TUTORIAL! How to stay on screen and maintain eye contact 

"our proctors are trained to understand there are natural glances"....I would love to know who these proctors are and what kind of training they receive. Man, as a company you need to massively improve this aspect of the exam, way too many people are forced to repeat the text

To anybody who got unvalid or uncertified test , i got my test unvalid because of not looking on the screen four times and got my degree in the fifth one so here is some tips that i made during my last test 1-make the camera of your laptop in the level of your eyes , put something under your lap to raise it to make the camera in the level of you eyes 2-during any speak section , read the question and close your eyes and speak and whenever you feel that you will raise up your eyes during speaking or any section just close them 3-during the writing section , you must look at the screen after you write at most 5 words , you must look at what you write and its not important you write alot of words to get your test certified you must look at the screen and try to write and look at the screen 4- you must be in the center of the camera and try not to be so close to the camera try to be away from the computer so you can see your sholders , and that not all times in sections that you need to read you can come close but not too much try to be away enough so you can see your neck at last i wish to anybody see my comment the good luck and a valid and certified test

Wow, I took the test Monday and today had the invalid result, same as other people! Can’t your team distinguish reading something from somewhere with just finding ideas in your head? Seriously, everything is just not known in advance and when reading, you are moving your eyes! Unfortunately the university paid for me the Duolingo test but if I have to choose, I wouldn’t do it again. I was feeling down all day after finding out I’ve been called a cheater (not with these words, but sure your efficient team is making these allegations to us) and when I’ve tried to speak with someone via online chat, he assumed that the decision is correct without even giving the chance to be reviewed. Because your team is so correct to all of us taking the 4th or 5th time the same test with exactly the same knowledge from the first test. I just.. have no other words..

Duolingo examiners should send us a photo or a short video of where we exactly make a mistake. I took the DET and I was so positive to get a good result but today I received a mail saying uncertified test you looked away! 😢 I'm so disappointed since I dont even know when I looked around I believe I was 100% focused on the screen and I'm stressed also thinking what if it happens again 😞

My deeply frustrating and disappointing experience with the Duolingo English Test, and I feel compelled to inform you of the challenges I faced during my attempts. I have attempted the Duolingo English Test three times in my pursuit of an accurate assessment of my English proficiency. However, each time, I encountered false allegations that have left me disheartened and dissatisfied with the testing process. During my first attempt, I was accused of looking away from the screen for an extended period, which required me to retake the test. I can assure you that I did not engage in any such behavior, and it was an unjust accusation. In my second attempt, I was alleged to have spoken very little during the graded speaking section. As someone who is confident in their spoken English, this accusation baffled me, as I was certain that I provided adequate and thoughtful responses to each question. Even more distressing was my most recent experience on 13th July 2023 when I underwent the test for the third time. To my dismay, I received another false allegation, claiming that the security of my test environment could not be verified. I took every precaution to ensure a controlled and distraction-free setting, yet I was asked to test again. This chain of events has led me to believe that the Duolingo English Test's evaluation process lacks reliability and fairness. I feel utterly discouraged by these repeated false allegations, and it has profoundly affected my confidence in the Duolingo English Test as a credible means of assessing English proficiency. I wish to express my frustration and disappointment with this testing platform. As a result, I have decided to BOYCOTT the Duolingo English Test entirely and explore alternative tests like PTE and IELTS, which have a reputation for providing a more accurate evaluation. I strongly discourage others from using the Duolingo English Test for their language proficiency assessment due to my unfortunate experiences. I believe it is essential for individuals to have access to trustworthy and reliable testing platforms when determining their language skills, and I regret to say that I cannot recommend Duolingo for this purpose.

If your results got invalidated because you were “reading your responses” from somewhere or “didn’t look at the screen” for too long. Keep the following things in mind. I got my results invalidated twice. These are the things I did to get the valid result, the third time. 1. Take the test at night, so it is all quiet. 2. Keep your laptop at your arms’ length, so they can see more of the background. I was literally fully stretching my arms to write but the first two times I had the laptop near, my results were invalidated. Also, if you keep the laptop at arms length, the camera doesn't pick every slight eye movement and there are less chances of your results getting invalidated 3.Make sure that the camera is exactly at the level of your eyes and you are in the center of the frame. Use a scale to check that the camera is exactly at your eye level. Put something under your laptop if the camera is not the eyes’ level. 4. Also, I sat with a window in the background, so they could see all the reflection in the back and make sure there was no one around. You can keep a mirror in the back as well. 5. MOST IMPORTANT: close your eyes during the speaking sections or whenever you are not doing a task on screen. Just close your eyes, and speak so they know nobody is helping you out in any which way. whenever I had to take a break (after I was done with a question and there was still time left) and during the speaking sections, I closed my eyes. 6. You don’t have to look at the camera at all, only at screen. 7. Make a new login account on your computer, only for the test and use the app to take the test. So, there is nothing running in the background

After getting 3 times invalid result of 'You looked away from the screen', I finally got valid result on my 4th try. I really appreciate some advice you guys left on this comment. What's I've tried is 1. adjustting my macbook camera on my eye level. 2. keep my face and sholder inside the screen, try not to close to the screen 3. close my eye during speaking section 4. not using wifi but connecting LAN No.3 is a bit difficult because It's hard to notice timeout period. Test goes on without any sounds. I opened my eye and checked the screen to make sure the timeout period. I could get 2 times free try after getting invalid test. In my case, I purchased 2 test eventually. Thanks for helping me. This is what they should mention exactly before taking this test.

I followed all this process but you uncertified my test

I took this test many times and I was not certified due to the fact that, you see, they turned away, although I didn’t do it. I was not given the opportunity to review my test. They just took the money. That's just terrible

I didn't take any unfair means , Was inside the frame whole time , Spoke naturally but still 3 times got invalid. It's irritating. Took 4th time test . May be will get another uncertified test . Hell Duolingo

The "glancing always at the camera" rule is somewhat of a slippery slope. I know some people that look directly to your eyes while they are speaking, but some others don't do it at all, and are unable to look directly at a certain point while thinking. I believe, however, that is easy to distinguish when someone is reading or searching something while looking away and when they are not. That is why I have been surprised to find myself repeating the exam 3 times for the same reason. Maybe evaluators are not trained that well to distinguish natural reactions.

"Eye contact or my contract."-Duo the Owl 🦉

"You looked away from the screen for an extended period of time." I have 32inch screaan LOL

Hello, I am wonder. When I open the Duoling English Test Application, I must to sign in with google and it must open browser automatically for sign in. Is this would be invalid?

Please make Duolingo test result more easy to get I gave already 5 times each times you gave reason.

Will the quality of built-in camera matters? Can I use my laptops builtin 720p camera?

Why does the prompt keep saying I've exited the window when there's not even a full as in full screen icon for the Duolingo app? Full screen as in without the task bar? I was on the latter part, speaking / recording my answer but when I moved my cursor and the taskbar appeared, it says I've exited the window. Frustrating.

Can i looking to my keyboard for write the answers during duolingo test?

Please help, I do not have any webcam on my pc, and really need to use a third party program to connect and use my phone as a webcam, is that ok?

To address a matter of concern regarding the Duolingo English test. It has come to my attention that the test team has been issuing "Invalid" results (test could not be certified) without providing any proof or evidence to support their determination. I kindly request that the Duolingo English test team revise their protocol and provide test takers with tangible proof when deeming their results as "INVALID." As a test taker, it is essential to have access to the information and justification behind such a significant decision. Without proper documentation or evidence, it becomes challenging for individuals to comprehend the basis for the "INVALID" result and to rectify any potential issues in their language proficiency assessment. Transparency and fairness should be the cornerstone of any evaluation process, and I believe it is crucial for the Duolingo English test team to adopt these principles. Providing test takers with a clear explanation or supporting documentation when issuing an "Invalid" result will enable them to better understand any areas that require improvement and will empower them to take appropriate actions to enhance their language skills. By implementing a proof-based approach, the Duolingo English test team can establish trust and confidence among test takers, ensuring that the process is unbiased and reliable. This will not only benefit the test takers but also enhance the overall reputation and credibility of the Duolingo English test as a whole. I kindly urge you to consider this request seriously and take the necessary steps to implement a system that provides verifiable evidence when declaring a test result as "invalid." I believe this adjustment will significantly improve the experience of test takers and promote a fair and accountable evaluation process. I appreciate your consideration and look forward to a positive resolution that benefits all stakeholders involved.

I have laptop and i have a problem in camera. It works perfectly but there is little black area appears down side😢. I mean imagine moon in black sky the moon is my face and the black sky around moon is that black area. It is ok??please reply.

Question: when we are asked a question to elaborate an answer to be recorded, we are given a few seconds. Normally, during a toefl examination one writes down a few words, just to follow a structure. This is thus NOT allowed? One can find oneself mumbling without a few written key words.

hi Carolina, hope u r doing well. I am wondring if its okay to use body language while speaking or even when to think such as(touching my chin or covering my mouth). I do these all the time and it helps me gather my thoughts better.

Are we allow to touch chin or eye area if you feel inching? I mean do this uncertified your test?

I'm a student and I living my own cost by part-time work while studying, and in my country, it's not as easy like other countries. So I decided to take the Duolingo test instead of IELTS as it will be more affordable for me so I purchased and took the first test on 2023-05-06 but they are saying my result is invalid and "You looked away from the screen for an extended period of time. You must test again and look at your computer screen throughout the entire test." When I've practiced for a long and I completely know about the rules and regulations of the exam and keep on those things on my mind, I spend every single second during my exam, and I'm very confident that I didn't look away from my screen for a nanosecond, I'm very very confident about this cause as I mention I know these rolls and I make sure it's didn't happen. But how can Duolingo claim that I looked away from the screen? can you let me know when I looked away from the screen? It's really important to me cause I'm very close to ending deadline of my university and I took Duolingo instead of IELTS and now it seems I'm going to miss my dream I'm going to lose my career. Whatever at the end again please let me know when looked away from the screen, as I am really very confident I didn't do that. I hope you can understand all those things, thanks.

@Duolingoenglishtest does shoulders need to appear in the camera frame please resolve my iam going to take the test by today

hi there my camera is attached on keyboard so it angle from bottom of neck would it be fine

Hi, thanks for the video. I wanted to ask, why is it that Duolingo is not evaluating people properly? I gave the test 2 days ago and it was not certified because I "looked away from the screen for too long". I did not do that. I also didn't do that either 2 hours ago when I re-took the test. I am almost 100% sure Duolingo will send me the same result instead of the certified test I deserve. I paid $49 for this, it might not be much for you, but it is for me. You can't be, and shouldn't be allowed to play with people's money and time like this. The deadline for my application is on Sunday, and I might not get selected because of you. If you want to solve anything for me, please reply. And no, I can't wait for an appeal, I shouldn't have to do one in the first place anyways. Just please, give me my certification.

I am really concerned and I don't know whether to pay and take the actual test as I rarely look at the keyboard or screen while typing, as while composing my eyes jump everywhere and I can't just help it... I don't wanna waste the money :(

Recently i have appeared for DET and got invalid result, they say You looked away from the screen for an extended period of time. Even I didn't look away from my screen.

Dear Caroline I'm seriously disappointed duolingo exam because I had taken DETexam 6 times. But, I could not get my results. Every times i try to look at the screen as much as possible, unfortunatilly, "YOU TURNED AWAY FROM THE SCREEN OR A LONG TIME" I always get this answer.

Did anyone's exam got rejected by written section error.The error showing is "I written exam not indipendently".There was no softwares running background and even duolingo chat support not know about it.If anyone face such issue please help how to avoid it.

I looked away and unfortunately I wasn’t able to get my Duolingo certificate 😞 I was so nervous but I’ll take it again hoping I’ll get certified this time

please duolingo can you answer us, do we allow to use glasses?😢 i cant see without my glasses😢

I should look on the screen or on the camera? Please tell me

Question, Ma'am can we blink eyes rapidly during speaking session, as an involuntary action?

Can I close my eyes while thinking instead of glancing away? I turn my eyes and look around A LOT when I speak and I can't help it! So closing them would be really helpful. Is this allowed?

Can airport or ear piece be use for the exam

Can you please tell us about intro part. like when we hold our ID should we also talk or just remain silent.

Hello mam / sir can i use bluecut glasses or not i am not able to find that i cant use laptop without blue cut glasses

Someone please help me, i'm taking the test for 8th freaking time. I have been getting accused of looking at somewhere else. So my QUESTION is do you have to look at screen during speaking section or do you have to look at the camera. They claim that their proctors are very good, I personally think they are not and this is not fair. Someone please answer my question and help me.

Can i read out loud while reading passage or words?

Can Anyone help me how to stay on the screen I have written 2 times and I got invalid I have not seen anywhere until the entire test was completed. And I had doubt will they only check the eye contact while speaking or else they consider the writing also. If writing also consider what should be done can we see keyboard for longtime.

I have a habit of closing my eyes while focusing in listening content in DET practice. If this habit will ne disqualify the test?

Hi ,I would like to know which input method should I use during duolingo test?

Can I use speakers to better hear the sound on my computer in the exam?

Can I use touchscreen laptop along with mouse during test?

Kinda nervous about looking at the screen AND looking at the camera AT THE SAME TIME, but thanks for the tutorial 💚🦉

Mam I haven't broken any rules but two times my test could not be certified and I am also maintain eye why then my test could not be certified

If my test would be uncertified would I get back my money or I would be have to pay again to get certified result?

I have given my test 5 times bur still i was not certified, becoz of two reasons some applicantion is running behind and i looked far away it seems . But i damn sure that no application was running behind and i dont look aways from the screen even in the speaking task. Now is this a scam or we are wasting our time as it is affordable!!!

Can i see key board while throughout the writing section?

Can I close my eyes while I'm speaking? Because I tend to look up whenever I'm thinking

I got invalid results two times because it said I looked away from screen, I'm sure I didn't.what can I do for the third time so it doesn't happen??

Can we do itching in ear or any part at face?

My 2 tests were not certified due to the eye contact rule, don't know where I am going wrong

Hey, thanks a lot for all the tips. I had appeared for DET twice and both times i received invalid results. Finally passed the 3rd time. I read someone in this comment section saying to close your eyes whenever speaking, that worked for me as I always look around unconsciously while thinking.

No matter how i sit and adjust it still says not certified for looking away for a long time

what is the best time within a day to appeard in the test?

Can we close eyes during speaking sections cuz fixing the screen is so stressful ?

I would like you to do a practice while typing and or soeaking during a duolingo test. I do not know why they invalid my test.

Could you give an example of giving the exam in the speaking part, indicating how it should be looked at? because it is necessary to have a very clear example to understand what he means by "you looked away for a long time"

If I take test 3 times in a month the Duolingo account is been blocked or not

How to download the DET desktop app ?

Can these be transferred into college credits?

Can someone use a mouse in laptop during doulingo test?

Can we use external keyboard

Hi,Madam Some people needs glass. So what about glass?

Ma'am, I did fellow all the rules and regulations in taking the test but I got a message saying "you got an assistant and your blocked",which I didn't!!!!. I wrote an appeal about the misunderstanding today when I receive the email and now I have to wait for 74hours(3 days) 😣, and my admission deadline is next week pls what can I do... because I have lost hope!

I understood what you said and the tips, it seems that your laptop is oriented correctly so you can make eye contact directly, but what about if my mac has the camera too high? I will always appear looking down, no eye contact with the camera if I want to read the instructions, words or sentences. So that will be correct if you always see me looking at the test, no matter if my eye contact is not direct to the cam?

how to type without looking at the keyboard????

Is it valid to close eyes in speaking part??

mam i did this test 3 time but no result 😢

I wrote duolingo exam for four times but he said it away from screen can u give better suggestion to me madam

This test is scam because i purchased two tests they always give invalid that you looked away from screen i m really fed up while giving this test

waste of time. I have got an invalid 3 times. they mentioned that you looked away from the screen for an extended time even though not looking away from the screen during the test.

Hello, my camera is located at the keyboard not on the screen. Is it possible that my test will be invalid ?

Please advise, we have to focus on the screen or camera during the test.

So it's okay if i don't know how to blind typing? I'm taking it tomorrow and i'm so nervous because of the blind typing

Hello, Caroline! Thanks for the video and useful tips. I have a question about wearing glasses. I'm short-sighted so I need to wear glasses all the time. If not I can't see anything. To be able to see my eyes, it is ok to wear glasses coz when I take the practice test, I can see some light reflection on my glasses. Can the proctor manage about it? Thanks.

Does DET acceptable in study visa in Canada, plz answer

hello caroline you gave us a good leson i am now ready to take exam in this week is there any advice you can give me? thanks for your kindness.

Can i use glass in my exam.

Any problem if I close my eyes during interactive speaking? I can concentrate more when I close my eyes. Is that possible?

Can i look at the keyboard while writing..? Because i have seen many comments that says that they were looking at the keyboard and the test got rejected. Hopefully it doesn’t happens with me I am going to take the test today. Let see what happens..

Ma'am can we use our spectacles during the exam bcz, i have eye sight problem when i use the system for a long time....

Okay I see many people facing the same problem as I do even without looking out from a screen for a "extended period"of time it's always gives the same reason and does not certify our test even if it is n no. Of attempts so if your are looking for other alternative exam go for tofel or others please do not waste your valuable money over this platform i personaly got struck by paying amount and if anybody is looking to take duoling please don't it's the worst option and it's my 5 attempt still my result is not certified they are just money minting people and asks you to purchase the exam n no of times at last It even costs same like tofel but tofel gives result at single attempt

I had taken 4 times sincerely and honestly but still did not receive scores. Now application deadlines are over. My career is stuck badly.

It is helpful as this an issue which I have encountered recently and had to re-take my test again.

Thank you so much, may i ask if consuming water during the test is allowed (or chewing on gum for combating stress) is permitted? Thanks.

Hi there, While I was taking the test, it started raining. The sound of the rain was very strong. Therefore, I came closer to the camera, my eyes where always looking at the camera, but I am not sure if my mouth went out for a bit. I hope I can get certify. Has this ever happened to anyone?

I have tried out everything . Looking at the camera. Looking at the center of the screen . I have got an invalid result for looking away for an extended period of time . Can you provide some advice for this. Also, while reading and going through the options available, the eyes are not at the center of the screens so ho can I rectify myself to avoid this same reason for invalidation.

Even though i did not looked away that too out of screen ialways get that you looked away and test is not certified yet though i just looked down while typing please consider this issue because of this lots of students are struggling please consider this issue

I do have lazy eye can I attempt det exam.

Can I use external speakers? As my laptop's speaker sound is too loo.

I usually 'talk with my hands', is that a problem?

I have just completed my second attempt at the Duolingo English test. I want to address a previous issue I encountered during my first attempt, where I received an "invalid" result, which was determined by the Duolingo team. However, I firmly believe that this determination was completely inaccurate, as I had prepared diligently and felt confident about my performance. Nevertheless, I remained determined to overcome this setback and decided to take the test again. This time, I approached it with even greater focus and dedication. I have put in extensive effort to ensure that my English language skills are properly showcased. I am optimistic that my second attempt will yield a positive and valid result, as it is crucial for me to submit the test scores to the university before the deadline of 27 June 2023. I am committed to achieving my academic goals and believe that this test is an essential step toward realizing my aspirations. Despite the initial disappointment, I am confident that my perseverance and hard work will be rewarded with a satisfactory outcome. I am eagerly looking forward to receiving the test results and hope that they align with my expectations. I will keep you updated on the outcome once I receive the official test results.

I give it two times but they invalid my test

Please make a video of pc users. who are using a mic placed in front of them and a webcam.

Is looking at the keyboard while typing the answers acceptable?