This article will show you how to prepare for the Duolingo Test to avoid having retakes.
The pointers in this article can assist you in studying for the test. The exam assesses applicants’ English language abilities, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking. However, you may study and practice specific English language skills to prepare for the test.
Reading high-level content, such as foreign journals and newspapers, and consistently practicing writing can help you improve your talents. You may also view English movies and communicate with others who speak English as their first language. You may also find a wealth of free test preparation tools on the internet.
- What is the Duolingo English Test?
- How Can You Take the Duolingo English Test?
- How is the Duolingo English Test scored?
- Can I Retake the Duolingo English Test?
- 11 Possible You Are Required to Retake the Duolingo English Test
- What are the Procedures and Policies for Retaking the Duolingo English Test?
- General Tips to Ace the Duolingo English Exam
- Additional FAQs About Retaking DET Test
What is the Duolingo English Test?
The Duolingo English Test is a computer-based online test that applicants may take at their leisure. Candidates who need to demonstrate their English language skills may take the Duolingo English Test, which can be completed online at any time and from any location.
It assesses all four language abilities Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking, much like the traditional study abroad examinations TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE.
In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about the Duolingo exam and whether or not you should take it.
The exam is adaptive, which means that with each successful response, the difficulty level of the test rises, while the following question gets simpler if your answer is incorrect. Although the exam is just around an hour-long, it may swiftly assess the test taker’s abilities with only a few questions.
Candidates may take the exam from their homes, and there is no need to schedule an appointment since they can take it whenever and wherever they choose. It also contains an improved portion where applicants may record their responses to open-ended questions and do a 10-minute video interview.
- Here is a comprehensive guide on Duolingo English Test Exam Format
How Can You Take the Duolingo English Test?
You may take the exam online at any time and from any location. This exam does not need candidates to visit a testing location. Candidates may take the exam at their leisure from the comfort of their own homes; all they need is some essential equipment.
Duolingo ensures that applicants obey the strict restrictions it has established since they will be taking the exam from their homes, so you will be able to complete the test without any assistance. Candidates must be alone in the room for the exam, and no one should be speaking to them during the test.
Additionally, candidates are unable to navigate from the browser while taking the exam. Aside from that, there are some more guidelines to follow when taking the test.
Guidelines
- The test may be done in one hour, with results arriving in two days (48 hours) and being shared with anybody right away.
- More than 1000 universities throughout the globe accept it.
- For about USD 49, candidates may get their results.
- Candidates can submit their score reports to as many institutions as they desire.
- Candidates must have the required equipment and set up to register for this exam. Aside from that, applicants may register for the exam using their driver’s license or official ID rather than their passport.
Test Requirements
- Passport, driver’s license, or government ID
- A computer
- A well-lit room
- A reliable internet connection
Hardware/Software Requirements
- A supported browser (Chrome or Opera)
- A microphone
- A front-facing camera
- Speakers
How is the Duolingo English Test scored?
The Duolingo English Exam is a computer-based test that measures reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities to evaluate real-world language aptitude. On a scale of 10-160, the test taker’s skill is assessed as a holistic score.
After the test, the individual is given a score ranging from 10 to160. This is a total score, not a score for each segment. A score of greater than 120 is usually required for elite programs, equivalent to Band 7 in IELTS. You may want to compare your results to those of the IELTS or TOEFL tests.
- Here is a comprehensive guide on how Duolingo English Test Scoring works to get a clear picture.
Can I Retake the Duolingo English Test?
Essentially, the answer is yes. You may take the Duolingo English Test twice in 30 days if you register for it. In addition, there are no restrictions on the number of times you may repeat the exam. The exam results are valid for two years, and you may choose to have them forwarded to any number of colleges at no additional cost to you.
Before retaking, make sure to check and have the following things with you:
- A dependable internet connection
- a front-facing camera mounted on the front of your computer’s case
- the use of a microphone
- privacy
- conducive place
- headphones and earbuds are not allowed
A reliable front-facing camera is essential because you will be observed during the examination. You should be aware that this increases the overall security of the exam. One of the reasons why the Duolingo exam is so well-regarded and recognized by so many colleges is because of the level of protection it provides.
Because you will often be speaking during the exam, you will want a microphone for the entire test. There are numerous different sorts of questions for which I was required to record myself speaking the answers; we discussed some of those questions above, but there are many more.
11 Possible You Are Required to Retake the Duolingo English Test
There are a lot of regulations since this is an exam you’re taking at home, and Duolingo wants to prevent you from cheating.
In taking the Duolingo English Test, you must be alone in a quiet, well-lit room, with your ears exposed (not covered by hair, etc.), no sunglasses or headphones, and no writing materials or paper.
While some of these criteria may not seem relevant to the exam, they are in place to assist and preserve the test’s integrity and provide the institutions receiving your scores confidence in the findings. Duolingo has requested that you take them seriously, to the point that you will be barred from retaking the exam if you fail to follow any of the restrictions (such as taking notes or using your phone during the test).
The program might record your screen as soon as you start the exam. It also has detection algorithms to identify when you exit the test browser or switch to a new tab. After finishing the exam, a remote proctor will evaluate all of these factors. The remote proctor will instantly invalidate your test score if you break a rule during the exam session.
According to the Duolingo English Test Rules and Requirements, it maintains the right not to certify your test results or invalidate any previously certified results without issuing a refund. In addition, you may be permanently barred from taking the Duolingo English Test, depending on the severity of the infraction.
Below are the probable reasons for failing or receiving an invalid Duolingo English Test result that will lead you to retake the exam. We have also provided some quick tips to help you with each citation.
1. Your Camera Did Not Work During the Test
In cases like this, ensure that you have tested your camera before taking the test.
The best place to start is to check sure another software isn’t using the camera. If one is present, close it, restart your browser/computer, and try again.
2. Your Face Was Not Always Visible
For situations like this, make sure that:
- There should be enough light in the room to show your face clearly in the camera.
- Your ears should be visible to the camera.
- Choose a well-lit room in your house.
3. Looking Away From the Screen For a Long Time
If you look away or around for a while, that might create a problem with the validity of your test.
To avoid this, make sure that you are looking at the screen of your test all the time while sitting for the exam.
4. Unable to Verify the Security of the Test Environment
When there is even a minor amount of noise in the surroundings or someone else is there, and they suspect the presence of software, the test will not be approved.
Follow these to receive a valid score:
- Please take the exam in a quiet room with no other persons in the vicinity.
- Open a new tab in an incognito window to confirm that all plug-ins and add-ons are turned off.
- Turn off all alerts and dismiss all other windows and apps.
- Use a conventional input method (not Sougou or any other).
- Don’t use any third-party applications.
- Turn off all external devices in the room’s notifications. Do not look at or interact with any other devices during the test.
- Place a mirror in front of you.
5. Unable to Complete and Upload the Test
To avoid this, do not open any other apps or windows while the test is uploading, and do not quit the Duolingo English Test app.
The uploading of the exam may take several minutes, depending on your internet speed.
If the exam fails to upload or stops uploading, you must retake the entire test.
6. The Test Area was Not Private
The test will not be accepted if there is even a little noise in the environment or if someone else is there and they suspect the existence of software.
Please complete the test in a quiet room with no other people around.
7. Outside Materials Open During the Test
In cases like this, make sure that your table and area are free from any materials or unnecessary devices such as pens, pencils, paper, or mobile devices that may cause you to receive an invalid score.
8. Not Speaking Adequately During the ‘Speaking’ Test Sections
For situations like this, speak extensively and use the given time.
This will not only validate your result but also showcase your communication skills.
9. Providing Rehearsed and Memorized Answers
Spontaneity is the key in the speaking parts of the test. This allows you to have a more normal and natural response to the questions.
Avoid lip-syncing and memorizing any sample response or even writing them in advance.
10. Poor Microphone Volume
In cases like this, check your microphone and its volume. Ensure they are at the max to avoid any possible technical issues. You may take the practice test first and determine if you have set it up correctly.
11. Using Duplicate Accounts to Take the Test
For this situation, ensure that you registered only an account to the DET platform. Otherwise, it will result in an invalid remark.
What are the Procedures and Policies for Retaking the Duolingo English Test?
The security strategy used by the Duolingo English Test is “deterrence and detection.” The test prohibits keyboard activities that might provide an unfair advantage to prevent cheating (e.g., taking a screenshot).
It also restricts suspicious behaviors (such as moving the mouse offscreen or switching windows). It terminates the test session if they occur too often or for an extended period.
If the exam is terminated due to such acts, the test taker receives three free retake attempts before having to buy a new test credit, with a maximum of two test credits purchased in a rolling 30-day period.
If a test taker runs out of retakes or test credits for non-malicious reasons (e.g., technical issues), they may contact customer service for more test credits.
Below is the retaking policy by certification decision:
- General policy:
- Each credit corresponds to one test result.
- Test takers have three chances to finish one full test with the credit.
- For example, if a test taker begins the test twice and the internet goes down, the test will fail; the test taker will have one more chance to complete the test on that credit.
- Technical issues:
- If credit is still available, the test taker may retake for free; support can manually add credit if credit has been over-attempted (tried to start > three times).
- Issues with Identity Validation
- You must resubmit your ID; you do not need to repeat the whole exam.
- Breached regulations
- If credit is still available, the test taker may retake for free; support can manually add credit if credit has been over-attempted (tried to start three times).
- If a test taker has two tests on the same credit with rules breached, the credit will immediately expire; however, the test taker may appeal this outcome.
- Malicious conduct:
- The test taker has been barred from retaking the exam.
- Appeals:
- If a test taker believes there was a mistake in the certification process, they may request an appeal via the free appeals procedure. The exam will be subjected to the second round of evaluation by the proctoring staff due to this. However, the judgment reached after a single round of appeal is final and cannot be appealed again.
General Tips to Ace the Duolingo English Exam
After doing the Duolingo English Test practice, you’ll understand how critical it is to put in the necessary time and effort to succeed.
Listed below are some study recommendations that you may find helpful:
- There is no way to predict what kind of question you will ask on the adaptive system exams. Consequently, make an effort to learn as many subjects as possible in English.
- Check your vocabulary in both the writing and speaking areas to ensure effective. Employ a large number of synonyms and make an effort to utilize a range of phrase structures, even those that are more sophisticated.
- To finish the missing word task, you must pay close attention to the endings of the words. The tenses will offer you a solid notion of using in your writing.
- It is important not to put too much strain on oneself. The test preparation resources provided by Duolingo are adequate to secure your success.
Get to know the Duolingo English Exam a few weeks before the test.
- Watch a fast video overview of the test as an example of informal research. Then, for more informative videos, visit our YouTube channel and playlists.
- The Official Guide for Test Takers may be found on our Test Readiness website. The book includes information on different questions, scoring, the exam experience, and more.
- Every day, use all of your talents to practice your English! The Duolingo Blog contains information on how to learn English in daily situations.
- You can take the free practice exam as many times as you want. This will give you an idea of the sorts of questions you’ll encounter on the actual exam.
Before the Exam
- To take the exam, choose a comfortable and peaceful location. There should be enough light, a comfortable place to sit, and complete seclusion in your environment.
- Make sure you have everything you’ll need, such as a government-issued photo ID, a computer, and a stable internet connection.
- You may purchase the exam ahead of time and then just click “Start Test” when you’re ready to take it.
- Choose a time of day when you’ll be at your most creative and productive. You may take the Duolingo English Test whenever and anywhere you like.
- Choose the time that works best for you! Some exam takers are early birds, while others are night owls.
On the Day of the Exam
- Make sure you have at least one hour of unbroken time. Make it clear to everyone that they are not permitted to enter your testing area. You may even make a sign to display on your front door!
- Wearing headphones will prohibit you from receiving a certificate for your exam. You should be able to see your face and ears clearly.
- Read all of the test-taking guidelines carefully to ensure that your exam is safe and legitimate. Before you begin the exam, it will remind you of the regulations.
- To prepare for the Duolingo English exam, practice your English just before it. Try reading an article, speaking out loud to a buddy, or watching a program, or listening to a podcast in English.
During the Exam
- Because each exam is proctored, you must keep your eyes on the screen the whole time. It’s normal to glance away while you’re thinking or distracted but do your best to remain focused on the exam.
- The Duolingo English Test, unlike other examinations, features just one segment, with an adaptive set of questions covering all English abilities. You won’t have to finish long reading and writing portions since these tasks are short and predictive.
- Take note of the time restriction for each question on the screen, and try to write or say as much as you can before the time runs out.
- After the graded section, you’ll do an ungraded video interview and written sample. These are shared with institutions and your grades, so do your best to present yourself and your English skills.
After the Test
- Because each exam is proctored, you must keep your eyes on the screen the whole time. It’s normal to glance away while you’re thinking or distracted but do your best to remain focused on the exam.
- The Duolingo English Test, unlike other examinations, features just one segment, with an adaptive set of questions covering all English abilities. You won’t have to finish long reading and writing portions since these tasks are short and predictive.
- Take note of the time restriction for each question on the screen, and try to write or say as much as you can before the time runs out.
- After the graded section, you’ll do an ungraded video interview and written sample. These are shared with institutions and your grades, so do your best to present yourself and your English skills.
Additional FAQs About Retaking DET Test
How Much Time Should You Spend Studying for the Duolingo English Test?
First and foremost, evaluate yourself and determine how much time you can devote to learning and preparing. After that, you should assess your English proficiency.
Even with just two weeks of preparation, you should be able to pass the Duolingo English Test if you have an excellent grasp of the English language. During this period, you may take advantage of the Duolingo English Test practice tests and sample questions available online.
What Should One Do To Prepare for the Duolingo English Test?
You should prepare for the Duolingo test by making every effort to improve your listening and reading skills. Speaking with someone proficient in English should include listening to English podcasts, browsing tales from major periodicals and journals, and even practicing.
Furthermore, you should prepare for the Duolingo English test to understand better the kind of questions you will be presented with during the actual exam. On Duolingo’s website, you’ll be able to take a free practice exam to test your knowledge. You may be as persistent as you want when taking the test.
How Long is the Validity of the Duolingo English Test?
The validity of the Duolingo English exam is two years.
Until you gather the scores, you should transmit them immediately from the results website to the educational institutions, and there is no time restriction on sending the score files.
You may send the score summary to as many institutions as you desire.
Is Duolingo English Test Far Better than IELTS and TOEFL?
When compared to other English proficiency examinations such as the IELTS, PTE, and CELPIP, the Duolingo English Test is more straightforward and quicker. Furthermore, because of social disconnection, getting to the center and navigating through the traffic jams is a challenge.
Moreover, the Duolingo English Test cost is much cheaper than that of other examinations. There is nothing wrong with pursuing your goals. According to our modest view, if the institution you are interested in accepts Duolingo tests above any other tests, you should undoubtedly take advantage of this opportunity.
