Duolingo English Test Rules You Must Never Break

The Duolingo English Test is a Home-based English proficiency test administered to test-takers worldwide for admission to top-ranking universities. Most competitors proctor the test at designated test centres for Test Security and a managed environment to avoid any malpractices. Since the Duolingo English Test is an Online test taken at Home, they must have some rules in place to avoid cheating and enhance the acceptability for genuine test-takers.

Test-takers must follow the set rules and obey them to avoid having their results canceled or facing a permanent ban if there is evidence of cheating. There is no refund possible in the event that your result is cancelled by DET. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to thoroughly understand the rules before starting your test. Let’s review the 7 Rules you must never break in the Duolingo English Test.

Rule 1 – Don’t Take Notes During the Test

While preparing for other exams, you are always advised to take notes of key points, but here in the Duolingo English Test, you are not allowed to take notes. Since the test is taken online from home, it’s challenging for the DET team to verify whether you are taking notes for personal use or cheating, so they ban note-taking during the test. The best thing about mind-mapping the question is that it helps create imaginary notes and pay close attention to the question, allowing you to remember key points.

Rule 2 – Use a Valid ID and One Account

The Duolingo English Test requires you to present a valid and acceptable form of identification at the time of the test. The ID can be a passport, a driving license, or a government photo ID. Depending on your nationality, only a specific ID is acceptable. Please check the acceptable ID on the DET official website before proceeding with DET to avoid any issues.

The DET accepts only a passport for the following nationalities: India, China, Aruba, Bermuda, Bhutan, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Chile, Comoros, Eritrea, Gibraltar, Greenland, Grenada, Guernsey, Iran, Jersey, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Montserrat, Nepal, North Korea, Samoa, St. Helena, St. Kitts & Nevis, Sudan, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan. For the rest of the nationalities, they accept either a Passport, a Driving License, or a Government ID.

The Duolingo English Test allows only One Account per person. If you try to create multiple accounts using different email addresses, they will eventually track you and block your account. Creating multiple accounts or switching between them is considered a violation and may result in the cancellation of your scores or the banning of your account. So, keep only one account. If you are reattempting the test, you can always rebook it in the same account.

Rule 3 – Keep Your Eyes on the Screen

During the Duolingo English Test, you must stay focused and keep your eyes on the screen. The DET proctor always checks whether you are looking away from the screen or making unnecessary eye movements during the evaluation. They will disqualify you if they find that you are trying to read something off the screen or attempting to contact anyone. This is a common reason for Result Cancellation in DET. Ensure your room is quiet and free from distractions before you begin for positive results.

Rule 4 – Keep Your Face and Ears Visible

Your face, eyes, mouth, and ears must be clearly visible in the Camera at all times during your Duolingo English Test. Don't wear sunglasses, masks, caps, headscarves, or any other items that cover your face or head. This is for the Confirmation and Verification of the test-taker. The only exception is religious headwear, such as the turban and hijab, which are allowed. If possible, it is recommended to remove the religious headwear during the test for better clarity and to avoid delays in results.

Rule 5 – Don’t Use Headphones or Earphones

During your Duolingo English Test, you are not allowed to wear external Headphones, Earphones, or Mics. You must use the external or built-in speaker. To avoid any technical issues at the last moment, always validate your system's headphones and microphones a day before for functionality and sound quality.

Rule 6 – Close All Other Windows and Apps

Before you start the Duolingo English Test, close all open applications and windows on your computer that aren't needed for the test. Applications, such as messaging apps, screen-sharing tools, and grammar checkers, can all interfere with the test and may result in disqualification. Even a simple notification can be a problem. Additionally, avoid using a second monitor or remote access software, such as TeamViewer or AnyDesk, and refrain from leaving the test window open at any point.

Shut everything down and focus only on the DET test. You are not allowed to screen-sharing or switching between tabs during the test. This is one of the most common reasons for disqualification in DET.

Rule 7 – Keep Your Test Area Clean

In addition to your Laptop or Computer, you should only have an ID and a mobile phone with a camera on your desk. The mobile phone is required to record your keyboard, hand movements, and side view while you are taking the test. Also, ensure that your mobile phone is 100% charged before you start the test.

During the test, you are required to perform a 360-degree Room Scan to prove that you are alone in the room and that your desk does not have any unnecessary items, such as pens, papers, books, or other materials.  

The DET rules might seem confusing at first, but they are simple for genuine test-takers. The DET continually enhances test security to promote better global acceptance and prevent any unethical practices.

What Happens If You Break a DET Rule?

In case you break any rule during the Duolingo English Test, the team may take the following actions.

1. Free Re-attempt: In the event of technical failure during the test or if the DET proctor believes that you unintentionally broke the rule, they will allow you to attempt the exam again, either Free or paid. The decision lies with the proctor.
2. Result Cancellation: If the DET proctor detects that you are looking away from the screen for a prolonged time or you try to switch tabs, they will cancel your result and ask you to re-attempt the test. You need to book a new test, as a fee waiver is not possible.
3. Account Block: In the event that the DET team has confirmed evidence that you are trying to cheat during the exam, they will permanently ban you from taking the test in the future. Creating a new account using a different Email Address will be detected by the DET team during the ID Scan, and they will block your account without any refund. So, once your account is blocked, it’s better to challenge the Decision via Email or opt for other exams, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE.