Rules, comparisons and data

What happens if your Duolingo English Test account is blocked or suspended?

A suspension lasts up to one year and follows a pattern of rule violations or possible misconduct across tests within 365 days; your certified results stay valid but cannot be sent to new institutions. A block follows suspected rule-breaking or evident misconduct such as impersonation, can be permanent, and may come with decertified results. Blocks can sometimes be appealed within 72 hours.
  • Guide updated · 30 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS
Take a free mock →Read the guide

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026

Blocked vs suspended

From Duolingo's help centre on blocked accounts, suspended accounts and consequences of broken rules.

SuspendedBlocked
CauseA pattern of rule violations or possible misconduct on several tests within 365 daysSuspected rule-breaking or harm to test integrity; evident misconduct
LengthUp to one year, from the earliest broken ruleCan be permanent
TestingCannot buy or take the test on any accountCannot test again on any account tied to your identity
Existing resultsStay valid; institutions already sent keep accessPrior results may be decertified
Sending to new institutionsNot while suspendedNot stated
AppealNot mentioned on the pageMay be eligible, within 72 hours

Appealing a block

You may appeal within 72 hours if you receive an email saying your account is blocked. Go to My Tests on englishtest.duolingo.com and use Appeal This Result next to the invalid test. An appeals specialist replies within 4 business days. You can appeal only once and decisions are final (help centre).

Know your target? Check where you stand

Take a free AI-scored IELTS mock and see your score per skill before you book the real test. Free account, no card.

Take a free mock →

Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.

What happens to your test credit

If your account is suspended or blocked, your test credit expires (help centre). Duolingo can act without a refund (consequences).

Most blocks and suspensions start with rule breaks you can avoid: testing alone, no headphones or notes, ears and eyes in frame, and nothing but the test app running. See Duolingo English Test rules. Rules and fees change. Check the test owner's own page before you book or pay. This guide is general information, not official advice from ETS or Duolingo.

Frequently asked questions

How long is a Duolingo English Test suspension?+

Up to one year, counted from the date of the earliest broken rule.

Are my results valid if my Duolingo account is suspended?+

Yes. Certified results stay valid, but you cannot share them with new institutions during the suspension.

Can I appeal a blocked Duolingo account?+

You may be eligible. Appeals must be filed within 72 hours, only once, and decisions are final.

Can I make a new account after a block?+

No. A block applies to any account tied to your identity.

Do I get a refund if my account is blocked?+

No. Duolingo says it can act without providing a refund, and your credit expires.

Keep reading

Related

Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.

© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy

Take a free mock