Duolingo English Test: Guide for Beginners

Part 1: Understanding Test Anxiety

Common Fears and Why They Happen

If you’re reading this, you are probably about to take the Duolingo English Test (DET). You might feel overwhelmed. You may be nervous about the technology, confused by the rules, or afraid you won’t get the score you need.

Let’s start with the most important thing you need to know: You are not alone.

Feeling anxious before your first DET is not just common. It’s the normal experience for thousands of students around the world. Before we dive into the practical steps for preparing and passing this test, take a moment to sit with those feelings and see where they come from. Many students share these same worries online while looking for reassurance and answers.

You're Not Alone: Voices from the Community

1. "I'm so scared guys, knowing that I have good English level, in practice test I usually got 130-140. Now I'm so stressed and confused and I should wait for 2 days to get to know what will happen." ¹
2. "I recently took my DET and this first time, they were not able to certify because 'I looked away from the screen for an extended period of time'. I absolutely did not, and if I did, it was unintentional." ²
3. "I read plenty of reddit posts about how easily the test wouldn't get certified, that it was a scam, etc... so I thought of writing a post myself with my quite positive experience!" ³
4. "I need it urgently and my parents won't accept to provide another test cost." ¹

These voices show the common fears new test-takers have. Let’s break them down. Naming a fear is the first step to beating it.

The Fear of the Unknown Machine

Unlike a classroom test with a human proctor, the DET is monitored by artificial intelligence (AI) and remote human reviewers.4 You take the test alone in your room. A camera watches you, and you can’t see or talk to the system. That feels strange and intimidating. It creates a specific anxiety that makes you hyper-aware of every move. You start asking yourself questions that would never occur in a normal conversation:

Did I look down at my keyboard for too long? Was the glare from my glasses a problem? Did I move my head out of the frame when I stretched my neck?.²

This is the "Paranoia of the Proctor." The rules are clear, but they can feel absolute and unforgiving when an invisible system enforces them. You may know you didn’t cheat, but you still worry that a normal, unintentional action, like glancing away while thinking, could be misread.² The lack of immediate human feedback can make you feel like you’re walking on eggshells. You shift your focus from answering English questions to simply trying not to break a rule.

The Fear of Unfairness

Reading stories online about tests not being certified for what seem like small reasons naturally makes you worry the system is unfair. Some students have called the experience a "hassle" or even a "scam" when their results are cancelled without what they feel is clear proof.2 This fear hits hardest when you did your best and felt your performance was good, only to be told an external factor voided your result.5 You worry that all your hard work could be dismissed over a technicality you didn’t even know you were committing.

The Fear of Financial Loss

For many students, the cost of the test is a significant investment. The thought of having to pay again for a retake adds heavy financial pressure.1 This often ties into family expectations and the urgent need to meet university application deadlines. The fear isn’t just about failing the test. It’s about the real consequences on your wallet and your future plans.

In this guide, we will address each fear and turn it into a practical step. We will explain how the system works. We will clarify the rules so you can see the process is fair. We will give you tools to pass on your first try and protect the time and money you’ve invested.

What the DET Is and Is Not

With so much anxiety, you can make the DET into a scary, mysterious monster of an exam. Let's reframe that. Knowing what the test is meant to do makes it feel manageable.

What the DET IS:

1. A Test of Your Real-World English: The DET measures how well you use English in everyday situations, not how many obscure vocabulary words you have memorized.⁴ The questions mirror real-life tasks like reading a short passage, listening to a conversation, or describing a picture.
2. Convenient and Accessible: It removes barriers. You can take it from home, on your own schedule, without the stress or cost of traveling to a test center.⁵ That gives you control.
3. Fast and Affordable: Compared with other English proficiency tests, the DET costs much less, and you get your results in just two days.⁵ You can also send your scores to an unlimited number of schools for free, which saves you a lot of money.
4. A "Smart" Test: It uses AI to work efficiently. The test adjusts to your skill level, so it can give a reliable measure of your English ability in under an hour.⁶

What the DET IS NOT:

1. A Trick Test: The questions are straightforward. The test does not try to trick you or catch you out with hidden meanings. It simply wants to see what you can do with the English you know.
2. A Test to "Cram" For: Because it measures your overall proficiency, spending the night before memorizing hundreds of words is not an effective strategy and likely won't change your score.⁴ Preparation is about becoming comfortable with the format, not cramming knowledge.
3. A General Knowledge Quiz: The topics in the speaking and writing sections are meant to be accessible to everyone. You will never be judged on the factual accuracy of your answers, only on your ability to express your ideas clearly in English. If you don't know much about a topic, it's perfectly fine to say so and share what you do think.

By seeing the test for what it is, a modern, efficient tool meant to help you, it becomes much less intimidating. It's not an obstacle meant to stop you; it's a bridge meant to get you to the next step of your educational journey.

Success Story: From Mistakes to a 140 Score

To show what is possible, here is a story inspired by real test-takers who started out as nervous as you might be now.

Meet Ana. She was applying to universities abroad and needed an English proficiency score fast. She had heard about the DET and felt relieved she could take it from home, but that relief turned to worry. She spent hours reading scary posts online, with people saying tests were easily disqualified and calling it a scam.³ By the time she sat down to take the test, she felt unprepared and was sure something would go wrong.

She called the experience "a little bit of a mess." Early on, she was so nervous she clicked "Next" by mistake and skipped a "Read this sentence out loud" question. During the "Describe the picture" tasks, her mind went blank. She barely wrote anything for one of them and spent most of the time second-guessing herself.³

The worst part was the final speaking sample, the one that gets sent to universities. She started talking about the topic but quickly lost her train of thought. Her ideas jumped around. In a panic, she said out loud, "Okay, I'm going to start again," and then began the answer over from the very beginning, embarrassed that the whole messy attempt was being recorded.³

To make things worse, she was using a friend's laptop she did not know. After the test, her friend said several programs like Spotify and Chrome had been running in the background the whole time. Ana's heart sank. She also remembered looking up at the ceiling at least four times while trying to think during the speaking questions. She was sure her test would be invalidated for breaking multiple rules.³

She spent the next 46 hours in dread, certain she would have to go through the whole stressful process again. Then an email arrived. She opened it, bracing for the worst.

She had passed. Not only that, her score was 140.

Ana's story shows the test is not about being perfect. The test measures your English, even on a day when you are nervous and make a few mistakes. You do not need to be a flawless test-taker to succeed. Be yourself and show the English skills you already have.

Part 2: Preparing for the Test

Quick Navigation:

• Test Rules →
• Test-Ready Space →
• Practice Test →

Feeling a bit better? Good. Now turn that relief into confidence. Getting ready for the DET isn't about endless, stressful studying. It's about simple, focused preparation that puts you in control. This section gives you a practical, step by step plan to build a calm and confident mindset before you even click "Start Test."

For the latest information on DET format changes and comprehensive scoring details, see our complete DET guide.

Test Rules in Plain English

The DET's biggest source of anxiety is fear of accidentally breaking a rule. The official rulebook can seem strict and a little vague, and that fuels the "Paranoia of the Proctor" we talked about earlier.⁷ But once you understand

Once you know why the rules exist, which is to ensure every single person has a fair and secure test experience, the rules feel much less scary.

Let's turn the most important rules from "official policy" into "simple, human advice."

Understanding these rules isn't about memorizing a list of things you can't do. It's about knowing how to make a secure environment that lets you show your skills fairly. By following this simple advice, you remove the biggest source of stress and can focus on what really matters: your English.

Create Your Test-Ready Space: 10-Minute Checklist

Now that you understand the rules, let's turn them into a simple checklist. Think of this as your pre flight check before takeoff. Running through these steps right before your test will help things go smoothly and make you feel calm and in control.

Your Physical Space (The "Bubble")

1. Find a Quiet, Private Room: Choose a room where you can close the door and be alone for a full hour without any interruptions.⁹
2. Check Your Lighting: Make sure the room is well lit. The most important thing is to have a light source in front of you, shining on your face. Avoid sitting with a bright window or lamp behind you, as this will create a silhouette and can cause glare, especially if you wear glasses.⁹
3. Clear Your Desk: Remove everything from your desk and the immediate area around you. No books, no notepads, no pens, and especially no second phone or tablet.⁷
4. Inform Your Household: Give your family or roommates a friendly heads up. Say, "I'm taking an important one hour exam starting now. Please don't knock or come in until I'm finished!".⁸
5. Put a Sign on Your Door: A simple "Do Not Disturb, Exam in Progress" sign is a great extra layer of protection against accidental interruptions.⁹

Your Technology (The "Cockpit")

1. Use a Reliable Computer: You need a desktop or laptop computer with Windows or macOS. Tablets and 2 in 1 devices may not work properly.¹¹
2. Test Your Equipment: During the setup phase, the test will walk you through checking your front facing camera, microphone, and speakers. Make sure they are all working correctly.⁴
3. Check Your Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is crucial. The minimum requirement is 2 Mbps download speed and 1 Mbps upload speed.¹² You can easily check this by searching for "internet speed test" online.
4. Use a Wired Connection (Highly Recommended): If at all possible, connect your computer to the internet with an ethernet cable. A wired connection is much more stable than Wi Fi or a mobile hotspot, and it is the best way to prevent connection issues during the test.¹⁰
5. Charge Your Devices: Make sure your laptop is plugged in or fully charged. Do the same for the phone you'll be using as a second camera.¹²
6. Restart Your Computer: This is the easiest way to ensure no forbidden background applications are running. Restart your machine, and open nothing but the DET desktop app.⁸

Yourself (The "Pilot")

1. Have Your ID Ready: You will need your actual, physical, government issued photo ID (like a passport or driver's license). Make sure it is not expired. Digital copies or photocopies are not accepted.¹⁰ For test takers in India, a passport is required.¹⁰ In China, a passport or government photo ID is accepted.¹⁰
2. Get Comfortable: Go to the bathroom, get a glass of water (to drink before the test, not during), and wear comfortable clothes.¹³
3. Remove Headphones: Take off any headphones or earbuds and put them away before you begin the setup process.⁷
4. Take a Deep Breath: Before you click start, take a few slow, deep breaths. Remind yourself that you are prepared, you know the rules, and you are ready to do your best.¹⁴

Completing this checklist will take you less than 10 minutes, but it will make a world of difference to your peace of mind.

Use the Practice Test to Know When You Are Ready

One of the best features of the DET is the free, unlimited practice test available on their website.⁴ But many students use it in ways that add stress instead of easing it. They take it repeatedly, fixate on the estimated score range, and panic if it doesn't match their goal. That is the wrong way to use this tool.

The practice test does not perfectly predict your final score. Many students say their real score differed from their practice scores, sometimes higher and sometimes lower.¹⁵ The official practice test is also shorter than the real one, so the score is only an estimate.¹³

So, let's reframe its purpose. The practice test is a compass, not a GPS. A GPS tells you exactly where you are. A compass only points you in the right direction. The practice test's real value is in showing what you need to work on. It helps you answer two simple questions: "Am I comfortable with the test format?" and "Where should I focus my practice?"

Here is a simple, three-step plan to use the practice test to build real confidence.

Step 1: Take Your First Practice Test as a Diagnostic

Go to the official DET website and take the free practice test one time.31 The goal is not a high score on this run. The goal is to experience the test environment. Notice how it feels. Which question types confused you? Which ones made you feel rushed or nervous? Did you struggle with the speaking sections?.8 After you finish, you'll get an estimated score range (e.g., 115-130). Acknowledge it, but don't obsess over it. The most useful result from this first run is your own sense of strengths and weaknesses.

Step 2: Identify Your Weakest Area and Target It

Look back at your experience. For many students, the toughest questions are the "Production" tasks; those that ask you to produce language by speaking or writing on the spot.32 These tasks are often where students can improve the most and the fastest.33

One successful student who scored 155 had this to say: "Personally, my weakest was speaking (im hella introverted) so i binge watched... practice videos and techniques to improve at the speaking aspect of the exam".¹⁶ Another who scored a perfect 160 noted that after their first practice run, they "jotted down every kind of question that threw me off and spent a bit of time getting better at those. No exhaustive studying, just targeted hits where I needed them".¹⁷

This is the secret. Don't practice without a plan. Find your single biggest area for improvement and focus your energy there.

Step 3: Practice Smart, Not Hard

Once you have your target, use the many free resources available to practice that specific skill.

1. For Speaking: Watch YouTube videos that walk through speaking questions. Practice answering the prompts out loud. Record yourself on your phone and listen back to hear how you sound.¹⁶
2. For Writing: Practice writing short paragraphs on various topics under a time limit. Focus on expressing one or two ideas clearly rather than trying to use complex vocabulary.
3. For All Question Types: Use the unlimited practice test. You don't have to finish the whole test every time. If you want to practice "Listen and Type," just do those questions and then exit.

So, when are you ready to book the real test?

Here's a simple rule of thumb: when you consistently score in a range where the lower number is at or very close to the minimum score your university requires, you are likely ready.29 For example, if your university needs a 120 and your practice scores are consistently 115-130 or higher, that is a good sign. At that point, you have shown you have the skills. The final step is to trust your preparation and perform on test day.

Part 3: Step-by-Step Test Walkthrough

You have calmed your nerves, you understand the rules, and you have built confidence through smart practice. Now it's time to walk through the test itself. Think of this section as a friendly, guided tour. We will go through each phase of the one hour experience together, so when you sit down for the real thing, there will be no surprises.

First 5 Minutes: Test Onboarding

The test starts not with a hard question, but with a short setup and onboarding that takes about five minutes.⁴ This checks that your technology works and that you know the rules. Below is exactly what you will see and do, step by step:

1. Welcome Screen: After launching the DET desktop app and logging in, you will see a welcome screen. Text description: The screen has a dark background with the Duolingo English Test logo at the top. In the center, a large blue button with white text says "Start Test." To proceed, click this button.

System Check: The test will automatically check that you have everything you need.

1. Text description: You will see a series of checks for your internet connection, camera, microphone, and speakers. A green checkmark will appear next to each item when it is confirmed to be working.

Microphone Test: The system will ask you to test your microphone.

1. Text description: You will see a prompt that says "Speak into your microphone." As you speak, a green bar on the screen will move up and down. This shows the microphone is picking up your voice. Once you see the bar move, click the blue "Next" button in the bottom right corner.

Camera Setup: You will be asked to take a photo of yourself for your score report.

1. Text description: You will see a live video feed from your camera inside an oval frame. Position your face inside the oval and click the blue "Take Photo" button. You can retake it if you are not happy with the picture.

ID Submission: You will now need to take a photo of your government issued ID.

1. Text description: A frame will appear on the screen. Hold your physical ID card up to the camera so it is clear, readable, and fits inside the frame. Click the blue "Take Photo" button. Make sure the photo is not blurry and that all information is legible.⁴

Reviewing the Rules: The final step is to review the test rules.

1. Text description: You will see a screen with a list of the key rules (e.g., "Be alone in a quiet room," "Keep your eyes on the screen"). Read them one last time and click the checkbox at the bottom to confirm that you understand and agree to follow them.

And that's it. The setup is simple and meant to be stress-free. Once you complete these steps, the graded portion of the test will begin.

Understanding the Adaptive Test

The main graded section of the DET is called the "Adaptive Test." It lasts about 45 minutes.¹⁸ The word "adaptive" is the key to how the test works and why it can sometimes feel strange.

Imagine the DET as a smart personal fitness trainer. When you first meet, the trainer does not ask you to lift the heaviest weight right away. They start you with a medium weight to see how you do.

1. If you lift it easily, they give you a slightly heavier one.
2. If you struggle, they give you a slightly lighter one.

The trainer's goal is to find the right level of challenge quickly. The DET works the same way with English questions.⁶ It starts with medium difficulty questions. If you answer them correctly, the next questions get a bit harder. If you answer them incorrectly, the next ones get a bit easier.

This is why you should not worry if the test suddenly feels easier. Many test-takers panic when they get an easy question and think, "Oh no, I must have failed the last one!".¹³ That is not true. That is the test doing its job, it adjusts to your performance to find your exact skill level. It is a normal and expected part of the process. Trust the system, focus on the question in front of you, and do not let changing difficulty hurt your confidence.

Guide to Every Question Type

During the 45 minute adaptive test, you will see different question types in random order.¹⁸ Here is a simple guide to each type and how to think about it.

For the official DET question taxonomy with time limits and skills assessed, see our complete question types reference.

Reading and Vocabulary Skills

1. Read and Select: This is "The Word Detective." You will see a list of words. Click only the real English words. How to approach it: Read each word carefully. Some fake words look and sound real. If you are completely sure a word is real, select it. If you have any doubt, leave it.

Fill in the Blanks: This is "The Word Puzzle." You will see a short paragraph with letters missing from several words. Type the missing letters to finish the words and make the paragraph make sense.

1. How to approach it: Read the whole sentence or paragraph first to get the context. That gives clues for the missing words. Watch grammar and spelling.

Read and Complete: This is like a harder version of "The Word Puzzle." You will see a paragraph with whole words missing from sentences. Type the missing words.

1. How to approach it: Context is everything. Read the sentences before and after the blank to get the idea. The missing word is often a common word like "the," "is," or "for."

Listening and Writing Skills

1. Listen and Type (Dictation): This is "The Stenographer." You will hear a short sentence and must type it exactly as you hear it. You can play the audio up to three times. How to approach it: Use the first listen to get the main idea. Use the second to confirm words and grammar. Use the third to check small details like articles ("a," "the") and plural endings ("s").

Speaking Skills

1. Read Aloud: This is "The Newscaster." You will see a sentence on the screen and have 20 seconds to read it aloud clearly and naturally.¹⁹ How to approach it: Speak at a normal pace, not too fast and not too slow. Watch punctuation, pause for commas, and stop at periods.

   Practice pronunciation →

Integrated Skills (Combining Multiple Abilities)

1. Write About the Photo: This is "The Art Critic (in Writing)." An image will appear and you have one minute to write at least one sentence describing it. How to approach it: Start with the most obvious thing you see. Then add details. Who is in the picture? What are they doing? Where are they? What is the mood? Write as much as you can in the 60 seconds.

   Practice descriptive writing →

Speak About the Photo: This is "The Art Critic (in Speaking)." You will see an image and have 20 seconds to prepare. Then you must speak about it for at least 30 seconds.

1. How to approach it: Use the 20 seconds to plan a simple structure: 1. Describe what you see. 2. Guess what is happening. 3. Share a personal thought or feeling about the image.

Read, Then Speak: This is "The Book Report." You will read a short prompt and have 20 seconds to prepare. Then you must speak about the topic for at least 30 seconds.

1. How to approach it: Quickly find the main question in the prompt. Jot down two or three key points. Start with a clear topic sentence and then explain your points.

Listen, Then Speak: This is "The Radio Interview." You will listen to a short spoken prompt or question. Then you must speak your answer for at least 30 seconds.¹⁹

1. How to approach it: Listen for the main question. You cannot see it written, so focus is key. Structure your answer simply, like you would for "Read, Then Speak."

Interactive Reading: This is "The Story Finisher." You will read a short passage with sentences or whole paragraphs missing. Your job is to choose the best option from a list to finish the story logically. This section has 5 to 6 related questions.²⁰

1. How to approach it: Read for overall meaning and flow. The right answer will fit logically with the sentences before and after it.

Interactive Listening: This is "The Conversation Partner." You will take part in a simulated conversation or listen to a student and professor dialogue. You will choose the best responses to keep the conversation going, and at the end you will write a short summary of the whole exchange.²⁰

1. How to approach it: Pick the options that sound most natural for the situation. For the summary, focus on the main topic and the key outcome of the conversation.

The Final, Ungraded Section (But Still Important!)

1. Writing and Speaking Samples: At the very end of the test, you will complete one longer writing task (3 to 5 minutes) and one longer speaking task (1 to 3 minutes).¹⁸ These are \ not part of your numeric score. Instead, the video of your speaking sample and the text of your writing sample are sent directly to the universities you apply to, along with your score.²⁰ * How to approach it: This is your chance to show your personality, so relax and treat it like a mini interview. Organize your thoughts, speak and write clearly, and let your voice come through. This is where you can truly impress the admissions officers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

As you take the test, watch for these common mistakes that people often make on their first try. Avoiding them is an easy way to raise your score.

"Read and Select"

Mistake: Guessing on words you're not sure about.

The Fix: Don't select it! The test penalizes you for selecting incorrect "fake" words, so it is much safer to only click on the words you know for certain are real.

"ALL Writing Tasks"

Mistake: Only writing the minimum number of words or sentences required.

The Fix: Write more! The test instructions often say "write at least one sentence" or "at least 50 words." This is a hint. Longer, more detailed, and well-developed answers generally receive higher scores. Use all the time you are given.

"ALL Speaking Tasks"

Mistake: Panicking after a small mistake and then stopping or having a long, silent pause.

The Fix: Keep going! Fluency is a key part of your score. If you mispronounce a word or use the wrong grammar, just correct yourself quickly and move on. It is much better to keep speaking smoothly than to stop completely.

"ALL Timed Tasks"

Mistake: Rushing and clicking "Next" as soon as you have an answer.

The Fix: Use your full time. There is no bonus for finishing a question early. For writing questions, always use the last 10–15 seconds to proofread your answer for simple typos or grammar mistakes. This is one of the easiest ways to improve your score.

Part 4: After You Submit

You did it. You finished the setup, completed the adaptive test, and gave your best on the speaking and writing samples. You click the final button; your test is uploaded, and... now what? The hour of intense focus is over, but for many students a new period of anxiety begins, the wait. This section explains the post-test experience, from handling the wait to understanding your results and knowing what to do if things don't go as planned.

Waiting for Results, 48-Hour Timeline

After you complete the test, you will receive your certified results within 48 hours (two days).⁵ Some students get them sooner, but expect the full two days.³ The wait can be very stressful, especially with application deadlines looming.¹ You may replay every mistake in your head. You may worry that you broke a rule.

This is normal. The best thing to do is manage your anxiety and distract yourself.

1. Trust Your Preparation: Remind yourself of the work you did. You knew the rules. You set up a secure test environment. You practiced the question types. You did everything you could to prepare.
2. Close the Tab and Walk Away: Constantly refreshing your email or the DET website will only raise your anxiety. After you submit your test, close your computer and do something you enjoy. Watch a movie, go for a walk, or talk to a friend, anything that takes your mind off the test.
3. Remember It's Not Final: In the grand scheme of your academic career, this one test is just one step. If the score isn't what you hoped for, or if the test isn't certified for some reason, you have options. It is not the end of the road.
4. Plan Your Next Steps: Use the waiting time to focus on other parts of your university applications. Work on your essays, gather your documents, or research scholarship opportunities. Focusing on tasks you can control helps reduce the stress of waiting.

Understanding Your Score Report

When your results are ready, you will get an email notification. Your score report is clear and easy to read. It gives you and universities a detailed picture of your English abilities. Here is what you will see:

For a complete breakdown of the new DET scoring system including concordance tables, see our detailed scoring guide.

1. Your Overall Score:

This is the main number on a scale of 10 to 160.44. This single score gives a broad measure of your English ability. For context, most undergraduate programs require scores between 90 to 110, while graduate programs often look for 115 or higher.32 The average score for all test-takers in 2023 was 110.43

1. Your Subscores:

This section gives you more detailed feedback. The DET provides four subscores that show strengths and weaknesses in different skill areas. Think of these as your "skill report card."

1. Literacy: This score measures your ability to read and write.
2. Comprehension: This score measures your ability to read and listen. It shows how well you understand English when it's presented to you.
3. Conversation: This score measures your ability to listen and speak. It reflects how well you can engage in a natural conversation.
4. Production: This score measures your ability to write and speak. It shows how well you can create or produce English on your own.

These subscores give you a clearer picture of your skills. For example, you might have a very high Comprehension score but a slightly lower Production score. That means you understand English well. You could focus on practicing speaking and writing to gain fluency and confidence.

1. Your Writing and Speaking Samples:

Your report will also include the video recording of your long form speaking sample and the text from your long form writing sample. Admissions officers at universities can view these to get a more personal sense of your communication style, beyond the numbers.4

If Your Test Is Not Certified, Steps to Take

Receiving an email that says "Your test could not be certified" can feel devastating. Your first thought might be "I failed" or "My English isn't good enough." It is important to know this almost never reflects your English ability.

A non-certified result usually does not judge your English. Instead, it almost always points to a process problem, meaning a technical or environmental rule was broken during the session. Data from many students shows common causes: another person seen in the room, background software running, or the test taker looking away from the screen too often.² This is a fixable logistical issue, not a judgment on your language skills.

If this happens to you, do not panic. Follow this simple, calm action plan:

1. Read the Reason Carefully: The email from Duolingo will name the specific reason your test could not be certified. It might say, "You looked away from the screen for an extended period," or "Another application was running on your computer".² Knowing the exact issue is the first step to fixing it.
2. Review the "Test-Ready Bubble" Checklist: Go back to Part 2 of this guide. Read the checklist and compare it to your test session. Did you forget to close a messaging app? Did someone walk behind you? Spotting the misstep will help you avoid it next time.
3. Accept the Retake Opportunity: In many cases, especially for first time or minor rule violations or technical issues, Duolingo will let you retake the test for free.² You do not need to buy a new test credit.
4. Contact Support (If Necessary): If you reviewed the reason and still believe there was a mistake, for example if it says another program was open but you are sure you restarted your computer and opened nothing else, contact support. Use the "HELP" button on the DET website or email them.²¹ Explain your situation calmly and clearly. One student who was wrongly accused of having another app open contacted support and was able to retake the test without paying again.
5. Prepare for Your Retake with Confidence: You now have an advantage because you know what to avoid. Before your second attempt, follow the pretest checklist closely. Double-check that all programs are closed. Make sure your room is quiet and private. This time, you are not only ready in English. You also know the test process well.

Seeing the "could not be certified" message is disappointing. It is not a dead end. It is a learning opportunity that makes you a smarter, more prepared test taker for your next attempt.

Part 5: Tips for International Students

The Duolingo English Test is taken by students in more than 12,000 cities worldwide.²² Although the test is the same everywhere, preparing for and taking it can feel different depending on where you live. This section gives specific, practical advice for students in some of the largest DET markets. It covers common local issues such as payment methods, internet stability, and local support.

Country-Specific Tips and Issues

Tips for Students in India

India is one of the largest and fastest growing markets for the DET, with students taking the test in hundreds of cities across the country.²² Here are some specific tips to help you succeed.

1. Payment Methods: You have several options for paying the test fee. In addition to major international credit and debit cards like Visa and Mastercard, Duolingo accepts PayPal, UPI (including Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm), and Net Banking for select banks. These choices make registration smoother.
2. Best Time to Test: Many Indian students take the test late at night or very early in the morning.¹³ There are two main reasons for this. A Quiet Environment: In a busy household, finding a full hour of guaranteed silence during the day can be hard. Testing after midnight often means the house is quiet and there will be no interruptions.
3. Internet Stability: Internet traffic is typically lower during these off peak hours. That often gives a more stable, reliable connection. It lowers the risk of technical glitches.

Identification (ID) Requirement: Remember this rule, for test-takers in India the only accepted form of ID is a valid passport.¹⁰ You cannot use an Aadhaar card, driver's license, or any other government ID. Make sure your passport is not expired and have it ready before you begin.

Local Support and Coaching: Duolingo’s official technical support is global, provided via email and live chat on their website.²¹ A large network of local coaching centers has grown in India. If you want extra in-person help, centers in cities like Hyderabad, Chandigarh, and Ahmedabad offer DET specific preparation courses.

Tips for Students in China

China has a large population of students who want to study abroad. The DET became a popular option because it is easy to access, especially when traditional test centers were closed.²³

1. Payment Methods: Duolingo accepts Alipay as well as major credit cards, to make payment easy for Chinese students.²⁴
2. Identification (ID) Requirement: You have two options for ID. You can use either a valid passport or your government-issued resident identification card.²⁵ A Chinese driver's license is not accepted.²⁵
3. Test Taking Culture: It has been observed that students in China tend to take the DET multiple times to try to get the highest possible score.²⁶ This shows great dedication. If this is your strategy, make sure you use the time between tests effectively. Don't just retake it without a plan. Use your score report from the previous attempt to find your lowest subscore and focus your practice on improving that specific skill.
4. Accent Familiarity: Some research has noted that test-takers from East Asia may feel more comfortable with and prefer standard American or British accents in listening tests.²⁷ The DET currently uses these standard varieties to make the test fair for all test-takers, which may be an advantage for you.

Tips for Students in Brazil

Students take the test in over 520 cities, so Brazil is a major hub for the DET.²² The main challenge for many is making sure the technical setup runs smoothly.

1. Internet Stability: This is the most important factor to manage. Internet connections can be inconsistent in some areas. Before you buy the test, run an "internet speed test" (you can search for this online). You need a minimum of 2 Mbps for downloads and 1 Mbps for uploads.¹² Pro Tip: A wired ethernet connection is strongly recommended over WiFi. It gives a steadier signal and cuts the chance your test will be interrupted.¹⁰ If possible, schedule your test during times when fewer people are online (late at night or early morning).

Payment Methods: Standard options, including major credit cards and PayPal, are accepted. Before paying, check with your bank to make sure your debit or credit card is enabled for international transactions to avoid payment failures.

Tips for Students in Turkey and Vietnam

Duolingo is very popular for language learning in both Turkey and Vietnam. The DET is a growing choice for students seeking to study abroad.²⁸

1. Payment and Internet: The general advice for students in Brazil applies here as well. Make sure your payment method is cleared for international USD transactions. Get the most stable internet connection you can for your one-hour test window.
2. Support Resources: Know that official DET technical support is centralized and global, not based locally in Turkey or Vietnam.²¹ Your main help resources are the official DET website's Help Center, their 24/7 email support, and the live chat available during their operating hours, Monday to Saturday UTC.²¹
3. Local Communities: Official support is global, but you can often find help and shared experiences in local online communities. For example, Vietnamese-language websites and forums share DET preparation strategies and vocabulary lists. Search for local Facebook groups or forums to connect with other test-takers in your country who can share relevant tips.

Final Advice and Encouragement

We have moved from the initial feelings of fear and confusion to clarity, preparation, and confidence. You now know that your anxieties are normal and shared by many. You have a clear, simple translation of the rules and a practical checklist to set up your ideal test-taking environment. You've toured the test, learned every question type, and know how to avoid the common mistakes that trip up beginners. You know what to expect after the test, how to read your score report, and you have a calm action plan if things don't go perfectly on the first try.

The Duolingo English Test is not an obstacle in your path. It is a tool meant to help you show your skills and take the next step in your life. Remember that preparing for this test is not about stressful cramming, but about building calm familiarity with the process so that on test day your real English ability can show.

You are ready. Trust your skills, trust your preparation, and walk into your test with the confidence you've earned. As one successful student put it after their journey from anxiety to achievement:

"If I can get results in first try, I believe you can do too." ¹³

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