How to avoid Duolingo English Test broken rules: 4 common mistakes

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The Duolingo English Test (DET) includes strict rules designed to ensure a fair and secure testing environment. However, if you don’t know the rules beforehand, you might unknowingly make mistakes that can lead to warnings, invalid scores and certification delays. Understanding these common errors and learning how to avoid them can help you complete the test smoothly and protect your results. 

Below, we outline the four most common mistakes that test takers make and how to avoid them.

Clear your computer

The most commonly broken rule is a simple one, but easily forgotten. During your test session, all other applications (apart from the DET desktop app) must be completely shut down. This means that before the test begins, everything else should be closed: web browsers, messaging apps, communication tools, streaming platforms and remote desktop software.

Does it matter if my browser is open in the background?

Yes, background processes definitely count. So, if you’re a Windows user, check your system tray and Task Manager. If you’re using a Mac, right-click your app icons and select ‘quit’. 

What about system processes running in the background?

Yes, even some background system processes may breach the DET rules. Unexpected notifications or pop-ups can represent system interference or unauthorised assistance. As such, it’s a good idea to ensure all background processes are disabled. To increase your chances of complying with this rule, uninstall any apps that could cause a breach, such as Slack, WhatsApp, Skype, Discord and TeamViewer. You can always reinstall them once you’ve completed the test.

Can I take the DET on a virtual machine?

No. For security reasons, including preventing remote access and screen sharing, virtual machines are not allowed for the DET.

Maintaining eye contact

The second most commonly broken rule concerns having eye contact with your screen. Looking away for too long or in a suspicious way could invalidate your result.

What counts as looking away during a speaking section?

During the speaking section, looking away means diverting your gaze or turning your head away from your computer screen. Staring off-screen, possibly to glance at notes on a desk, in your lap or anywhere else off-camera, is likely to see the results of your DET remaining uncertified.

Can I look away at all? What about while I’m typing?

Looking down at your keyboard while typing is fine, but otherwise, try not to look away from the screen. If you need to think before you answer, that's fine. Just keep your gaze forward.

Avoid writing assistance software

Another often-broken DET rule concerns the use of predictive text or proofreading tools during the test. This one catches a lot of people off guard.

What counts as a writing assistant?

Writing assistant software – such as Grammarly – includes any piece of external software, application or keyboard feature that corrects or improves your writing in real time. This means spell-checkers are a definite no-no. So is predictive text software, where your keyboard suggests words after you type the first few letters. These tools aren’t allowed, even if they’re running in the background. The DET desktop app will detect any third-party software, so test takers should disable those before the test begins.

What if I have more than one input, like Pinyin?

For the DET, you must turn off all non-Latin input methods, such as Pinyin. It only takes a minute to disable these input methods, but it could save you from a big headache later. Before opening the DET app, if you’re a Mac user, right-click on any non-Latin keyboard and press ‘quit’. On Windows, clear your system tray.

Is your phone camera in the right place?

The final rule that is most likely to trip up DET takers is about ensuring your phone camera captures your entire screen and keyboard throughout the test session. If at any point your phone camera moves and stops capturing your full screen and keyboard, your test may be invalidated. Remember, both the computer’s webcam and secondary camera are required to complete the test.

Where should I position my phone for the DET?

Get your phone camera set up and positioned correctly before the DET begins. Check your computer screen to confirm your keyboard and entire screen are visible in the camera frame. Lean your phone against something heavy and stable. Placing it horizontally is your most stable option.

What happens if my phone moves during the test?

Once the test begins, don't touch your phone at all. If it falls or shifts, test takers should restart the test to avoid a canceled or invalidated result. Make sure your setup is stable before starting to avoid interruptions.

Should my phone be on ‘do not disturb’ mode?

Yes. Make sure ‘do not disturb’ mode is on and double-check that no contacts are set to bypass it. An unexpected notification could disrupt your session.

Now you’re ready to take the DET.

The majority of rule violations during the DET are honest mistakes – but they are also entirely preventable. Establish a secure testing environment, maintain consistent eye contact with the screen and disable your background software.

Treat these rules with the same rigor as the exam questions themselves and, most importantly, good luck!

For more official guides, follow the Duolingo English Test YouTube channel.