Duolingo English Test 2025: Official Rules & Policy Guide
On September 10, 2025, Duolingo hosted a live session explaining the official fall 2025 Duolingo English Test rules, providing candidates with the most authoritative policy guidance. As a Gold-level official partner, DETPractice attended the session in full and summarized the key exam rules and common violations to help candidates succeed in one go.
The session covered exam requirements, equipment specifications, important rules, and common violations, giving candidates practical insights to avoid pitfalls while preparing for the Duolingo English Test.
Exam Requirements for the Duolingo English Test
Before starting the Duolingo English Test, candidates must meet the following conditions:
1. Valid identification (ID card or passport)
2. A quiet, independent, well-lit environment
3. At least one hour of uninterrupted test time
4. A computer with a front-facing camera, microphone, and speakers
5. A fully charged mobile phone with a camera
Approved Equipment for the Duolingo English Test
Proper equipment setup is crucial for a valid Duolingo English Test result. The live session emphasized the importance of dual-camera setups and device compliance.
Permitted:
1. Mobile phones or tablets (must be fully charged)
2. External microphones
3. External speakers
4. External keyboard (only one fixed keyboard allowed)
5. External mouse (including Bluetooth)
Prohibited:
1. Headphones or earbuds
2. Multiple computer screens and keyboards
3. Paper, pens, or other note-taking tools
Key Reminder: The phone camera must fully capture the computer screen, keyboard, mouse, and the candidate’s upper body; otherwise, scores may not be validated.
Important Rules for the Duolingo English Test
Allowed:
1. Candidates may take the Duolingo English Test in any quiet, well-lit environment.
2. Briefly glancing at the keyboard while typing is permitted.
3. A maximum of three test attempts may be purchased within 30 days.
Prohibited:
1. Speaking or reading questions aloud outside of speaking tasks.
2. Retaking the test before receiving previous results.
3. Writing or taking notes during the exam.
Common Violations in the Duolingo English Test
The live session highlighted six types of actions that most commonly invalidate Duolingo English Test results:
1. Frequent gaze diversion – candidates must keep their eyes on the screen throughout.
2. Exam interruptions – anyone entering the room, leaving, or conversing during the test will cause invalidation.
3. Background programs – third-party input methods, remote software, or pop-ups must be closed.
4. Copying and pasting content – any detected copying will result in automatic score invalidation.
5. Unauthorized items on the desk – pens, paper, books, or electronic devices are not allowed.
6. Improper phone placement – failing to capture the full testing environment invalidates the exam.
Violation Cases & Examples for the Duolingo English Test
Minor interference (does not affect scores):
1. Being briefly interrupted by family members during the test (such as being called for meals)
2. Occasional outside noise (fireworks, car horns) as long as speech recordings are clear
3. Pets briefly obstructing the view, confirmed by the proctor
Severe violations (results invalid):
1. Copying and pasting answers (even your own work) – score invalid, free retake allowed
2. Face completely leaving the frame for several seconds (e.g., bending over to plug in a device)
3. Fan or device noise interfering with recordings – examiner cannot hear responses
Conclusion
This live session clarified the core rules of the Duolingo English Test and helped candidates feel more confident with real-world examples. DETPractice will continue to participate in official training sessions and workshops to provide authoritative preparation guidance and mock resources.
If you want to learn about the updated 360° room scanning rules for the Duolingo English Test as of September 15, 2025, you can read this article: How to Scan Your Room Before the Duolingo English Test (2025)
