Duolingo English Test (DET) Requirements: How To Meet Them?

The Duolingo English test (DET) is considered a less demanding exam than IELTS.

But did you know that little details like camera angles and personal appearance can make or break your result?

Let’s explore the Duolingo English Test requirements with LUME to secure success!

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Key Takeaways

• Candidates must present their valid ID to start the Duolingo English Test (DET).
• Duolingo requires candidates to take the test on a desktop or laptop computer with a front-facing camera, microphone, and speaker.
• No one is allowed to enter your room until the test is over.
• You can’t use external resources, such as notes, dictionaries, or software, during the test.

Must-know Duolingo English Test (DET) Requirements

Valid ID

Depending on the country, candidates will need to present a specific form of identification.

Here are the details:

Allowed Documents	Countries
Passport, Driver’s license, or Government photo ID	Afghanistan, Åland Islands, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Angola, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Chad, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d’Ivoire, Roatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Domanica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong SAR China, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau SAR China, Macedonia, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Palestine Territories, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, U.S. Virgin Islands, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Passport or a driver’s licence	Andorra, Anguilia, Bahamas, Tunisia
Passport or government photo ID	Chile, China, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mongolia, Nicaragua, Pakistan, Seychelles, South Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Timor-Leste
Only passport	Aruba, Bermuda, Bhutan, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Eritrea, Gibraltar, Greenland, Grenada, Guernsey, India, Iran, Jersey, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Montserrat, Nepal, North Korea, Samoa, St. Helena, St. Kitts & Nevis, Tuvalu, Uzbekistan
Only a driver’s license	Cook Islands, Niue, Norfolk Island, Sint Maarten

Computer/ Laptop

The Duolingo English Test (DET) can be taken on desktop and laptop computers only, not iPads.

It’s because an iPad can’t guarantee proper security, a controlled environment, hardware functionality, and software compatibility.

Therefore, any attempt to go against this requirement will result in poor performance.

Browser Requirements / Operating System Requirements

The test is compatible with Windows 10 or macOS 10.15 or later versions.

So, ensure your system stays up to date for optimal performance.

You don’t need a browser to take the Duolingo English Test (DET), since it’s conducted through a desktop application.

Instead, buy the testing package, download the app, and install it to start.

Due to security environment reasons, you’re required to close all programs, including browsers such as Chrome or  Safari.

Internet Stability And Backup Recommendation

A reliable internet connection is one of the most important requirements to guarantee a smooth performance.

You can choose wired Ethernet or WiFi, yet the first option is more recommended.

If you have to use WiFi, ensure the connection is stable.

Stay away from heavy-traffic hotspots so that it will not affect the transmission’s quality.

And it’s important to always check your internet before the test and have a backup plan if needed.

Webcam, Microphone, And Audio Requirements

Duolingo requires a laptop or computer with a front-facing camera, speakers, and a microphone.

The built-in camera on your computer is the best option, yet you can use a USB one if needed.

Ensure you install it in front of your face, at eye level (not from the side or too high).

Similarly, you can use an external microphone if your computer doesn’t have one.

However, it cannot be connected to headphones, as they are strictly prohibited during the test.

The speakers should capture your voice clearly.

If you feel the built-in speaker is too quiet or can affect the quality of your recordings, use an external one.

Room Lighting And Background Rules

This requirement helps the proctors verify your identity and confirm that there’s no cheating.

Dark or shadowy rooms will make it hard to tell whether you are alone or getting help from unauthorized sources.

Your test may even be uncertified in this case.

Thus, prepare a well-lit room so that your face, eyes, ears, and the surrounding environment are visible.

Ensure your room is quiet and free of distractions.

No background noise, such as people talking, should be present; otherwise, your result will be uncertified.

Remember that all potential distractions (mobile devices) and external materials need to be moved away.

You can consider putting a mirror behind you to prove that you’re alone and there’s no cheating action.

Clothing And Personal Appearance Rules

The basic rule is that your face features must be visible to confirm identity and prevent cheating.

You can’t wear a hat during the Duolingo English Test (DET).

Yet, religious headwear is an exception.

You can wear it, but ensure your face is as visible as possible.

If you have an eye problem, you can wear eyeglasses.

But ensure the room’s lighting is adjusted so there’s no glare that obscures your eyes.

On the other hand, sunglasses are strictly prohibited because it’s difficult for the AI system and human proctors to track your eyes.

Face masks are also not permitted.

The reason is that they cover your mouth and nose and mess with the voice recording during the speaking sections.

One Person Only – No Other People / No Assistance Allowed

Another thing to keep in mind is that you need to be alone in your testing space.

Anyone entering your room during testing, even accidentally, can invalidate the test.

Duolingo may even permanently ban you from taking the test again.

The reason for this strict rule is to ensure the test’s fairness and that you don’t receive help from someone else in the room.

In short, you can’t communicate with anyone until the testing time is over.

Do not let anyone enter your room until the test is over – Image source: Pxhere

Allowed vs Not Allowed Materials

You only need a desktop or laptop computer with a front camera, speaker, and microphone to take the Duolingo English Test (DET).

Items below are strictly prohibited during the test:

• Notes or paper: Note-taking is not allowed in the Duolingo English Test (DET).
• Mobile devices: Candidates can’t use any mobile device unless they use it as a secondary camera.
• Dictionaries or translators: No physical or online dictionaries or translators are accepted.
• External software: All predictive text and other software, such as Grammarly, must be disabled before the test.
• Headphones and earbuds: They are not allowed in the exam.

What Happens If Requirements Are Not Met?

If you don’t meet the test’s requirements, the following situation can happen:

• Invalid test result: You’ll receive a notification stating, “Your test result could not be certified.”
• No refund: If you break the rules, the test payment is nonrefundable.
• Temporary or permanent account block: Depending on the severity of the rule violation, your account can be suspended or banned.

Candidates have the right to appeal the result within 72 hours of receiving notification.

Duolingo will review your testing process and make a final decision.

If they believe you broke the rules accidentally, it may be possible for you to retake the test without additional cost.

Suppose it’s a minor rule violation, such as failing to submit a clear ID. 

Then, Duolingo may allow you to submit it again without retaking the test.

Conclusion

Meeting the Duolingo English Test requirements is actually not difficult.

Once you understand them and prepare exactly what’s required, you’re ready for the test.

Stay confident, and it’s time to prove your English skills!

Want to ACE the Duolingo English Test (DET) And Reach Your Goals? Get Your FREE Lume Account Today to Unlock… ✅ 10,000+ PRACTICE QUESTIONS with detailed answers ✅ FREE MOCK TESTS with fast & accurate AI scoring ✅ Get BETTER SCORES with a PERSONALIZED study plan GET YOUR FREE ACCOUNT NOW (Limited seats available!)