How to Avoid Disqualification in the Duolingo English Test 🎯

Taking the Duolingo English Test (DET) is a great way to prove your English skills, but strict rules ensure fairness.

Imagine preparing for weeks, answering fluently, and then finding out your test wasn’t certified. Frustrating, right? But don’t sweat —this short guide will help you avoid the most common pitfalls so that your results are safe, valid, and certified.

1. Close All Apps & Disable Notifications 🚫

One of the quickest ways to get disqualified? Running background apps or receiving notifications during the test. The DET software detects if anything is open, and that’s an automatic red flag.

✅ What to do:

• Close all background apps before you start. Use your task manager to double-check.
• Turn off notifications on your phone and computer.
• Avoid pop-ups (email, chat apps, spell-checkers like Grammarly).

2. Keep Your Eyes on the Screen

Your eyes should stay focused on the screen throughout the test. Looking away—even for a second—could be flagged as suspicious behavior.

✅ Tips to stay compliant:

• If you're typing, a quick glance at the keyboard is okay—just return your eyes to the screen immediately.
• Don’t look at your phone, notes, or anything off-screen.
• If you tend to look around while thinking, practice staying focused before test day.

🚨 Why? The test uses AI tracking to detect where you're looking, and frequent eye movement could be interpreted as cheating.

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3. Be in a Silent Room—Alone

You must take the DET in a completely silent room with no one else present. Even if someone walks by briefly, your test can be invalidated.

✅ What to do:

• Lock the door and tell others not to enter.
• Turn off TVs, music, and background noise.
• Avoid taking the test in public spaces like cafes or libraries.

🚨 Why? Any external movement, sounds, or voices could suggest you’re receiving outside help, even if unintentional.

4. Frame Your Face Properly

Your entire face must be visible at all times—this includes your eyes, mouth, and ears. If your face is partially off-screen, your test will be flagged.

✅ Fix it before starting:

• Adjust your webcam to show your full face.
• Sit in a well-lit room so the AI can track your expressions.
• Don’t wear headphones or anything covering your ears.

5. Uninstall Spell-Checkers & Close External Tools

Using Grammarly, spell-checkers, or translation tools is strictly prohibited—even if they’re open in the background.

✅ What to do:

• Uninstall or disable spell-check extensions before the test.
• Ensure your browser has no active plug-ins or add-ons.
• Use only the tools provided by Duolingo.

🚨 Why? AI detects external software, and even accidental use will result in test cancellation.

6. Stick to One Email & Complete the Test on Time

Your test account must be consistent with the email you registered with. Switching accounts or missing deadlines could void your test results.

✅ Steps to follow:

• Use the same email for registration and login.
• Take the test within 21 days of purchase.
• Check your inbox for test confirmations.

🚨 Why? Duolingo flags suspicious account activity, and missing deadlines means losing your test attempt.

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Play by the Rules & Get Certified

Taking the Duolingo English Test is simple if you follow the rules. Avoiding silly mistakes—like looking away, keeping apps open, or not framing your face properly—can be the difference between getting your results certified or losing your test fee.

Follow these six simple steps, and you'll breeze through the DET without any issues. Now, go do it!