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IELTS vs. TOEFL vs. PTE vs. Duolingo

IELTS: The International English language testing system (IELTS) is the most popular English language proficiency test accepted by more than 11,500 institutions and organisations worldwide. This test is divided into four sections – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. While Listening, Reading, and Writing tests are taken on the same day, The Speaking test, however, may be scheduled up to a week before or after the other tests.

TOEFL: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is for international students who want to study in the United States and Canada.

PTE: PTE (Pearson Test of English) is the language proficiency test for non-native English speakers who want to study or work in an English-speaking environment.

DET: (The Duolingo English Test): It is a standardised test of English language proficiency developed by Duolingo. The test is taken entirely online and consists of multiple-choice questions in the areas of Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.

They are all standardised tests used to assess the English language proficiency of non-native speakers.

It is important to check with your respective institution or organisation before taking the test to ensure that it will be accepted.

IELTS vs. TOEFL vs. PTE vs. Duolingo: Format of the exam

Details IELTS TOEFL iBT PTE Duolingo
Conducting Body IDP IELTS Education Testing Service (ETS) Pearson Duolingo 
Formats  Computer-delivered and Paper-based Online Computer-based Online
Duration 161-164 mins 170-180 mins 154-191 mins 60 mins
Exam fee
  • Computer-delivered IELTS: 16,250
  • Computer-delivered IELTS for UKVI: 16,500
  • Paper-based IELTS: INR 16,250
  • IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1): 15,350
  • IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration: 16,500
$195 (INR 15,997)
  • PTE Academic: INR 15,900
  • PTE Academic Online: INR 15,900
  • PTE Academic UKVI: INR 15,900
  • PTE Home A1: INR 13,500
  • PTE Home A2: INR 13,500
  • PTE Home A2: INR 13,500
$49 (INR 4,000)
Result declaration 3 - 5 days (Computer-delivered); 13 days (Paper-based) 10 days 5 working days 48 hours
Scoring range Band score (0-9) Score (0-120) Score (0-90) Score (10-160)

IELTS vs. TOEFL vs. PTE vs. Duolingo: which test is better?

IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and DET are all standardised tests used to assess English language proficiency. Each test has its format, content, and scoring system, so it is difficult to say which one is "better" as it depends on the individual's learning style and needs.

IELTS: The IELTS test is widely accepted by universities, colleges, and organisations in the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. It is considered to be a more academic-focused test, with a stronger emphasis on understanding and using complex grammar and vocabulary.

TOEFL: The TOEFL test is accepted by universities and colleges in the United States and other countries.

PTE: The PTE test is recognised by universities, colleges, and organisations in English-speaking countries.

DET: It is a newer test that is accepted by some universities and organisations as proof of English language proficiency (but not all).

Ultimately, the best test for you will depend on your individual needs, goals, and requirements of the institution or organisation you wish to apply to. It's important to research the format, content, and scoring system of each test, as well as the acceptance of the test score by your respective institution or organisation before deciding.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is IELTS harder than PTE and TOEFL?
Which is the easiest exam to clear, IELTS or TOEFL or PET or DET?

The difficulty of the IELTS, TOEFL, PET, or DET depends on an individual's proficiency level and how well they have prepared for the test. Also, IDP provides free IELTS preparation material that can either be downloaded from our official website or a physical copy can be availed from your nearest IDP centre.

We hope, this blog will help you in understanding the difference between IELTS, TOEFL, PET, and DET, so that you can choose the one which is the best according to you.

To know more about IELTS and to book your test date, you can get in touch with our international education experts at IDP or walk into your nearest IELTS centre.