Duolingo English Test · Item-type guide 6 · 4 min read
Preparing for the Duolingo English Test: setup, ID and testing rules
How to prepare for the Duolingo English Test at home: computer and camera setup, a quiet room, ID, the testing rules, and a simple study plan.
Why preparation matters more than usual
The Duolingo English Test is taken at home, with no test center staff to help if something goes wrong. Your session is recorded and reviewed after you finish. If the review finds that a rule was broken, even by accident, your result may not be certified.
That means good preparation has two parts: getting ready for the questions, and getting your room, equipment and habits ready for the rules. This guide covers both. The official site, englishtest.duolingo.com, is the authority on the current rules and technical requirements. Read it before your test, as details can change.
Your equipment
| You need | Why |
|---|---|
| A computer that meets the official requirements | Phones and tablets are not supported for taking the test |
| A front-facing camera | You must be visible throughout the test |
| A microphone | Your speaking answers are recorded |
| Speakers | You hear the listening tasks through them; headphones and earphones are not allowed |
| A stable internet connection | A dropped connection can end your session |
The official site tells you which operating systems are supported and whether you need a particular browser or app. Install and test anything required well before test day.
Exam tip: close every other program and turn off notifications before you start. Pop-ups and background software can cause problems during the test.
Your room
- Quiet and private. You must be alone for the whole test. No one else should enter or speak.
- Well lit. Your face must be clearly visible on camera. Avoid a bright window directly behind you.
- Clear desk. Remove notes, books, papers and other devices from your workspace.
- Calm background noise. Shut doors and windows, and silence your phone and place it out of reach.
Your ID
You need a valid, government-issued photo ID, and the name on it must match the name on your account. A passport is commonly used, but which documents are accepted can depend on your country. Check the official list of accepted ID before you test.
Make sure your ID is:
- current, not expired;
- the original document, not a photocopy or a photo on your phone;
- in good condition, with your photo and details easy to read.
The testing rules
The exact rules are set out on the official site and shown at the start of the test. Read them carefully. In general, they cover these areas.
Staying visible
- Keep your face fully visible in the camera frame for the whole test.
- Keep your ears visible, because devices in your ears are not allowed. If you have a question about head coverings, check the official guidance before test day.
- Do not leave the camera view.
Keeping your eyes on the screen
- Look at the screen while you work. Repeatedly looking away, for example down at your desk or to the side, can be flagged during review.
- Do not use notes, paper or any outside help.
No outside help or devices
- No phones, smartwatches, headphones, earphones or other devices within reach.
- No other people in the room, and no talking to anyone.
- No other websites, programs or tools open on your computer.
Exam tip: practice sitting for an hour with your eyes on the screen and your hands on the keyboard. Habits such as looking down while thinking, or reading questions aloud under your breath, are easier to change in practice than on test day.
A simple study plan
- Learn the format. Read our guides to the reading, listening, writing and speaking tasks so that no task type is new on test day.
- Take an official practice test. The official site offers practice that mirrors the real test experience.
- Find your weakest task. Look at which tasks felt hardest and focus your practice there.
- Build general skills. Read, listen and write in English every day. The test is adaptive, so broad ability counts more than tricks.
- Practice under time pressure. Use a timer for every practice task.
- Do a full dress rehearsal. Use the same computer, room, lighting and seat you will use on the day.
On test day
- Use the restroom and get a glass of water before you start; you cannot leave during the test.
- Have your ID within reach before you begin.
- Check your camera, microphone and speakers.
- Tell anyone you live with that you must not be disturbed for about an hour.
- Read every instruction on screen. Each task type has its own timer and rules.
Key points
- Your session is recorded and reviewed; rule breaks can stop your result from being certified.
- Use a supported computer with a camera, microphone and speakers; no headphones.
- Test alone in a quiet, well-lit room with a clear desk.
- Bring a valid government-issued photo ID that matches your account name.
- Keep your face and ears visible and your eyes on the screen.
- Check englishtest.duolingo.com for the current rules and requirements.
More guides are on the Duolingo hub.