Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
The rules during the test
These come from Duolingo's test policies and rules. Breaking one can stop your result being certified.
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| Take the test alone | No one else in the room, and no interaction with anyone |
| Keep your eyes on the screen | Do not look away, except when typing |
| Stay in the camera frame | Ears, eyes and mouth visible throughout |
| No headphones or earbuds | Results will not be certified if you wear them |
| No notes | Do not take notes or record questions; remove paper and notes from the space |
| Phone as second camera | It must capture your head, shoulders, screen and keyboard |
Setting up the room
Duolingo asks you to test alone in a quiet room with the doors and windows closed, with your whole face visible and the room well lit (help centre). Before the test begins, remove all other phones, tablets, smart watches and extra monitors from the room, do not move items around your computer, and turn off desktop notifications (help centre).
Headphones are a common reason for failure: Duolingo says that if you wear headphones or earbuds, your results will not be certified (help centre).
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Computer and software
You need a laptop or desktop running Windows 10 or macOS 10.15 or later. The test does not work on a Chromebook, iPad, tablet or phone, and ChromeOS and Linux are not supported (help centre). Do not use a virtual machine, and uninstall applications that access your webcam before the test (help centre).
Leaving full screen or clicking another window cancels the test. You then start again from the beginning, and it uses one of the attempts on your test credit (help centre). Each credit gives you three attempts to complete and upload the test (help centre).
Rules and fees change. Check the test owner's own page for your country before you book or pay. This guide is general information, not official advice from the test owner.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear headphones in the Duolingo English Test?+
No. Duolingo says results will not be certified if you wear headphones or earbuds.
Can I take notes during the Duolingo English Test?+
No. You must not take notes or record questions, and paper and notes must be removed from the testing space.
Can I take the Duolingo English Test on an iPad or Chromebook?+
No. It works only on a laptop or desktop with Windows 10 or macOS 10.15 or later.
What is my phone used for during the test?+
Only as a secondary camera, capturing your head, shoulders, screen and keyboard. All other devices must leave the room.
What happens if I leave full screen?+
The test is cancelled and you start again from the beginning, using one of the three attempts on your credit.
Keep reading
Related
- Duolingo English Test ID requirements
- Why a Duolingo test is not certified
- Duolingo English Test pattern
- TOEFL iBT Home Edition
- 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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