Set up the real DET before test day

What you need for the real test

• A desktop or laptop running Windows 10 or later, or macOS 10.15 or later.
• The official Duolingo English Test desktop app installed and able to receive its required system permissions.
• A front-facing computer camera, a microphone, and speakers. Headphones and earbuds are not allowed.
• A separate, fully charged smartphone with a working camera for identity, room, ear, and continuous secondary-camera checks.
• A physical, valid form of accepted government identification. Accepted ID types depend on your country or region.
• One keyboard and one mouse. Disconnect secondary monitors and remove other devices from the testing area.

The real test does not run on Chromebook, iPad, tablet, phone, ChromeOS, or Linux. Check the official supported-device page before relying on a computer.

Prepare the phone before you open the test

1. Charge the phone fully or keep it connected to power.
2. Turn on Do Not Disturb and make sure contacts cannot bypass it. Close other phone apps.
3. Follow the desktop app's QR-code instructions for ID verification, ear scans, and the room scan.
4. Complete the full 360-degree room scan, show the keyboard and the area behind the computer, and move slowly enough for the camera to capture the space clearly.
5. Place the phone securely to the left or right of the computer. Keep your head, shoulders, computer screen, and keyboard fully visible.
6. Do not touch, cover, or move the phone during the test. Its camera must record continuously.

Make the environment easy to verify

• Use a quiet, private, well-lit room and remain alone for the entire session.
• Clear paper, notes, books, dictionaries, translators, and writing materials from the desk and room.
• Remove other phones, tablets, smart watches, extra monitors, and external devices. Keep only the required secondary-camera phone.
• Keep your ears, eyes, mouth, and face visible. Do not look away from the screen except when typing.
• Do not receive outside assistance, memorize prepared answers, take notes, or record questions.
• Type or speak only when instructed, and remain inside the test window.

Close anything that can interfere with the session

Quit every program except the DET desktop app, including browsers, communication and messaging apps, remote desktop tools, screen recorders, streaming software, writing assistants, and apps that can access the camera. Disable predictive text, proofreading, typing suggestions, reference tools, browser extensions, pop-ups, and desktop notifications. Do not use a virtual machine.

Use a stable connection. Official troubleshooting currently states a minimum of 2 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload and recommends wired Ethernet over Wi-Fi or a mobile hotspot. Ask other people on the network to disconnect during the test when possible.

If the computer is managed by a school or employer, confirm in advance that you can install the desktop app and grant camera, microphone, and required network permissions.

Run this check before starting your credit

• I have about one uninterrupted hour and nobody will enter the room.
• My supported computer is plugged in, the DET desktop app opens, and camera, microphone, speakers, and network permissions work.
• My physical accepted ID matches the official country or region list and is ready to photograph.
• My phone is charged, stable, on Do Not Disturb, and can frame my head, shoulders, screen, and keyboard.
• The room is quiet and well lit; the desk is clear; extra screens and devices are disconnected and removed.
• I am using speakers, not headphones or earbuds.
• All other applications, background processes, extensions, writing aids, notifications, and virtual-machine software are closed or disabled.
• I have checked the live official rules for any changes since I prepared.

Convenient practice is not official setup rehearsal

PrepEx practice may work on a phone or tablet, allow headphones, and omit ID checks, the secondary camera, room scans, and proctoring. That makes focused practice easier, but it does not make those conditions valid for the real DET.

Use PrepEx to learn task timing and response habits. Use this page and the linked official guidance to rehearse the security and equipment setup separately.

Check the live rules again before you test

• Test policies, rules, and requirements
• Supported devices and operating systems
• Using your phone to record your computer
• Using your phone to scan your room
• Programs to close before the test
• Accepted identification by country or region

Official setup guidance rechecked September 1, 2026. Current live Duolingo instructions take precedence over this summary.