Many students leap realizing their dreams of studying abroad by taking a mandatory English proficiency examination, a crucial step in their academic journey. The Duolingo English Test (DET) offers a convenient, affordable, and accessible way to meet this requirement while maintaining high standards of test integrity. With the latest update introducing a secondary camera requirement, the DET is raising the bar on security and accuracy, ensuring that your test results truly reflect your abilities in a fair and transparent environment.

Here’s a breakdown of how this update works and why it matters to you as a test-taker.

Why Is a Secondary Camera Needed?

The new secondary camera system uses your smartphone to record your computer screen and keyboard during the test. This ensures a full view of your environment, providing an additional layer of observation that enhances test security. By combining data from both the computer webcam and the phone camera, proctors can verify that no rules were violated, validating your score as a true reflection of your abilities.

How Does It Work?

The setup is simple and efficient:

• QR Code Scan: After logging into the DET desktop app, you'll scan a QR code with your phone to connect it as the secondary camera.

• Positioning: Place your phone to the side, angled so that both your screen and keyboard are fully visible.

• Synchronization: Both cameras (your computer's webcam and your phone's camera) work together to monitor your test session in real time, ensuring transparency.

• End-to-End Encryption: Your video feeds are synchronized and encrypted, so your data is secure and only accessible by the DET review team if needed.

Setting up the secondary camera doesn’t require expensive gadgets or complicated tools. Simply use a regular smartphone with a camera and position it securely with any heavy object, like a mug, to hold it steady. If you have a phone stand, that's even better, but it's not mandatory.
Watch this video to learn more about how to set up the second camera.

Preventing Interruptions and Ensuring Continuity

Once the secondary camera is set up, your phone will remain active throughout the entire session. It won’t enter sleep mode, and you won’t need to interact with it. However, make sure to enable "Do Not Disturb" mode to prevent any notifications from disrupting your session. A stable test environment is key to ensuring a smooth experience from start to finish.

Increased Accuracy, Reduced Doubts

For many students, online testing can feel intimidating due to concerns about unfair disqualifications or questions about result validity. With the addition of the second camera, the DET eliminates much of that concern. 

The DET remains one of the most accessible and affordable language tests for students worldwide. Even with the introduction of this enhanced security feature, no additional costs are involved. You can use your existing phone, and even borrow a phone if needed, ensuring that all students, regardless of their financial situation, can complete the test without added burdens.

The DET is already accepted by over 5500 institutions worldwide, and this update further reinforces its credibility as an equal to traditional in-person testing. As global education continues to rely on digital credentials, this enhanced security will boost the DET’s standing, making your results more reliable for admissions officers who are considering your application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1.  How can I ensure my phone is properly positioned?
   During the setup, you’ll see your phone’s video feed on your computer screen. Adjust your phone until both your screen and keyboard are fully visible. You may need to position it slightly behind and to the side of your setup for the best view.

2. What if my phone falls over during the test?
   If your phone falls over or the secondary camera feed is disrupted, the best course of action is to quit the test and restart it from the beginning. Since the test is timed, trying to reset the phone during the session could interfere with your performance.
   

3. Do I need to buy any special equipment?
   No special equipment is needed. You can lean your phone against a heavy object (such as a mug) to keep it stable. If you have a phone stand, you can use that as well, but it isn’t necessary.

4. What if my phone’s camera stops recording during the test?
   The phone must continuously record the test environment. If the video is interrupted or blocked, the test session will be invalidated, and you’ll need to start the test again from the beginning.

5. Can I use a tablet as the secondary camera?
   Yes, you can use a tablet if you don’t have a smartphone available. However, a second laptop cannot be used.
   

6. Are my test scores from before the secondary camera requirement still valid?
   Yes, DET scores from before this requirement remain valid. The introduction of this secondary camera is part of ongoing efforts to enhance security and provide the best experience for future test-takers.