Duolingo Test Center review
Duolingo Test Center offers you a new way to certify your English proficiency by allowing you to take a supervised, human verified test, which corresponds to standard English proficiency exams like the IELTS or TOEFL. Normally, the test costs $20, about ten times less than existing certification tests. But while the app remains in beta, the test is free.
Pros
Great certification process: Duolingo Test Center relies on an excellently designed interface with timed, interactive questions, such as choosing the right words or speaking sentences, as well as camera and microphone recording (which is then checked by a human) to create a serious yet enjoyable testing environment that makes you feel at ease. The whole testing experience is intense and really feels like taking a real language test.
Easy test sign-up: Forget about paperwork and high fees, because all you have to do to get tested with this app is create a Duolingo account, submit a photograph of your driver's license, passport, or ID card, snap a photo, and provide some other basic details.
Offers an opportunity: Not only does this app provide cheaper certification than standard tests, but it allows basically anyone around the world to take the exam from the comfort of their home. This app is an opportunity for students from poorer countries to get a certification otherwise unavailable to them.
Cons
English only: Right now you can get only an English certification. Hopefully, in the future the developers will support other languages as well.
Not yet widely recognized: The Duolingo certification this app can give you is comparable to the IELTS and TOEFL, but as of yet isn't widely recognized. It will take time before an examination of this kind will be recognized by educational establishments and employers.
Bottom Line
As a great implementation of a great concept, Duolingo Test Center looks like a highly promising app, one that can even change the way English certification can be obtained. It's easy to use, purposeful, and turns an otherwise tedious certification process into a quick and fun one. That said, until more universities and employers recognize the certification it offers, you cannot use it for practical purposes. It looks good in your CV, but won't likely impress potential employers.
