DET Registration Process: Complete Setup Guide for Test Success

This comprehensive guide walks through every aspect of DET registration and setup with specific, actionable instructions. Readers will discover exactly how to create accounts on the official platform, what computer specifications and internet speeds are mandatory, how to prepare testing rooms according to proctoring guidelines, which identification documents satisfy verification requirements, and what steps to complete before test day. The article addresses common registration obstacles, clarifies confusing technical requirements, provides room setup checklists, and explains the complete booking procedure from initial purchase through test confirmation. Whether registering for a first attempt or preparing for a retake, following these detailed steps ensures technical readiness, environmental compliance, and valid test administration that produces reliable scores accepted by institutions worldwide.

How to Register for DET

Registering for the Duolingo English Test begins with accessing the official Duolingo English Test website and creating a user account. The registration process itself is straightforward, but understanding each step and the associated requirements prevents common errors that delay testing or create complications. Unlike traditional testing centers with scheduled group administrations, the DET operates entirely online with at-home testing, making proper account setup and personal preparation essential for valid test experiences.

Creating an account starts by visiting the official Duolingo website at englishtest.duolingo.com. Test-takers click the “Get Started” or “Take the Test” button, which initiates the registration sequence. The system requests basic information including full legal name, email address, date of birth, and password creation. The name entered during registration must match exactly the name appearing on the identification document that will be presented during testing. Discrepancies between account names and ID names trigger verification problems that can invalidate tests or delay score reporting. Using nicknames, abbreviated names, or alternative spellings creates mismatches that proctoring systems flag as potential security violations.

Email address selection requires careful consideration because this email becomes the primary communication channel for test confirmations, score reports, and important updates. Test-takers should use personal email addresses they access regularly and reliably. Institutional email addresses (school or work accounts) may experience filtering issues or access problems if employment or enrollment changes. The email must remain accessible long-term because score reports and verification requests arrive months or even years after testing when applying to programs. Temporary or disposable email addresses should never be used for DET registration.

Date of birth entry must be accurate because the system uses this information for identification verification and age-related requirements. The DET is available to test-takers of all ages, but individuals under 13 years old require parental consent as part of data privacy regulations. The birth date entered during registration will be cross-referenced with the date appearing on identification documents during the verification process. Errors in birth date entry can cause verification failures requiring manual review that delays score reporting significantly.

Password creation follows standard security practices—passwords should contain a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Strong passwords protect accounts from unauthorized access that could compromise test integrity or personal information. Test-takers should store passwords securely using password managers or secure records because account access is necessary for viewing scores, sending reports to institutions, and managing future test registrations if retaking becomes necessary.

Account verification occurs immediately after registration through email confirmation. The system sends a verification message to the provided email address containing a link that must be clicked to activate the account. This verification step confirms email validity and ensures test-takers can receive future communications. Test-takers should check spam or junk folders if verification emails don’t arrive within several minutes. Without completing email verification, accounts remain inactive and test purchases cannot proceed.

Profile completion within the account dashboard allows test-takers to provide additional information that appears on score reports sent to institutions. This includes educational background, native language, citizenship, and contact information. While not all profile fields are mandatory for initial registration, completing profiles accurately ensures score reports contain comprehensive information that receiving institutions may use for admission or placement decisions. Test-takers can update profile information at any time before testing, but changes after test completion cannot affect already-delivered score reports.

Purchase test options appear after account creation and verification. The system displays the current test fee (which varies slightly by region but typically ranges around $59 USD) and accepted payment methods. The DET accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal in most regions. Some countries may have additional payment options or slight price variations to accommodate local currencies and payment infrastructures. Payment processing is immediate, and test-takers receive purchase confirmation through email within minutes of successful payment.

Test scheduling becomes available immediately after purchase completion. Unlike traditional tests requiring weeks or months of advance booking, the DET offers available time slots beginning as soon as 48 hours after purchase in many cases. Test-takers can schedule tests at their convenience within the validity period of purchased tests (typically one year from purchase date). The flexible scheduling accommodates urgent testing needs for application deadlines while also allowing adequate preparation time when schedules permit. However, completing technical requirements checks and room preparation before scheduling ensures readiness when the selected test time arrives.

DET Technical Requirements

Meeting technical requirements represents perhaps the most critical aspect of DET preparation because inadequate computer specifications, insufficient internet connectivity, or incompatible equipment results in automatic test cancellation without refunds. The proctoring system performs technical checks before allowing tests to begin, but discovering problems only at test time wastes preparation effort and delays score availability. Proactive verification of all technical requirements weeks before scheduled test dates prevents these frustrating outcomes.

DET System Requirements Check

The system requirements check represents the essential technical verification process that determines whether computers and internet connections can support DET administration reliably. This check goes beyond informal compatibility assumptions to provide definitive assessment of technical readiness through automated testing of all critical components. Understanding how to perform this check properly and interpret results prevents test-day technical failures that waste time, fees, and preparation effort.

Accessing the system check tool occurs through the official Duolingo English Test website. Test-takers navigate to the “System Check” or “Test Your Computer” section, typically found in help menus or registration pages. The tool is freely accessible without account creation or test purchase, allowing prospective test-takers to verify compatibility before committing financially. This accessibility enables testing of multiple computers if available, identifying which device offers the most reliable platform for actual test administration.

Browser verification forms the first component of system checks. The tool identifies which browser is being used and whether it meets compatibility requirements. If using unsupported browsers (Safari, Firefox, others), the check immediately indicates incompatibility and directs users to download Chrome or Edge. For compatible browsers, the system verifies that versions are current. Outdated browser versions trigger warnings to update before proceeding. This browser check prevents discovering compatibility issues only when attempting to start actual tests.

Internet speed testing measures both download and upload speeds through automated data transfer tests. The system transmits data packets and measures transfer rates, displaying results in Mbps. Results are categorized as sufficient (green indicator), borderline (yellow warning), or insufficient (red failure). Test-takers experiencing borderline or insufficient results should: test at different times of day when network traffic is lower; move closer to WiFi routers if using wireless connections; consider using wired Ethernet connections instead of WiFi; temporarily disconnect other devices using the network; and contact internet service providers if speeds consistently fall below requirements despite troubleshooting.

Webcam functionality testing activates the camera and displays live video feed for test-takers to evaluate. The system confirms that cameras are detected, permissions are granted for browser access, and video quality is adequate. Test-takers should verify that: faces are clearly visible and well-lit; the camera captures the full testing area including desk space; there’s no significant blurriness, pixelation, or distortion; and the video feed remains stable without freezing or stuttering. Positioning adjustments, lighting improvements, or external camera alternatives may be necessary if built-in cameras produce poor results.

Microphone testing records brief audio samples and plays them back for quality assessment. Test-takers speak test phrases, and the system captures and reproduces the recording. This playback allows subjective evaluation of: adequate volume levels (not too quiet or distorted from excessive volume); clear voice quality without muffling or hollowness; minimal background noise interference; and consistent recording without dropouts or distortion. If playback reveals problems, test-takers should try: adjusting system microphone volume settings; moving away from noise sources; closing windows to reduce outside sounds; or using external microphones with better quality.

Permission verification checks that browsers have appropriate access to webcams and microphones. Modern browsers require explicit user permission for websites to access cameras and audio inputs. The system check requests these permissions, and test-takers must click “Allow” when prompted. If permissions are denied or blocked, the check fails and provides instructions for adjusting browser settings. Test-takers should also verify that system-level privacy settings (in Windows or macOS) permit browser access to these hardware components. Overly restrictive privacy settings can block access even when browser permissions are granted.

Results interpretation provides clear feedback about readiness for testing. Successful system checks display green indicators confirming that all components meet requirements. Partial successes show yellow warnings indicating marginal compatibility that might work but carries risk of problems. Failures show red indicators with specific issues requiring resolution. Test-takers should never attempt actual testing unless all system check components show green success indicators. Marginal results suggest high risk of technical failures during actual tests that could invalidate results without refunds.

Repeated system checks throughout preparation periods verify consistent technical readiness. Running checks once doesn’t guarantee continued compatibility if computer configurations change, software updates install, or internet performance degrades. Best practices include: running system checks weekly during preparation periods; performing final checks 24-48 hours before scheduled tests; testing at the same time of day as scheduled tests to verify network performance; and documenting successful check results through screenshots as evidence of technical readiness if disputes arise.

DET Room Setup Guidelines

Proper room setup ensures testing environments meet DET proctoring requirements while supporting optimal test performance through comfortable, distraction-free conditions. The platform enforces strict environmental rules to maintain test security and validity, and violations discovered during testing result in score cancellations without refunds. Understanding and implementing these room setup guidelines prevents invalidations while creating conditions that enable best possible performance.

• Quiet room selection forms the foundation of appropriate test environments. The DET requires testing in private spaces where test-takers are alone without other people visible or audible during testing sessions. Shared spaces like libraries, cafes, offices with coworkers, or homes with family members moving through the area violate testing rules. Background conversations, even if quiet, trigger proctoring system alerts because they suggest possible unauthorized assistance. Test-takers should select: private bedrooms or home offices where doors can close; times when household members are absent or can remain in separate areas; and spaces away from high-traffic zones where interruptions are unlikely.
• Clear desk requirements mandate completely bare desk surfaces except for the computer and input devices. All papers, books, phones, tablets, writing implements, beverages, food, and other materials must be removed from the desk and surrounding area visible to the webcam. Proctoring systems flag any visible materials as potential security violations because they could contain unauthorized reference materials or means of cheating. Test-takers should: remove everything from desks before starting system checks; ensure adjacent surfaces like shelves or side tables contain no visible materials; and place prohibited items in drawers, closets, or other rooms completely out of camera view.
• Good lighting enables clear video capture throughout testing sessions. Test-takers’ faces must be well-lit and clearly visible without shadows, darkness, or backlighting that obscures features. Natural light from windows can work well if test-takers face windows rather than sitting with windows behind them (which creates silhouette effects). Overhead lighting or desk lamps should illuminate faces directly. Testing in dark rooms, with only screen brightness providing light, produces poor video quality that may prevent identity verification. Lighting should remain consistent throughout the complete test session—automatic dimming systems or changing daylight conditions can cause problems.
• Neutral backgrounds without distracting visual elements are strongly preferred. While not strictly required, testing against plain walls creates cleaner video recordings than busy backgrounds with posters, shelves, mirrors, or moving elements visible. Mirrors behind test-takers are particularly problematic because they can show screen reflections that proctoring systems flag as potential cheating. Windows showing outdoor scenes with people or traffic movement create distractions and potential rule violations. Simple, static backgrounds minimize proctoring concerns while supporting focused concentration.
• Camera positioning must capture specific views required for proctoring validation. The webcam should show: the test-taker’s complete face clearly without obstruction; shoulders and upper body; the full desk surface area; and sufficient surrounding space to confirm isolation. Cameras positioned too high, too low, or at extreme angles that don’t show faces clearly cause verification problems. The framing should remain consistent throughout testing—test-takers must avoid moving significantly closer or farther from cameras or turning away from the screen. Laptop computers offer less positioning flexibility than external webcams mounted on adjustable stands or tripods.
• Prohibited items lists specify materials that cannot be present anywhere visible during testing. Specifically prohibited items include: mobile phones or tablets; headphones or earbuds; smart watches or fitness trackers; paper or notebooks; pens or pencils; calculators; food or drinks (including water); and any reference materials. These items must be completely removed from the testing area—not just moved to the side of desks but taken out of the room or placed in closed drawers. Wearing headphones or having phones visible anywhere on desks constitutes immediate test invalidation regardless of whether items are being used.
• Comfortable seating and desk height contribute to performance sustainability throughout one-hour test sessions. While not formal requirements, ergonomic considerations affect concentration and physical comfort during testing. Test-takers should use: desk heights allowing relaxed keyboard typing without strain; chairs providing adequate back support; and seating positions enabling natural posture without excessive reaching or hunching. Physical discomfort during testing distracts from language performance and may trigger excessive movement that proctoring systems flag as suspicious behavior.
• Environmental control preparations prevent unexpected disruptions during testing. Test-takers should: inform household members of testing schedules and request they remain in separate areas; place “Do Not Disturb” signs on doors to prevent interruptions; silence doorbell sounds or disable smart doorbells temporarily; close windows to reduce external noise from traffic, construction, or neighbors; and ensure pets are confined in separate rooms where they cannot enter testing areas or create audible disruptions. These preparations prevent invalidations caused by environmental factors beyond direct test-taker control but still violating testing rules.

DET Test Environment Setup

Creating an optimal test environment extends beyond technical requirements and basic room setup to encompass environmental conditions, equipment configurations, and situational preparations that support peak performance while satisfying security protocols. The one-hour uninterrupted testing session demands environments that sustain concentration, prevent technical disruptions, and comply with monitoring requirements throughout the complete examination period.

• Environmental noise control proves essential because excessive background sounds interfere with listening comprehension accuracy and speaking recording quality. While completely silent environments are unrealistic, test-takers should minimize controllable noise sources. This includes: testing during quieter times of day when neighborhood activity is lower; closing windows to reduce traffic, construction, or neighbor sounds; turning off fans, air conditioners, or heating systems that create constant background noise; silencing phone ringers and notification sounds on all household devices; and requesting household members use headphones for entertainment during test periods. Some background noise is acceptable and expected, but speech, music, or loud mechanical sounds create problems.
• Temperature and physical comfort settings affect performance sustainability throughout one-hour sessions. Testing environments should maintain comfortable temperatures—neither too hot causing drowsiness nor too cold causing distraction. Adequate ventilation ensures fresh air supply without creating noise from fans or open windows. Test-takers should: dress in comfortable layers allowing temperature adjustment; test heating or cooling systems before test times to achieve stable comfortable temperatures; and avoid extreme temperature conditions that impair concentration or cause physical discomfort during extended sitting periods.
• Equipment configuration checklist ensures all technical components function correctly and remain stable throughout testing. Pre-test preparations should include: fully charging laptop batteries or connecting power adapters; positioning power cables securely to prevent accidental disconnection; testing webcam and microphone immediately before testing; adjusting screen brightness to comfortable levels that don’t cause eye strain; setting computer volume to appropriate levels for hearing audio clearly; and verifying keyboard functionality including all keys needed for typing responses. These checks prevent technical disruptions that interrupt testing flow or cause recording failures.
• Internet connection stability receives special attention because connectivity problems cause immediate test cancellation. Wired Ethernet connections offer more reliability than WiFi, so test-takers with both options should use wired connections. For WiFi users, stability improvements include: positioning computers close to routers to maximize signal strength; minimizing the number of connected devices sharing bandwidth; avoiding testing during peak usage times in multi-unit buildings; temporarily pausing automatic updates or cloud backup services consuming bandwidth; and arranging for household members to avoid bandwidth-intensive activities during test periods. Connection interruptions lasting more than several seconds trigger automatic test termination without refunds.
• Software configuration prevents interruptions from system processes or applications. Test-takers should: close all unnecessary applications and browser tabs; disable automatic updates for operating systems and applications; turn off screen savers and sleep modes; disable notification pop-ups from email, messaging, and social media; temporarily disable antivirus scheduled scans; and ensure adequate free hard drive space for recording storage. System notifications interrupting testing can cause rule violations if test-takers interact with them, while performance issues from resource-hungry background processes affect recording quality and platform stability.
• Backup plans for technical failures demonstrate preparedness for unexpected problems. Test-takers should identify backup computers, alternative internet connections, or contingency locations available if primary plans fail. While test rescheduling incurs no fees if technical problems occur before testing starts, having alternatives prevents delays affecting application deadlines. Backup planning includes: verifying that alternative computers meet technical requirements; knowing alternative testing locations (friend’s homes, relatives’ houses) with suitable environments; and understanding test rescheduling procedures in case last-minute problems prevent testing at scheduled times.
• Pre-test routine establishment creates consistent preparation habits that reduce test-day stress. Effective pre-test routines include: running final system checks 24 hours before testing; preparing the testing environment the evening before test dates; getting adequate sleep the night before testing; eating light meals avoiding excessive caffeine or sugar that affect concentration; using bathroom facilities immediately before testing; and completing brief warm-up exercises (practice questions, vocabulary review) to activate English language processing before beginning actual tests. These routines build confidence through familiar preparation patterns while addressing practical needs that support optimal performance.

DET ID Verification Process

Identity verification represents a critical security component ensuring test-takers are who they claim to be and preventing proxy testing or impersonation. The DET employs multiple verification mechanisms throughout the testing process, with documentation requirements, photographic capture, and post-test review all contributing to identity confirmation. Understanding these verification processes and preparing appropriate documentation prevents test delays, cancellations, or score reporting holds caused by verification failures.

• Accepted identification documents must meet specific criteria for validity in the verification process. The DET accepts: government-issued passports from any country; government-issued national identity cards containing photos; government-issued driver’s licenses with photos; and certain government-issued military IDs with photos. All identification must be current and unexpired—expired documents are not accepted even if expiration occurred recently. Student IDs, employee badges, and non-government-issued identification cards do not satisfy requirements regardless of photo quality or information completeness. Test-takers should verify ID validity well before test dates to allow time for renewal if expiration approaches.
• Name matching requirements demand exact correspondence between names on identification documents and names in DET accounts. Every component of names—first names, middle names, surnames, suffixes—must match precisely. Common causes of mismatches include: using nicknames or abbreviated names in accounts while IDs show full legal names; including or omitting middle names inconsistently; using married versus maiden names if legal name changes occurred; or entering names in different orders if cultural naming conventions vary. Mismatches trigger verification failures requiring manual review by DET support teams, significantly delaying score reporting. Test-takers should verify account names match IDs exactly and update accounts if necessary before testing.
• Photo quality standards ensure identification documents are clearly legible in videos captured during testing. When presenting IDs to cameras, test-takers must hold documents close enough for all text and photos to be readable without holding so close that glare or focus issues occur. All document information must be visible—folded edges, fingers covering portions of cards, or angles preventing full viewing cause verification problems. Lighting should illuminate documents evenly without glare from laminated surfaces. The brief ID presentation period (typically 10-15 seconds) requires test-takers to position documents correctly quickly, making practice positioning before tests helpful for smooth execution.
• Verification timing occurs at multiple points throughout the testing experience. Initial verification happens at test start when test-takers present IDs to cameras following system prompts. The platform captures images comparing ID photos to live video feeds, using facial recognition algorithms to confirm matching features. Additional verification occurs through periodic photo captures throughout testing sessions at random intervals. These timed photos ensure the same person remains present throughout entire test periods. Post-test verification involves human review by proctoring teams examining recorded videos, captured photos, and presented identification documents to confirm identity consistency and rule compliance.
• Document preparation before test dates prevents last-minute verification problems. Test-takers should: locate identification documents weeks before testing to allow time for replacement if lost; verify documents remain current and won’t expire before test dates; clean laminated IDs removing smudges or scratches affecting readability; practice holding IDs for camera visibility at appropriate distances and angles; and photograph IDs in advance to verify all text is legible in captured images. These preparations ensure smooth verification without delays or complications during actual testing when time pressure and stress levels are higher.
• Alternative verification procedures exist for test-takers whose primary identification documents fail initial verification. The DET support team can manually review cases where: minor name discrepancies exist but supporting documentation (marriage certificates, legal name change documents) can verify identity; temporary identification documents are necessary because primary IDs were lost or stolen; or unusual circumstances prevent normal verification procedures. These alternative processes involve contacting support with detailed explanations and supporting documentation, then awaiting manual review outcomes before score reporting proceeds. Alternative verification significantly delays score delivery, often adding days or weeks to standard 48-hour turnaround times.
• Privacy considerations govern how identification information is collected, stored, and used. The DET platform maintains security measures protecting personal identification data from unauthorized access or disclosure. Captured ID images and photos are used exclusively for test verification purposes and score reporting to designated institutions. Test-takers should understand that presenting identification constitutes consent for these uses, and refusing verification or providing false identification results in immediate test invalidation. Privacy policies on the official website detail specific data handling practices and retention periods for verification materials.

DET Test Booking Procedure

The test booking procedure encompasses the complete sequence from test purchase through scheduling confirmation, involving payment processing, time slot selection, reminder setup, and pre-test preparation verification. Understanding each booking step and associated decisions enables strategic scheduling that accommodates preparation needs while meeting application deadlines. The flexible booking system offers advantages over traditional testing but requires careful planning to optimize timing and readiness.

• Test purchase initiation begins in account dashboards after completing registration and profile information. The “Purchase Test” or “Buy Now” button displays current pricing and accepted payment methods. Payment processing accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal in most regions. International test-takers should verify that payment methods work for cross-border transactions and understand any currency conversion fees their banks or payment processors might charge. Payment confirmation arrives via email within minutes, and account dashboards update showing available purchased tests ready for scheduling.
• Available time slots appear immediately after successful purchase, allowing scheduling flexibility beginning as soon as 48 hours from purchase time in most cases. The platform displays a calendar showing dates and times when testing is available. Time slot availability varies based on proctoring capacity and demand, though the at-home testing format means capacity is much higher than traditional testing center models. Test-takers can schedule for any available slot within the validity period of purchased tests—typically one year from purchase date. This extended validity provides flexibility for accommodating preparation timelines, application deadlines, and personal schedules.
• Scheduling strategy considerations involve balancing adequate preparation time against application urgency. Test-takers should consider: allowing 2-4 weeks for focused preparation after purchase before scheduling; scheduling early enough that scores arrive before application deadlines (scores typically available within 48 hours, but allow buffer time); avoiding scheduling during particularly busy or stressful life periods; and selecting test times during personal peak alertness and energy levels. Morning, afternoon, and evening slots accommodate different chronotypes and schedules—night owls might perform better on evening slots while early risers prefer morning tests.
• Time zone clarity prevents scheduling confusion for international test-takers or those in different locations than account registration addresses. The booking system displays time slots in local time zones based on computer settings, but test-takers should verify that displayed times match intended testing times. Traveling test-takers should pay particular attention to time zones to avoid confusion about when testing begins. The platform sends confirmation emails showing scheduled times in the test-taker’s local time zone and UTC for additional verification.
• Test confirmation emails arrive immediately after completing scheduling, containing critical information test-takers should verify carefully. Confirmation emails include: the scheduled test date and time with time zone specification; instructions for accessing tests at scheduled times; reminders about technical requirements and room setup rules; links to system check tools for final pre-test verification; and information about cancellation or rescheduling policies. Test-takers should save these confirmation emails and calendar scheduled test times with reminders for preparation activities in days preceding tests.
• Reminder system setup ensures test-takers don’t miss scheduled appointments. While confirmation emails provide written records, additional reminders help maintain awareness of approaching test dates. Test-takers should: add test appointments to electronic calendars with notifications; set multiple reminders at intervals (one week before, one day before, one hour before); and create preparation task reminders for activities like final system checks, room setup, and ID document verification. These layered reminders prevent the unfortunate situation of missing scheduled tests, which results in forfeited fees without refunds.
• Rescheduling and cancellation policies allow flexibility for unexpected circumstances but come with restrictions and potential fees. Test-takers can reschedule or cancel tests without penalty if done at least 48 hours before scheduled test times. Rescheduling or cancellation within 48 hours of test times results in forfeited fees, with purchased tests becoming invalid. No-shows (failing to appear for scheduled tests) also forfeit fees completely. These policies encourage responsible scheduling and prevent frivolous bookings that waste proctoring capacity. Test-takers who encounter genuine emergencies should contact DET support immediately to explain circumstances—exceptional cases sometimes receive consideration, though policies generally apply strictly.
• Pre-test preparation timeline follows structured schedules ensuring readiness at test time. Recommended timelines include: 1-2 weeks before: complete final comprehensive preparation review across all skills; 2-3 days before: run final system check to verify continued technical readiness; 1 day before: prepare testing environment, verify ID documents, and complete room setup; morning of test: run quick system check, eat appropriate meals, use bathroom facilities, and complete warm-up exercises; 30 minutes before: close all unnecessary applications, silence notifications, and review testing rules; 10 minutes before: log into account, begin test start procedures, and present identification for verification. This structured timeline ensures readiness without last-minute rushing or overlooked preparations.

DET Identification Requirements

Identification requirements for the Duolingo English Test enforce stringent standards ensuring test security and preventing fraud while accommodating international test-takers from diverse countries with varying identification systems. Understanding what documents are accepted, how they must be presented, and what verification processes occur prevents common problems that delay score reporting or invalidate test results. Test-takers must prepare appropriate identification well before test dates to allow time for obtaining or renewing documents if primary IDs don’t meet requirements.

• Government-issued identification represents the fundamental requirement—only official documents issued by governmental authorities with test-taker photos are acceptable. Private organizations, employers, or educational institutions cannot issue valid identification regardless of documentation quality or official appearance. Government issuance ensures verification through official records and established legitimacy that private documents cannot provide. The requirement applies universally regardless of test-taker age, citizenship status, or testing location—all test-takers must present government-issued photo identification.
• Passport acceptance applies to all valid, unexpired passports issued by any country’s government. Passports are the most universally accepted identification form because they’re standardized internationally and include comprehensive biographical information with photos meeting strict quality standards. Test-takers using passports should verify: passports remain current with expiration dates after scheduled test dates; photos are recent enough to clearly resemble current appearance; and passport pages with biographical information and photos are accessible and undamaged. Damaged passports with significant wear, water damage, or illegible information may cause verification problems despite technical validity.
• Driver’s license acceptance varies by jurisdiction and specific license characteristics. Government-issued driver’s licenses with photos are generally accepted, but requirements include: current validity with no expiration; clear photos showing current appearance; full legal name matching account registration exactly; and readable text without excessive wear or damage. Some regions issue driver’s licenses without photos, and these non-photo licenses are not acceptable. Temporary or paper licenses issued pending receipt of permanent cards typically lack photos and don’t satisfy requirements. International driver’s licenses or international driving permits are typically not accepted because they’re not primary government-issued identification documents.
• National identity cards issued by governments in many countries provide acceptable identification. These cards vary significantly in format, information, and appearance by country but generally include: holder’s full legal name; photograph meeting certain quality standards; government seals or markers indicating official issuance; and identification numbers for government verification. National ID cards widely used in European, Asian, and other regions satisfy DET requirements when current and undamaged. However, test-takers should verify that specific national ID formats from their countries are accepted by reviewing official DET documentation or contacting support if uncertainty exists.
• Military identification issued by government armed forces can satisfy requirements when cards include photos, full legal names, and current validity. Active duty, reserve, and sometimes veteran IDs with appropriate information and photos are typically accepted. However, military IDs vary significantly in format by country and service branch, so test-takers relying on military identification should verify acceptability through official DET resources before test dates. Expired military IDs or those lacking photos don’t meet requirements regardless of other credentials or documentation.
• Unacceptable identification types include numerous documents that test-takers might mistakenly believe satisfy requirements. Specifically excluded documents include: student identification cards issued by schools or universities; employee badges or work identification cards; health insurance cards regardless of photo inclusion; social security cards or tax identification documents; birth certificates (which typically lack photos); citizenship certificates or naturalization documents; and any identification issued by non-governmental organizations. These documents, while potentially valid for other purposes, don’t meet DET verification standards regardless of information or photo quality.
• Special cases and exceptions accommodate test-takers facing unusual circumstances preventing standard identification presentation. The DET support team can evaluate cases involving: recent name changes due to marriage, divorce, or legal proceedings where updated identification hasn’t been issued yet but legal documentation proves name changes; lost or stolen identification where police reports and temporary replacement documents are available; and refugees or asylum seekers lacking standard government identification from home countries. These exceptional cases require contacting support well before test dates with detailed explanations and supporting documentation. Manual review processes add significant time to verification, potentially delaying score reporting by weeks. Whenever possible, test-takers should obtain standard acceptable identification rather than relying on exceptional case processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Successful DET registration and setup requires completing several key steps systematically: creating an account with information matching identification documents exactly; verifying that computers, internet connections, webcams, and microphones meet all technical requirements through the official system check tool; preparing testing environments with quiet, private rooms, clear desks, good lighting, and no prohibited materials visible; obtaining valid government-issued photo identification and verifying name matching between IDs and account registration; purchasing tests through secure payment methods; scheduling test times allowing adequate preparation while meeting application deadlines; and completing final pre-test verification of technical readiness and environmental compliance 24-48 hours before testing. Following these structured preparation steps prevents common registration problems, technical failures, and rule violations that invalidate results, ensuring smooth test experiences that produce valid, reliable scores accepted by institutions worldwide for admission and placement decisions.