Preparing for a study abroad program often entails demonstrating proficiency in the English language as a part of the application process. As more individuals seek to expand their horizons and pursue international academic opportunities, the Duolingo English Test (DET) emerges as a reliable tool to fulfil these aspirations. As a digital-first, high-stakes English proficiency test, it offers the flexibility to be taken anytime and anywhere. Students can book DET exam according to their schedule and appear for the exam per their preference, and take the test according to their own schedule.
Designed with convenience, speed, affordability, and trust in mind, the DET is accepted by over 4500 universities and millions of students worldwide. The Duolingo English Test results curated by Duolingo offer a holistic assessment of the test taker’s English skills which includes the overall score, subscores, as well as writing and speaking samples. Above all, the results can be shared with an unlimited number of institutions at no additional cost.
Read:
- Important Rules to Follow for the DET
- Things to Keep in Mind During DET Test
- What Happens If Rules are Broken on the DET?
Important Rules to Follow for the DET
For many individuals, the Duolingo English Test marks their initial experience of taking a high-stakes digital test from the comfort of their own home, rather than at a test centre. This testing approach comes with specific regulations designed to uphold the integrity of each test session. Regrettably, some test takers may not receive their results on the first attempt, due to unintentional rule violations. Below is a set of rules that an aspirant should be well aware of before taking the test.
- Avoid using someone else's name or identification to attempt the test and that the ID card is clear and legible.
- Ensure that you are in a well-lit, quiet room by yourself, no one should walk into your room or be in the room with you throughout the entire duration of the test
- Your ears should be visible and uncovered, and you cannot be using any external devices.
- The use of headphones or earphones is prohibited.
- Please keep your camera and microphone enabled throughout the test.
- Ensure that your face is clearly visible and not covered.
- No outside materials are allowed, including mobile devices, notes, or textbooks
- Writing utensils and paper are not allowed for note-taking purposes, and you should not make notes at any point during the test.
- Do not use a second monitor during the test.
- Maintain your focus on the screen and keep your eyes directed towards it. Avoid looking in other directions or around the room frequently.
- Refrain from utilising any predictive text method.
- Do not navigate away from the test window on the app under any circumstances.
Keeping these fundamental yet crucial guidelines in mind is a must while appearing for the Duolingo English Test to ensure you get a valid test score.
Things to Keep in Mind During DET Test
Ensuring compliance with the rules on the DET (Duolingo English Test) is vital for a fair and accurate assessment. Here are some helpful tips to prevent rule violations:
- Maintain Your Focus on the Screen: As you are conducting the test at a location of your choice, each session is proctored to ensure that you are not receiving assistance from external resources. Therefore, avoid looking away from your computer. Occasionally, you may need to glance at the keyboard while typing your answers - don’t worry, that is permissible and acceptable, but you need to restrict looking away from the screen as much as possible.
- Ensure Your Testing Environment: It is essential to understand that no one is permitted to assist you during the test. This means that no individual, even if they are not providing help, is allowed in your testing environment. To ensure an uninterrupted experience, allocate one hour of uninterrupted time and inform those around you not to enter your testing area.
- Communicate Naturally When Speaking and Writing: The Duolingo English Test aims to assess your genuine and natural proficiency in English. When you encounter open response sections of the test, strive to provide spontaneous and authentic answers. Even if you have prepared responses for similar types of questions, it is important to tailor your response to the specific topic and express it using your own words. Remember do not take notes or keep a writing pad around you, these will all result in invalid scores for the test taker.
Ensure That All Programs/Tabs on Your Computer Are Closed:
When you are prepared to begin the test, it is crucial that your test session is the sole activity running on your computer. Prior to initiating the test, make sure to close all programs, including web browsers (such as Chrome or Firefox), telecommunication software (like Skype or Discord), and remote desktop software (such as Teamviewer or Anydesk). Additionally, it is advisable to verify that no programs are running in the background without your knowledge. If you have any uncertainties, you may completely shut down your computer, restart it, and only launch the Duolingo English Test desktop application. This not only assists in passing a security check but also ensures a stable testing experience.
What Happens If Rules are Broken on the DET?
In the event of a violation of any rule associated with the Duolingo English Test, Duolingo maintains the right to withhold certification of test results or invalidate previously certified results, without offering a refund. However, there are circumstances where you may be eligible to appeal your invalidated results. If you meet the criteria for an appeal, you will find an “Appeal This Result” button next to your invalidated result on the Duolingo English Test homepage where you can appeal for the same. Depending on the severity of the violation which includes cheating, test takers may face a permanent ban from retaking the Duolingo English Test.
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Also, Read
Following the above guidelines will help ensure a smooth and fair experience while taking the DET, increasing your chances of gaining admission to your desired international university. You can also watch instructional videos for a clearer comprehension of the rules, available on the official website. In any situation, the DET team is consistently available to offer support and assistance throughout your journey. All the best! Candidates with queries can get in touch with us in the comments below. Study abroad aspirants looking for assistance with university admissions can get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors on our website.
About the Author
The Duolingo English Test is a modern English proficiency assessment for today’s international students and institutions. The test is available online, on demand. You don’t have to make an appointment or travel to a test centre—you can take the test from your home via a computer and webcam. The test is administered using computer adaptive technology, meaning that the question difficulty adapts to each test taker. The test also integrates a video interview and writing sample, which are sent to an institution along with your proficiency score when you send your results. The entire test experience takes just under an hour. Test results are certified within two days, and they can be shared with an unlimited number of institutions.
Duolingo English Test registration fee is USD 70 for one test in 2025. Also, you can pay USD 118 for a two-test package, which is USD 59 for each DET test.
You can take two tests and send the best result for university admission.
A straightforward process, booking a Duolingo English Test (DET) is not a hard not to crack. DET is an online test which one can take from anywhere and at anytime. If you wish to appear for the exam, you will have to book a slot for the same. One can do so at the time of registration. You will obtain an email confirmation of the registration along with further instructions. One does not need to take an appointment to take the test or visit a test venue in order to take the DET as the same is online. After the registration for DET is done, one can take the test within 21 days.
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