, you can sign up and take a Practice Test: https://englishtest.duolingo.com/register

The Duolingo English Test takes less than an hour to complete.

You can take the Duolingo English Test anytime and anywhere, as long as you have the necessary technical requirements and test environment.

In order to take the Duolingo English Test, you will need a computer with a functioning microphone, speakers, and webcam. Please also download the most up-to-date version of Google Chrome or Opera. It is also recommended that you have an internet connection with at least 2 Mbps download speed and 1 Mbps upload speed.

You will also need to have your ID ready when taking the test. In order to receive certified results, you will need to submit a photograph of your ID so that the proctor can verify your identity. You may not use copies and pictures of the ID card or passport. You must be holding up the actual ID.

While taking the Duolingo English Test, you will need to comply with the following rules.

  • Make sure you are alone in a quiet, well-lit room.
  • Make sure your ears are always visible and not covered (e.g. covered by hair, a hat, etc.).
  • Make sure your face is visible and not obscured by sunglasses or other accessories.
  • Do not wear headphones or earphones.
  • Do not use any outside materials, including mobile devices, notes, or textbooks.
  • Do not communicate with anyone else.
  • Do not use any writing utensils or paper.
  • Do not leave the test window on your web browser for any reason.
  • Do not look away from the screen.

Please read this page and contact DuoLingo. Their supervisor will reply within 24 hours.

The Duolingo English Test takes less than an hour to complete.

The Duolingo English Test is an assessment of real-world language ability and measures real-world usage. We do not recommend any method to prepare for the test, but improving your proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, and listening will better prepare you for the test. For a quick walkthrough of the test experience, you can sign up and take a Practice Test: https://englishtest.duolingo.com/register

RELAX! There is NO “passing” or “failing” with a placement test; there is only “placing.” This test is only to determine what courses you will be placed in at the ELI.

Once you receive certified test results, you can log into your account, click on the “Send Results” button next to your test results, and select University of Maryland Baltimore County – English Language Institute under the filter category of “Other”. You can select as many institutions as you like and add more institutions later. Duolingo will NOT send scores or certificates to institutions via email. Duolingo uses a secure dashboard for your protection.