There is one update in the Duolingo English Test in August 2024: Students need to use their phones to record their computers and keyboards while taking the test.
To explain briefly, the purpose of this update is to maintain the integrity of the test because some students always try to find a way to cheat on it. This action also helps the Duolingo English Test deliver accurate and trusted results to both students and the institutions that students send the results.
Let's learn how to set up your phone camera and some frequently asked questions to clarify your concerns if any.
To set this up
There is a total of eight steps to follow:
cre: Duolingo English Test
Step 1: Open the DET desktop app and sign in.
Step 2: Proceed until instructed to set up your phone.
Step 3: Scan the QR code. Use your phone's camera to do this, not another app.
Step 4: Make sure your phone is fully charged. Plugging your phone into a charger during setup and letting it charge throughout the test can help ensure the battery doesn't die.
Step 5: Turn on Do Not Disturb and make sure none of your contacts are set to bypass Do Not Disturb. Receiving notifications during the test could lead to your session being invalidated.
Step 6: Allow the desktop app access to your phone's camera.
Step 7: Lean your phone against any heavy object to the left or right of your computer. Placing the phone horizontally will be the most stable.
Step 8 Position your phone far enough away to see your entire screen and keyboard.
Frequent Asked Questions
Some of the below questions will be helpful to clarify your concerns:
How can I make sure my phone is correctly positioned?
During setup, your phone’s video position will be displayed on the computer screen. You need to move the phone around until the screen and keyboard are totally visible and within the frame. Students need to place the phone to the left or right side and slightly behind them.
What happens if the phone camera video is interrupted during the test?
Your phone camera must record the computer screen and keyboard throughout the entire test until your answers are completely uploaded. If the video is interrupted at any time, obscured, or interfered with, the test will be cancelled or invalidated. In this case, students can retake the test at no additional fee.
Once you set up to record, the phone will not enter sleep mode during the test.
What happens if my phone falls over during the test?
If your phone falls over, it’s the same if the phone camera is interrupted during the test. In this case, we strongly recommend you quit the test immediately because if you continue, your result will not be certified. In other words, you still need to retake the test.
Can the phone camera be used in place of the computer camera?
No, you cannot! The Duolingo English Test requires both the computer and phone cameras to take the test in the position you are instructed above.
What if my phone isn’t fully charged?
If you believe your phone battery is still in good health and able to record your computer and screen continuously throughout the test, then you should not worry even if it’s not fully charged. However, if your phone has age, and the phone battery is no longer in good health as it used to be, then plugging your phone with a charger is strongly recommended.
What if I don’t have a phone with a camera?
This is a rule, and it’s required to validate your results. If your phone doesn’t integrate with a camera, please borrow one. You can also use a table if necessary.
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