Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
Why it happens
Duolingo says that on very rare occasions it finds extra information after a test was certified and shared, which triggers another round of security checks. A certification is reversed when it detects rule-breaking or a breach of its terms of service (policy). The email you receive gives the reasons.
What follows
Duolingo's test-taker page and policy page describe these outcomes.
| Effect | Detail |
|---|---|
| This result | Invalidated |
| Earlier valid results | Invalidated, per the decertification notice |
| Institutions you sent results to | Informed of the decertification |
| Certificates and scores | No longer accessible to you |
| Refund | None |
| Future testing | Not allowed on any account (the policy page says when appropriate) |
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Decertified, not certified and unofficial
Not certified happens before a result is issued, during review, and some cases can be appealed within 72 hours; see Duolingo English Test not certified. Decertified happens after a result was certified and shared.
Duolingo's unofficial-results page adds that when a result is decertified, other certified results you have not shared become unofficial, while those already shared remain valid (help centre). That differs from the decertification notice, which says prior valid results are invalidated, so read your own email carefully. Neither decertification page mentions an appeal; if your account is blocked, Duolingo says you may be eligible to appeal (help centre). 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
Can a Duolingo English Test result be cancelled after I get it?+
Yes. Duolingo can decertify a result after it was certified and shared if further checks find a rule violation.
Will my university know my result was decertified?+
Yes. Duolingo informs the institutions you sent the result to.
Do I get a refund after decertification?+
No. Duolingo says you are not eligible for a refund.
Can I retake the Duolingo test after decertification?+
Duolingo's notice says you will not be able to take the test again on any account.
Is decertification the same as not certified?+
No. Not certified happens during review before a result is issued; decertification reverses a result already certified.
Keep reading
Related
- Duolingo unofficial result
- Duolingo account blocked or suspended
- Duolingo English Test not certified
- Duolingo English Test rules
- All 3112 guides
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.
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