Duolingo Reviews 

scam. rejected for allegedly looking away from the screen. a total lie. asked for proof, denied. asked for refund, denied. stay away from these scamers

I just saw some bad reviews about the service, and I was super surprised. My experience was great! The test is convenient and affordable...
First of all, the website gives you lots of information about how the test works, how it is scored, all the rules etc etc... More, you can take as many practice tests as you want/need for free.
It is a bit tricky to set everything up for the test, especially now that they ask us also to use our cellphones to film the whole test (showing the computer screen, the keyboard, and the mouse). But man, it´s an official proficiency test! All other options for proficiency tests are in person, so it´s understandable that they need to be sure that we don´t cheat on it.
For me, the trickiest part was getting a proper photo of my document, as the system doesn´t accept it done on mobiles, and my notebook´s camera doesn´t have great resolution. I ended up having to borrow a better notebook to retake my document photo, as the one I took on the day of the test could not be accepted, delaying the delivery of my score and certification.
To finish the review, I would like to point out that this certification is accepted everywhere! I just used it on my application for a master´s degree programme, and they didn´t think twice before accepting it. I got in, by the way =)
Sooooo, the conclusion is that I totally recommend it!

SCAM SCAM SCAM

Stay away from this site - you probably won't get your test, so loss of money.

If I could give Duolingo 0 stars I would do that.

When my son did his first test, the session was interrupted after 45 minutes, saying that he lost access to camera og microphone. Second time he did the test he got same interruption. My son has a new Iphone and has never experienced such issues when using his phone in other contexts, so the interruptions were definitely set up by Duolingo.
Third time my son was accused for interacting with a phone or another device during the test. No one would cheat when being videotaped, right. When I asked to see the video sequence, where he's cheating, they refused to show it to me.
This is libel, so we will take the next step and report Duolingo to the Authorities.

It is very simple. Duolingo's methods are simply to invent different kinds of methods and 'excuses' for letting people fail, hoping they will buy the test again. What kind of business model is this (?!)

How can you let people sit three times working hard to pass the test, and then deliberately let them fail. It is only psychopaths that try to earn their money in such way. You should be ashamed !

If I could give it negative stars, I would. I have had 2 different family members try to take this test and both of them had so many issues while trying to take the test; one never even got to finish any of her attempts before they were telling her she needs to purchase a new exam. The other submitted his exam only to receive notification that he could not receive his results because they could not validate his official government ID. After following all their instructions to resubmit his ID, they kept rejecting it. This exam is definitely just a scam to get people's money and push them into buying more tests. Worst company ever. Don't waste your time, effort, or money. Going to go back to the TOEFL or something more reputable. NEVER AGAIN!!!

I have taken this test 3 times however it did not accpeted.Reason was " you looked away too much" however i did not look at out of my screen even once. Questions are easy, test went so well each time however i can't get results because of this annoying issue.

This is a complete SCAM! Tried to do the test 4 times. In 2 of those, the exam abruptly ended, saying they lost connection to my camera/phone. Other 2 times, it could not be certified. Unfortunately, only after I saw the reviews online, and it seems to be the normality with this exam. Also, the support were not helpful and just said I had to purchase another test. So yeah, complete scam.

My Test not responding. the english test that is supposed to be stress.FAQs, but still my test was invalidated.this site scam

Failed the test twice as they said that I’ve been help from an assistant or a device without proving that. I also request to send them a proof from the CCTV but they refuse.
The customer service didn’t help at all.
Definitely I will not suggest to use Duolingo, waste of time and money.

Scam.wasting time and money.they declined my test 2 times and asked for 3rd. No refund.by the way l missed a collage registration date, l have to wait another 4 months to register. Do not do it

I read a lot of bad things about duolingo english test. That proctors are on purpose accusing test takers of cheating or have them retake it because they did not look directly at the screen all the time.
I got a sore back and lost an hour doing this test and those geniuses at proctor decided to dismiss my ID.

Apparently they cannot have a a KYC process like banks or revolut or some other company doing IDs for them.
For example the proctors denied my ID on grounds that #1 it is expired
then #2 it does not have an expiration date.
Wow, guess what, when IDs do not have an expiration date they do not expire! Like Greek IDs!

Our government is on a process of replacing the IDs with card-like ones and every appointment until October is taken. I have been trying to replace mine since 2023, there is never a slot available.

According to: European Parliament and the Council of 20 June 2019 expressly states in article 5 paragraph 2 subsection a thereof that identity cards that do not meet the minimum security standards of ICAO Doc 9303 or that do not have a machine-readable zone (both apply for the old-format Greek identity cards) expire on August 3, 2026.

So while my ID does not have an expiration date, I am required to change it if I lost it or of the information on it have changed (i.e. gender etc)
My greek ID was issued in 2010 as per law. Somehow those geniuses I mentioned before said that for minors (I was a minor) it only lasts for 5 years. I have absolutely no IDEA where they got this from. I am guessing they only doing this so we lose the exam and pay another 65$. I can't even learn what I scored from them (why?).
This is a very bad experience, I will send a letter to SNHU to stop requiring a duolingo test and obviously if this is not resolved before my admission date I will chargeback and I advice everyone who has a similar problem to do that as well.

All they want is our money, and if they just wanted to let people get an english certificate they would have a KYC process before we even pay or do the examination, that is what I expected, that is what every single bank or gambling site requires, that is what fintechs requires, literally , every single time i had to verify my identity i went through KYC not webcam screenshots to proctors!
This is ridiculous, have wasted my time with them completely, I do not expect them to ever give me my results I just hope that SNHU will accept some other test I can take.

TLDR:They came up with regulation that my ID was expired when Greek IDs never expire unless the details on it change and only a recent european law about IDs not being machine-readable have all IDs to expire in August 2026.

My test results were invalidated twice, their support team showed no empathy and acted dismissively.

The first time, I was told that my room wasn't lit well enough and the second time, I was told that they couldn't validate that I was completely alone in the room.

Wouldn't recommend at all, better to take the IELTS or the TOEFL test.

This test is rubbish. I had e attempts wasted because it disconnected from my camera one one, and it connected to my phone's camera from my mac, which has never happened before with any other application. Technically rubbish. Their policy says that once you tried the test, they can give you a refund, so If you get the same problems they will take you money for no reason. I thought it a good alternative to the IELTS and TOEFL, but It's just another bad AI branded product that should have waited until it actually worked to start charging people and wasting their time.

It was 5 attempts, all the time some problems, my computer is not good enough, or after it the coupon was used. This test complicates your life and stops you from trying to learn. Don't waste your time and energy, find a better way to pass the exams.

I ended all the tasks and even uninstalled the applications listed in there FAQs, but still my test was invalidated. Because of the lack of transparency, I was awarded another courtesy attempt. But upon trying to use it, it was conveniently expired the day before. Apparently it follows a different schedule, as per the unhelpful costumer service representative below:
"(11:40:41 AM) Walden: The courtesy attempt, is not included in your purchases. It is the 'internal grace period' that we consider, but according to the standard terms of service, sadly we can not offer the attempt if the exam has already been started. Your credit expired on 2024-06-30 14:54:32 in UTC time. To see what it converts to your local time zone, please use this website."

I took the Duolingo test a couple of times.Always no results."You looked away."I just lost $120.

Unfortunately, the english test that is supposed to be stress-free and so easy, cause so much more stress than taking the test through more conventional channels.

I tried three times upholding all the rules and concentrating on only looking at the screen, but three times they decided not to verify me. It is deeply disappointing that you do not get a specific feedback on where you go wrong. Furthermore, after my third try, they decided to charge me a credit without giving me a score.

Hey,
So I just got back my Duolingo English Test results. I got 150. I was quite astonished when I saw my results. I was scared to my life that either: a) my tests are going to be invalidated or b) I am going to get banned for breaking any sort of rules. But that didn't happen. Thus, let me share you my side of story.

- Why am I creating this post?
> A lot of people seem to be complaining about Duolingo English Test and calling it a 'scam'

- Did you break any sort of rules?
> I am not quite sure. I do hope that the answer is no. Actually, after reviewing, I noticed that there was a little bit of glare on my eyes. But if you are being honest and following the rules of test, you are NOT going to get your tests invalidated or get banned.

- Starring at test?
> Yes, I knew all the rules so I dare not let my eyes crawl anywhere else than the computer screen.

- Practice?
> I did a lot of practice. A LOT. From all sources, but mostly: official practice test, a youtube channel called 'Teacher Luke', Elsa AI (to improve my speaking) and also, Arno.

- Tips?
> Just practice hard and look at the rules. Also, try to follow those during practice tests to get yourself used to them.

- Were you scared?
> Yes, I was anxious quite a bit. It was mostly after giving the test and when I was waiting for my results.

- Why?
> Because at the end of my speaking sample, I heard a loud bang on my roof and though that Duolingo will surely invalidate/ban me from ever giving the test again. But, it wasn't the case. They are HUMANS and will understand you. They will only punish you if you are trying to cheat their test and/or are deliberately not following the rules.

- Recommendation?
> I sincerely recommend everyone to take DET instead of other English tests due to the fact that it costs just 59$ and also, it is quite friendly.

- Other people were saying..
> I would advise to ignore them. I noticed that most of those reviews were about 2-3 years old. Thus, I ignored them and bought my test.

- Last words?
> I really like Duolingo and its platform. Thus, don't worry because you can rest assure that they are working almost similarly compared to IELTS or TOEFL.

That don't seem to have a customer service.
I simply wanted to pay for the year but cannot get in touch with a human.

Although my internet connection was bad and the test failed on my side they gave me the opportunity to try again for SIX times although they really didn't have to do that. Very kind and useful customer support, thank you guys :)

I took the DET on the 29th of April, 2024 at a workstation where I paid for privacy and fast internet service. This was my second attempt, I broke a rule on the first one by leaving my spell check on due to my negligence. First test was taken on the 18th of April, 2024. I arrived at the venue early, only one customer was present at the time I got there. He was seated at a distant position, and was busy on his laptop. I entered a boxed compartment in the workstation where I was seated alone to avoid any disruptions during the test process. I made sure I avoided breaking any rule that would result in an invalid result status, like the first time. I finished and the test was successfully uploaded. I waited anxiously for my results yesterday, 1st of May, 2024 only to receive a mail that my result could not be validated. The reason stated was, "Someone else was present during the test. You must test again in a private, quiet room" It is important to note that this was the same workstation I took the first test and it had more people in different areas but the environment was very quiet. The boxed compartment is enclosed in a way one could barely see or hear what you're doing and vice versa. For a minute I was thinking if it was a ghost or something, because there was no tangible explanation or evidence to prove this false claim. They send automated computerized responses to customers. Thanks to their poor judgment and lack of professionalism, I have missed my application which has a limited slot for applicants. It is absolutely terrible to draw a silly conclusion with no evidence, and to have a dictator-like approach on the matter. The whole system is faux. It preys on a person's desperation.


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