How to set up your space for the Duolingo English Test

The Duolingo English Test (DET) was designed to make language testing accessible to everyone, wherever they live, and your testing environment plays a big part in that. Taking an English test from home is convenient and flexible—but the right setup helps ensure a smooth, secure experience.

This 7-step guide walks you through how to prepare your space, your equipment, and yourself for success—especially now that the DET includes a secondary camera, room scan, and ear scan as part of our standard security check. These checks help ensure every Duolingo English Test score is reviewed fairly and can be certified without delays.

1. Choose a quiet, private, and well-lit space

You should take the DET in a room where you can be alone for the entire test. Make sure the space is quiet, bright, and free from interruptions.

Pro tips:

• Pick a room where you can close the door.
• Use a simple background (a blank wall works well).
• Avoid shadows or backlighting that make your face harder to see.

A calm, consistent environment helps proctors verify your identity and ensures your score can be certified.

2. Check your devices and secondary camera before test day

To take the DET, you’ll need:

• A computer with a reliable internet connection
• A front-facing camera, microphone, and speakers
• A secondary camera (your smartphone)
• The Duolingo English Test desktop app

The secondary camera is your smartphone, which provides an additional view of your testing environment during the test session. It allows proctors to see your screen, keyboard, and surroundings from a second angle, helping confirm that you’re testing independently.

Our latest security features rely on both your computer and your phone, so plan your setup ahead of time.

Prepare for the room scan and ear scan

The room scan is a short step before the test where you use your phone to show your entire testing space. This includes your desk, walls, and surrounding area, and helps ensure your test environment meets certification requirements. The ear scan is a brief check that confirms no earbuds or audio devices are being used during the test. You’ll quickly show each ear on camera before the test begins.

Before starting the test:

• You’ll use your phone to show the entire room, including your desk and surroundings.
• You’ll briefly touch the phone to each ear to verify that no earbuds or audio devices are in use.

These checks are quick and easy—and they help ensure a level playing field for all test takers.

Setting up your secondary camera

Your secondary camera—usually your phone—must:

• Connect to Wi-Fi
• Be fully charged or plugged in
• Be positioned to your side, with your test screen and keyboard fully in view
• Sit on a stable surface (not in your hand)

With your phone camera, you’ll scan a QR code to take you to the DET mobile app download page. The mobile app will prompt you to conduct the room scan, the ear scan, and set up your phone as a secondary camera. Completing these steps gives proctors a secure, panoramic view of your room and helps confirm you’re testing independently.

Do a full system check

Use the system check tool on the DET website one or two days before you plan to test. It will confirm:

• Your internet speed
• Your computer’s audio and video
• Your app version
• Your secondary-camera connection

Pro tip: Close all background apps on test day to avoid unexpected disruptions.

3. Set up a clear, simple workspace

Your workspace should contain only the items you need for the test:

• Your computer
• Your phone (as your secondary camera)
• Your ID

Remove notebooks, papers, headphones, or other electronics from your desk. A clear environment helps the room scan go quickly and ensures your test can be certified without delays.

4. Optimize your lighting and camera angles

Good lighting helps both cameras capture your face clearly.

• Use natural light when possible.
• If using lamps, place them in front of you, not behind.
• Keep your computer camera at eye level.

Your secondary camera should have an unobstructed view of your space. If you’re using a stand or stack of books to prop your phone up, check stability before starting.

5. Prepare mentally to stay focused and calm

Setting up your environment supports your performance, but so does preparing your mind.

• Take a few deep breaths before beginning.
• Silence notifications on your computer and phone.
• Know that you can pause briefly if you need a moment—just don’t leave your seat or look away from the screen.

Pro tip: Take a practice test in your full setup the day before. It’s the best way to feel confident and prepared.

6. Review the rules so your test can be certified

The DET uses AI and human proctors to review every test. Following the rules protects your score:

• You must be alone for the entire test.
• Do not use earbuds, headphones, or audio devices.
• Keep your face, hands, and keyboard in view of both cameras.
• Keep your phone in place as your secondary camera—don’t touch it during the test.
• Do not speak, read aloud, or leave the camera view. Do not type unless you are completing a typing section of the test. 

These guidelines ensure fairness and help your results get certified as quickly as possible.

7. Set yourself up for success

When your space is ready, your equipment is tested, and your mind is calm, you’re set for a smooth and successful testing experience. The Duolingo English Test is designed to meet you where you are—bringing secure, accessible language testing to students around the world.

Take a deep breath. You’ve prepared well. You’re ready to test your best!