Now you will need two cameras to take the Duolingo English Test. DET has introduced a secondary camera requirement to enhance test security and raise the credibility of test. The additional camera records the computer screen and keyboard during the test, providing an extra layer of monitoring.
For students planning to pursue higher education abroad, the Duolingo English Test (DET) has become a trusted option for demonstrating English proficiency. Recognized for its convenience, affordability, and widespread acceptance by over 5,500 universities across 100 countries, the DET offers a flexible alternative to traditional exams like IELTS or TOEFL, allowing you to take the test from the comfort of your home.
To raise the integrity of the Duolingo English Test, the DET is introducing a secondary camera requirement for test-takers. This additional security measure is designed to enhance the credibility of students’ test results, ensuring greater trust from academic institutions.
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Why the Secondary Camera?
The Duolingo English Test (DET) now requires the use of a phone as an additional camera. The phone records the test takers’ computer screens and keyboards, providing a second layer of monitoring, and ensuring the test taker’s environment complies with the rules. Here’s why it’s important:
- By providing additional observational data, the new system helps proctors make more informed decisions about test validity.
- The additional monitoring discourages rule violations, creating a level playing field for all test-takers.
- It shows institutions that test takers are following all the guidelines, making test results more credible.
List of Requirements for DET
- A laptop or computer: which will be the primary camera & device
- A fully charged smartphone with a camera: which will be the secondary camera
- A reliable internet connection
- A well-lit, quiet room
- Passport for ID proof
- A stable object to prop up your phone
- A phone charger (optional, but recommended)
Related Pages:
Duolingo Eligibility | How to Register for Duolingo | How to Make Duolingo Slot Booking? |
Duolingo Exam Pattern | Duolingo Speaking Topics | Duolingo English Test Sample Papers |
How Does It Work?
The process is simple: The test taker uses their smartphone as a secondary camera to capture the computer screen and keyboard during the test. Here’s a quick setup guide for you:
- Open the DET desktop app and sign in.
- Follow the prompts to set up the phone.
- Scan the QR code with the phone's camera, not another app.
- Make sure the phone is fully charged. Tip: The phone can be plugged into a charger throughout the test to help ensure the battery doesn't die.
- Turn on Do Not Disturb (DND) mode on the phone, ensuring no contacts can bypass this setting. Receiving notifications during the test could invalidate the session.
- Allow the desktop app access to the phone's camera.
- Lean the phone against a heavy object to the left or right of the computer. Placing it horizontally will provide the most stability.
- The phone's video feed will be displayed on the computer screen during the setup.
- Adjust the phone until both the screen and keyboard are fully visible and within the frame. Positioning the phone slightly to the side and behind the test taker may be necessary for optimal visibility.
Remember: Do not close the phone's browser window or interfere with the secondary camera recording. To ensure a valid result, the phone must continuously record and face your computer throughout the entire test. The recording will stop automatically when your test session ends.
Why This Update Is Good for DET Test Takers
The DET continues to stand out as being the most accessible and affordable English Proficiency Test, and this security update strengthens those advantages:
- Accessibility: The test can be taken from anywhere, no need to visit a testing centre.
- Affordability: The DET remains a budget-friendly option compared to IELTS or TOEFL. Less than INR 5500
- Innovation: The secondary camera setup ensures the test is more secure, which in turn helps build trust with academic institutions.
By introducing the secondary camera requirement, the Duolingo English Test ensures that the test experience remains secure, credible, and trusted by academic institutions worldwide. With the DET’s continued commitment to accessibility, affordability, and innovation, test takers can focus on what truly matters: showcasing English proficiency and taking the next step toward their academic journey.
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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.
FAQs Related to DET's Dual Camera Requirements
Q. How can test takers make sure their phone is correctly positioned?
A. During setup, the phone's video feed will display on the computer screen. Test takers should move the phone around until the screen and keyboard are visible and entirely within the frame. They may need to position the phone to the side and slightly behind them.
Q. Do test takers need any special equipment?
A. No. The on-screen instructions show a phone leaning against a mug, but test takers can use any object that will support a phone without moving during the test. If they own a phone stand, they may use that.
Q. What happens if the secondary camera video is interrupted during the test?
A. The phone camera must record the computer screen and keyboard continuously throughout the entire test. If the video is interrupted, obscured, or interfered with, the session will be cancelled or invalidated and the test taker will need to take it again from the beginning. Once set up to record, the phone will not enter sleep mode during the test.
Q. What happens if the DET test taker's phone falls over during the test?
A. Since the questions are timed, we recommend the test taker quit and restart the test from the beginning if their phone falls over.
Q. Can the secondary camera be used in place of the computer camera?
A. No. The computer camera and secondary camera are both required to take the test.
Q. Are DET scores before the secondary camera requirement still valid?
A. Yes. The DET has always maintained cutting-edge security measures, innovating and refining them dynamically. Introducing new features, such as the secondary camera, is part of its ongoing efforts to stay ahead of potential security challenges.
Q: What is the eligibility of the Duolingo English Test?
There is no official announced Duolingo English Test eligibility:
- Age Limit: No official age limit fixed. However, applicants less than 13 years need parental consent.
- Educational Background: Students from any educational background can appear in DET test.
These are the only two points related to eligibility of Duolingo English Test.
Q: How many attempts are allowed for Duolingo English Test?
There is no restriction in the number of times a candidate can attempt to take the Duolingo English Test, but one cannot take it more than three times in a period of 30 days. Check details of the previous 30 days and count the number of times you've bought the same within those days in order to see if you can buy another test or not. Even if you fail this test multiple times you can make a re-attempt. But if the test taker is unable to improve or enhance his or her score even after many attempts, it would imply that the test is not helping them with learning. They should then try some other method to improve their language skills.
Q: Which countries accept Duolingo English Test?
As countries are continuously added to the list of Duolingo accepting nations, it's difficult to say the exact number. However, more than 100 countries are accepting the Duolingo English Test score currently. Countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, Ireland, and all major study destinations are in the list. Note that, even if a country accepts the Duolingo English Test in general, individual universities might have their own English language proficiency requirements. As countries accept score of Duolingo for visa also.
Q: What are the minimum eligibility criteria for Duolingo English Test?
There aren't any set Duolingo English Test requirements that students need to fulfill to appear in the exam. With any educational qualification, candidates of any age can take the exam to prove their English language proficiency. Note that, Candidates below 13 years of age need parental consent to appear for the test.
Q: Who all are eligible to take the Duolingo English test?
According to Duolingo English Test eligibility, there is no age limit or restriction for taking the DET. Anyone, regardless of age, can appear for the test. However, individuals under 13 years require parental consent to appear in the test. Additionally, you do not need to submit your academic background.
Q: Is there any age limit for taking the Duolingo English Test?
As such, there is no age limit set by Duolingo for taking the test. Anyone willing to take admission to undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, or research programs can take the test. Candidates below the age of 13 years need parental or guardian consent for taking the test. Duolingo has joined hands with many global institutions which use the score obtained by the test takers for their admission procedure. The list of institutions which accept the Duolingo scores are is available on the official Duolingo website.
Q: What is the minimum age for taking the Duolingo English Test?
There is no age limit or restriction for taking Duolingo English Test. Students of any age can take the DET (Duolingo English Test). The aim of this english proficiency test is to proof the English language proficiency that is required to study or work in any English speaking countries like USA, Canada, New Zealand and etc. Note that, applicants aged below 13 years require parental consent.
Q: What is educational eligibility criteria for Duolingo English Test?
There is no need to show academic qualification as eligibilityof an applicant to is not required to appear for the Duolingo examination. Candidates who come from any education background can apply for DET test and make Duolingo English Test booking after completeing registration process.
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