For students preparing to prove their English proficiency, the testing experience matters. Traditional test centers have long been the default option. But ask almost anyone who has taken an in-person exam and you'll hear about the wildly different experiences from one test center to another.
One test taker might describe sitting in a noisy room with distractions at every turn. Another might recount freezing air conditioning, broken equipment, or rushed proctors giving inconsistent instructions. Everything from the room temperature to the professionalism of the staff can affect how comfortable—and how focused—you are when it matters most.
No two test centers are the same
Some test centers are hot and stuffy, others ice-cold. Some are noisy, crammed next to busy streets or bustling lobbies, while others are silent but uncomfortable. Even the basics—like whether the computers are new, whether the headphones work, or whether the staff are helpful—can vary wildly depending on where you test.
Add to that inconsistent proctoring. At one center, proctors might be attentive and professional; at another, they might be rushed, inattentive, or unclear. Even simple things like check-in procedures and bathroom breaks can differ between centers. And while regulations like the ADA set accessibility standards in the United States, there is no global requirement that test centers meet those standards—making the situation even more unpredictable and unfair for test takers who may require accommodations.
All of these unpredictable factors introduce stress, distractions, and disadvantages before you even begin answering a single test question. For high-stakes tests that play a major role in university admissions and job opportunities, that level of inconsistency is not just frustrating—it’s unfair.
A bad testing environment can impact your performance
You would expect a standardized test to be administered under standardized conditions. But that’s not always what happens. Factors like room noise, lighting, temperature, seating comfort, and even equipment reliability vary widely from center to center, and each of these factors can sway your performance on test day.
Small distractions like other candidates speaking nearby can disrupt a test taker’s concentration. Bad lighting can lead to reduced focus; uncomfortable chairs and cramped seating have been linked to loss of concentration and test fatigue; technical problems like faulty microphones or malfunctioning headphones can derail performance… the list goes on!
While some test centers work hard to maintain good conditions, the reality is that physical environments vary—and those variations can introduce unfair disadvantages that have nothing to do with your true ability.
The DET ensures consistency from the moment you start
At Duolingo, we believe that your environment should help you test your best, not add extra obstacles! That’s why we reimagined the entire testing experience from the ground up.
When you take the DET, you test from a space you choose: a quiet room where you feel comfortable and in control. It could be your house, your grandparent’s house, a private room at a local library… anywhere you feel comfortable! That means you don't need to commute hours to a test center or rely on conditions you can't control. Instead, you can focus fully on what matters: demonstrating your English proficiency to the best of your ability.
Our digital-first design means that every test taker encounters the same secure testing platform, with the same clear instructions, seamless interface, and streamlined experience. No unexpected variables. No guessing what kind of room, equipment, or atmosphere you’ll encounter.
You’re at your best when you feel in control
We built the DET to reduce test-day stress—not add to it. Research shows that when test takers feel comfortable and confident in their environment, they are better able to focus and perform. By giving you the ability to set up your own space and schedule your test when you're ready, the DET helps put you in the best position to succeed.
Of course, convenience never comes at the cost of security. Every DET session is monitored through a combination of AI technology and human proctoring experts to ensure the validity of your results. But unlike traditional test centers, where proctor attentiveness can vary, our security measures are consistent for every test taker, every time.
Testing shouldn’t be a gamble. At Duolingo, we believe that every student deserves the chance to perform their best in a supportive, consistent, and fair environment. That’s why the DET is leading the way—not just in security and accessibility, but in rethinking what a great testing experience should look like.