bySayantani Barman Study Abroad Expert
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is a high-stake English language proficiency test that assesses an applicant's ability to read, speak, write, and listen. The Duolingo English Test can be taken online by paying the DET registration fee of USD 59 (under INR 5,000). The Duolingo English Test is proctored in three different tiers, each with a different set of security approaches. Mentioned below are the three approaches which account for proctoring in Duolingo English Test:
- ID verification
- Review of interview aspects
- Test Review
The DET proctors undertake attention to detail and behavioural assessments while evaluating assessments of applicants. Each of the proctors assigned in all three tiers is highly trained and reviews tests independently.
Click here to register for Duolingo English Test
What is Proctoring?
Proctoring is referred to the act of reviewing when another person takes an exam. "Live proctoring" is the method that is used for traditional or "legacy" style exams that are given in testing centres. This method requires an individual to be in charge of monitoring a group of test takers as they sit for an examination in the same room together over the course of many hours.
However, this approach does not apply for digital-first examinations such as the DET. It would not be efficient to have someone ready to proctor every session in person and in real time because they are delivered online, on-demand, 24 hours a day, all over the world.
How is the Duolingo English Test Proctored?
The team of proctors for the Duolingo English Test consists of hundreds of professionals globally, divided into three tiers, each playing a crucial role in ensuring test security. Mentioned below are the three tiers and their respective roles in proctoring the DET exam:
- First tier: Proctors possess exceptional skills in ID verification and identifying potentially suspicious test-taker behaviours.
- Second tier: Comprises applied ESL professionals who are focused on reviewing the interview portion of the test.
- Third tier: Consists of senior team members with expert applied ESL knowledge and higher-level security skills, entrusted with reviewing the most complex test cases.
During the hiring process, the Duolingo English Test looks for individuals with meticulous attention to detail and strong behavioural assessment abilities. Once selected, proctors undergo extensive training, including live process reviews and one-on-one mentorship with experienced senior proctors. Regular feedback ensures their continuous development. Tier two and three proctors are also evaluated to validate their applied ESL expertise. All proctors, regardless of tier, undergo several weeks of training before they can independently review tests.
During each test session, the test-taker's computer, microphone, keyboard, and mouse record the session. These recordings are then reviewed by multiple rounds of trained professionals to ensure validation before providing the test-taker with a certified DET score.
Proctors review test sessions asynchronously and remotely, remaining anonymous to test-takers and each other throughout the process. This ensures that test-takers cannot influence or manipulate the review. Furthermore, each test session is discrete, meaning one person's attempt at cheating cannot invalidate another test-taker's DET subscores.
By employing advanced technology and AI, the Duolingo English Test can administer exams rapidly and efficiently to numerous candidates globally. The continuous evolution of test review processes aligns with the changing landscape of test administration, securing the Duolingo English Test's position as a leading innovator in language proficiency assessment.
Security Measures Taken By Duolingo English Test Team
Duolingo English Test employs a comprehensive approach to maintaining the security of digital exams, ensuring the integrity and validity of test results. The following measures are implemented to uphold the security of the Duolingo English Test (DET).
Adopting a multi-layered proctoring approach, conducting rigorous training, and utilising advanced technology, Duolingo English Test maintains the security and reliability of the DET, allowing test-takers to demonstrate their language proficiency with confidence. The continuous evolution of test security practices reflects DET's commitment to upholding the highest standards of assessment and ensuring the credibility of its digital exams.
AI-based Proctoring
The Duolingo English Test (DET) takes an innovative and comprehensive approach to proctoring, combining human-in-the-loop AI to ensure both security and accessibility for test-takers. By leveraging the strengths of machines and humans, the DET's proctoring process leaves final decisions to human experts while utilising advanced AI algorithms for automated reviews.
In contrast to traditional proctoring methods, where live proctors oversee test-takers in person, the DET Application employs a digital-first approach. The process begins with an AI algorithm conducting an automated review of each test session, analysing over 75 different behavioural and environmental factors using statistics, computer vision, and natural language processing algorithms. The AI algorithm looks for potential signs of rule-breaking or malicious behaviour during this initial stage.
When the AI algorithm in DET raises a flag on a potential security breach, human proctors step in to analyse the warning and assess whether any rules have been broken. Each test session is discretely proctored, ensuring that rule-breaking by an individual test-taker does not affect the validity of other tests. To maintain impartiality and eliminate bias, human proctors remain anonymous at every round of review.
After multiple human proctors have reviewed a test session and reached a certification decision, the test-taker is informed of their results, and they can share their scores with institutions. Thanks to the efficiency of AI, this entire process takes only 48 hours, providing test-takers with quick and reliable results.
This innovative, digital-first approach to proctoring not only solves the problem of limited access to test centers but also enhances the security of the Duolingo English Test. By prioritising both rigor and accessibility, the DET ensures that test-takers can take the exam conveniently while upholding the highest standards of test security. The integration of AI and human expertise in the proctoring process makes the DET a reliable and secure English proficiency test, setting new standards in language assessment and offering a win-win solution for test-takers and institutions alike.
FAQs
Ques. Is the Duolingo English Test proctored?
Ans. Yes, the Duolingo English Test is proctored.
Ques. What does it mean for a test to be proctored?
Ans. Proctored tests are exams supervised by an authorised individual (proctor) to ensure the integrity of the testing process.
Ques. How does the Duolingo English Test proctoring work?
Ans. The Duolingo English Test uses AI proctoring technology to monitor test-takers through their device's camera and microphone during the exam.
Ques. Do I need any special equipment for the proctored test?
Ans. You will need a computer or a device with a front-facing camera and a working microphone to take the proctored test.
Ques. Are there any specific requirements for the testing environment during the exam?
Ans. Yes, you need to be in a well-lit, quiet, and private space to take the Duolingo English Test.
Ques. What actions can result in a violation while being proctored?
Ans. Actions such as talking, using unauthorised materials, leaving the testing area, or attempting to cheat may result in a violation.
Ques. Can I take the Duolingo English Test without proctoring?
Ans. No, all Duolingo English Tests are proctored to maintain the test's integrity and ensure fairness.
Ques. How can I schedule a proctored Duolingo English Test?
Ans. You can schedule a proctored test by visiting the official Duolingo English Test website and selecting your preferred date and time.
Ques. What happens if my internet connection drops during the proctored test?
Ans. If your internet connection drops, the test will pause, and you will be able to resume once the connection is restored.
Ques. How long does the proctored Duolingo English Test take?
Ans. The test consists of various sections, and the total duration is approximately 1 hour.
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