What Is the Room Scan?
Before the adaptive portion of the Duolingo English Test begins, you're required to complete a 360° room scan and an ear scan using your phone — the same device you set up earlier as your mandatory secondary camera. These checks confirm you're alone, that your testing area is clear, and that you aren't wearing any hidden earpiece. Skipping or rushing this step is one of the most common reasons test takers end up flagged before they've even answered a single question.
Step-by-Step: The 360° Room Scan
- Point your phone at your computer screen first. This confirms the primary webcam and secondary camera views line up.
- Rotate a full 360° slowly, keeping the on-screen arrow or guide centered as you turn. Don't rush this — moving too fast is a common reason scans need to be repeated.
- Point the phone down at your keyboard and desk area so the app can confirm your desk is clear.
- Show the space behind and around your laptop, including the area directly behind the screen, where a hidden second monitor or notes could otherwise go unnoticed.
- Let the scan complete automatically. Don't set the phone down until the app confirms the scan is finished.
Step-by-Step: The Ear Scan
Immediately after the room scan, you'll be asked to hold your phone up to each ear in turn. This is quick — the app is simply confirming you aren't wearing earbuds, a hearing aid speaker not previously declared, or any other hidden audio device. Hold the phone steady for a second or two on each side and wait for confirmation before moving on.
What to Clear From Your Room Before You Scan
- Notebooks, papers, pens, and sticky notes
- Any second monitor, tablet, or extra screen
- Smartwatches and other wearables
- Headphones or earbuds, even ones that aren't plugged in
- Any other person — a full 360° means nowhere to hide
Once the scan starts, only three things should be on your desk: your computer, your phone in its secondary-camera position, and your physical ID.
Common Room Scan Mistakes
| Mistake | Why It Causes Problems |
|---|---|
| Rotating too fast | The app can't confirm each angle clearly, often forcing a restart of the scan |
| Forgetting to scan behind the laptop | A second screen or notes hidden there won't be caught until later, risking a flag mid-test |
| Poor lighting during the scan | Dim corners of the room can't be verified as clear, which may trigger a manual review |
| Doing the scan in a cluttered room "just this once" | The room scan is not optional or skippable — an incomplete scan blocks you from starting the adaptive test |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip the room scan if I've already done one recently?
No. A fresh room scan and ear scan are required at the start of every single test attempt.
What happens if the app says my scan failed?
You'll typically be prompted to redo it. Slow down, keep the arrow centered, and make sure your lighting is even before trying again.
Does the room scan use my computer's webcam or my phone?
Your phone — the same device set up as your secondary camera earlier in the process.
Get the Rest of Your Setup Right
The room scan is just one piece of DET proctoring. For the full technical checklist — device requirements, the secondary camera setup, and what software to close before you start — see our complete DET technical requirements guide.