The Duolingo English Test Updates Security Measures: How the New Two-Camera System Works

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is raising the bar for online exam security with the introduction of an innovative two-camera system. Trusted by over 5,500 universities across 100+ countries, including top institutions around the world such as London Business School, Berlin School of Business and Innovation, New York University, and the University of Toronto, the DET allows students to demonstrate their language skills without the hassle of travelling to a test centre.

And now, with its latest update—a new two-camera system— the DET is setting even higher standards for online test security while continuing to maintain its reputation as one of the most accessible English proficiency tests for students aiming to study abroad.

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But what exactly is this two-camera system, and how does it work? Let’s break it down.

How the Two-Camera System Works in DET

The new system is designed to enhance the security of the testing environment, all while keeping things simple and user-friendly.

• Primary Camera: The test taker’s computer webcam will continue to record your face and immediate surroundings as before.
• Secondary Camera: The smartphone will serve as a second camera to capture a wider view, including the computer screen and keyboard, providing additional data about the testing environment.

Both the computer camera and the secondary camera are required for the test.

Setting Up the Secondary Camera in DET

The setup process is straightforward:

1. Open the DET desktop app and sign in.
2. Follow the prompts until instructed to set up the phone.
3. Scan the QR code using the phone's camera; do not use another app for this purpose.
4. Ensure the phone is fully charged. It’s advisable to plug it into a charger during the setup and keep it charging throughout the test to prevent any battery issues.
5. Enable Do Not Disturb mode on the phone, ensuring no contacts can bypass this setting. Receiving notifications during the test may invalidate the test.
6. Grant the desktop app permission to access the phone's camera.
7. Lean the phone against a heavy object to the left or right of the computer. Positioning it horizontally will provide the best stability.
8. Place the phone at a distance that allows it to capture the entire screen and keyboard.

Why is this Important?

For students and test-takers, the new system has unexpected benefits like:

• Better Accuracy: The second camera gives a more comprehensive view of the test environment, reducing the chances of false flags for violations.
• Faster Results: With additional data, the test session can be validated more quickly.
• Increased Credibility: The extra security adds more credibility to test results, boosting confidence among universities.

Learn how to set up the second camera by watching this video:

A Globally Trusted Option

The Duolingo English Test is recognized by 5500 universities and institutions around the world. Its growing acceptance makes it a top choice for students pursuing higher education abroad, providing a hassle-free and affordable solution for proving English proficiency. At less than INR 5500, it remains a fraction of the cost of other tests like IELTS or TOEFL.

With the introduction of the secondary camera system, the DET is not only protecting the credibility of test results but also ensuring a fair, secure, and globally accepted test-taking experience. For students aiming to study abroad, mastering this setup is just another step toward achieving your academic goals with confidence