Start with the reason in your DET account
A “not certified” notice does not, by itself, tell you whether to resubmit ID, fix a technical issue, take another test or appeal. Sign in to the official DET account and open My Tests. Duolingo says the reasons for an invalid result appear there, with a learn more link beside each reason. Read every listed reason before deciding what to do. Official explanation of uncertified results.
Save the wording of the notice and when you received it. Separate three questions: What happened to this test? What does the notice say about your remaining credit or attempts? Is your account allowed to test again? An answer to one does not automatically answer the others.
This guide helps you interpret the published routes. It cannot determine what happened during your session or overturn Duolingo's decision. If a phrase is unclear, ask official support about that phrase rather than relying on a forum post about somebody else's test.
Which route matches your notice?
| The notice concerns | Start here | Avoid this assumption |
|---|---|---|
| ID verification or a request for new ID images | Follow the ID-resubmission instructions. | That you must immediately buy and complete another test. |
| A technical issue affecting upload or certification | Fix the named problem and check retry eligibility. | That a technical invalidation is appealable. |
| A rules category with permission to test again | Read the category and credit conditions. | That every invalid test provides a free retry. |
| Possible Misconduct, a block, or an appeal option | Check appeal eligibility and its deadline promptly. | That every invalid result can be appealed. |
| An account suspension or permanent block | Follow the account restriction and official review route. | That a new email address removes the restriction. |
If you only have a result that is still being reviewed, start with the results and timing guide. A pending result and an explicit invalidation notice are different situations. If you already have a valid result and want a higher score, use the retake guide instead of the certification-appeal process.
If Duolingo asks you to resubmit ID
The current credit policy says an ID problem can be resolved by submitting valid identification; a full test retake is not required for that issue. Follow the action shown in your account. Do not purchase another test simply because the certificate has not appeared while an ID request is outstanding. Official credit policy: ID problems.
For a missing-ID notice, Duolingo specifically directs test takers to Resubmit ID on the account home page, then to provide new face and ID images that are clearly visible. Use the secure official account workflow. Official missing-ID instructions.
Before submitting, read the precise request: an unclear image, a missing document and a mismatch in personal information require different attention. Compare the requested details carefully and use the setup and accepted-ID guide to reach current official requirements. Completing a resubmission is a requested action, not a promise that certification will follow immediately.
If the notice identifies a technical problem
Write down where the problem occurred: during the test, while uploading, or after submission. Duolingo recommends a stable wired connection and the latest desktop app when technical errors prevent certification. If a problem persists, provide support with specific details. Official technical-error guidance.
A technical problem preventing upload or certification can permit another attempt at no additional cost when attempts remain on the credit. Starting the test counts as an attempt, so “I did not finish” does not establish that the attempt was unused. Check the actual account allowance before starting again. Official attempts and technical-error policy.
Test the changed setup before spending another attempt. If the notice names camera access, review permissions and the connection; if it names network loss, investigate the connection rather than only changing the microphone. Use the setup checklist for the full device, room and software requirements. Repeating the same setup without resolving the reported issue may leave the underlying problem in place.
If the notice identifies rules or account restrictions
Use Duolingo's exact category. The current consequences policy distinguishes:
- Rule Violations: a retake may be possible with remaining attempts; this category is not appealable.
- Possible Misconduct: the credit expires, and an appeal may be submitted.
- Evident Misconduct: a permanent testing block applies across accounts, with an appeal route.
- One-year suspension: a pattern of Rule Violations or Possible Misconduct across tests within 365 days may lead to suspension from the earliest broken rule. Purchasing or testing on another account is prohibited during it.
These are the publisher's policy labels, not conclusions PrepEx can draw about you. Read the notice and follow its permitted actions. The same official page says that during a suspension, previously certified results remain accessible and existing recipients retain access, but new institutional sharing is unavailable. Other account decisions can have different effects.
Credit expiry also matters: two Rule Violations on the same credit can end that credit even if only two attempts were used. A possible new purchase is not permission to bypass a suspension or block. For the broader distinction between credits, attempts and another purchased test, read the retake-rules guide. Official credit-expiry policy.
If you are eligible to appeal
Check promptly: Duolingo's appeal window is 72 hours after the not-certified notification. Its policy describes eligibility for certain invalid results involving an account-block email or immediate credit consumption. Eligible accounts show an appeal action beneath the result. Technical invalidations and valid scores are not appealable; if the appeal button is absent, the published guidance says you are not eligible. Official appeal policy.
Use the account's Appeal This Result form to explain why you are requesting review. Duolingo states that an invalid result can be appealed once, the specialist's decision is final, and a decision is emailed within four business days. Submitting an appeal does not guarantee a change or certification. Official appeal process and timing.
A useful explanation addresses the actual stated reason. Describe what happened in order, identify the point you believe needs review and distinguish what you observed from what you are assuming. Do not invent technical evidence or borrow another person's story. A generic claim about how urgently you need the score does not explain the disputed issue. Review your submission carefully before sending it.
Prepare a clear support request
Keep a short factual record: account email, test date and approximate time with time zone, the complete notice, any displayed test reference, the action you already took and the question you need answered. For an app error, include the exact error wording and device/app details. Use official secure channels for documents; do not post your ID or account credentials publicly.
You can reach DET support through the signed-in HELP control or the email route in the official contact guidance. A support inquiry and an eligible appeal form are different actions. Do not assume a general inquiry submits an appeal or preserves its deadline.
If an application deadline is close, tell the institution your current status accurately and ask what alternatives or document arrangements it permits. Do not describe an uncertified test or a PrepEx practice estimate as an official certificate. Our scoring guide explains practice estimates; the university guide helps you locate program-specific requirements.
Not-certified questions
Does “not certified” always mean I need another full test?
No. An ID-resubmission request can be resolved without a full retake. Other notices may require another attempt or involve restrictions. Follow the reason and action in your account.
Can I appeal because I dislike a valid score?
No. The published appeal process does not apply to a valid result. Higher-score planning belongs in a new-test and preparation discussion.
Can PrepEx certify my result?
No. Only Duolingo can decide the status of an official DET result. PrepEx provides preparation and practice feedback.
Sources and review date
Policy checked November 11, 2026 against the official not-certified explanation, credit policy, rules consequences and appeal process. Policies can change. The current official notice and linked guidance should control your next step.