PTE Speaking
Explore speaking task types, pronunciation, oral fluency, response strategies and ways to practise spoken English.
Explore PTE SpeakingWhy PTE?
PTE vs DuolingoEnglish Test: Complete Comparison of Format, Scoring, Cost and Acceptance
Choosing between PTE Academic and the Duolingo English Test (DET) is an important step when preparing to study or pursue opportunities overseas. Both tests assess English proficiency using computer-based technology, but they differ in test format, duration, scoring systems, availability and acceptance requirements.
The right choice depends on where you plan to study, whether you need an English test for a visa or immigration application, your application deadline and the type of test you feel most comfortable taking.
PTE vs Duolingo English Test: Quick Comparison
PTE Academic and DET both assess English language ability, but their delivery methods and score scales are different. Use the following table as a starting point, then check the official requirements for your application.
Feature
PTE Academic
Duolingo English Test
Test format
Computer-based test at an authorised Pearson test centre
Online test taken from home, subject to technical and security requirements
Approximate duration
About 2 hours
About 1 hour
Scoring scale
10–90
10–160
Skills assessed
Speaking, Writing, Reading and Listening
Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking through adaptive and integrated tasks
Test location
Authorised test centre
Suitable private location with a computer, camera, microphone and stable internet
Results
Typically within 2 days
Usually within 2 days
Scoring approach
Automated scoring combined with human expertise where applicable
Automated assessment using the test's scoring systems
Test fee
Depends on the test location and applicable pricing
Check the official DET website for the current fee and any applicable taxes
University acceptance
Accepted by thousands of institutions; requirements vary by programme
Accepted by thousands of institutions; requirements vary by programme
Immigration use
Depends on the specific PTE test and the authority or visa category
Do not assume university acceptance means immigration acceptance
Disclaimer: The logos shown here are used for comparison purposes only. All logos and trademarks belong to their respective owners, and no affiliation with or endorsement by them is implied.
How does PTE Academic work?
Speaking and Writing: Complete spoken and written tasks, including reading aloud, responding to prompts, summarising information and writing an essay.
Reading: Answer questions that assess reading comprehension, vocabulary and your ability to understand and organise written information.
Listening: Listen to recordings and answer questions that assess your understanding of spoken English and important details.
PTE Academic uses integrated tasks, meaning some questions contribute to the assessment of more than one skill. Your result includes an overall score and individual communicative skill scores on a scale from 10 to 90.
How long does PTE Academic take?
PTE Academic takes approximately two hours. The exact timing of each section can vary within the test's published format.
Section
Approximate duration
Main focus
Speaking and Writing
76–84 minutes
Spoken responses, fluency, pronunciation, writing and integrated skills
Reading
23–30 minutes
Comprehension, vocabulary and understanding written passages
Listening
31–39 minutes
Understanding spoken information, identifying details and interpreting recordings
These timings are approximate. Always check Pearson's current test-format guidance before your test date.
Explore the four PTE Academic skills
If you are considering PTE Academic, understanding each section can help you identify the question types you need to practise and the skills that require more attention.
PTE Writing
Learn about Summarize Written Text, Write Essay, response structure, grammar, vocabulary and writing practice.
Explore PTE WritingPTE Reading
Build reading comprehension, vocabulary, fill-in-the-blanks accuracy and time-management skills.
Explore PTE ReadingPTE Listening
Practise listening question types, note-taking, identifying key information and spelling accuracy.
Explore PTE ListeningWhat Is the Duolingo English Test?
The Duolingo English Test is an online English proficiency test that applicants can take from home, provided they meet the test's identity verification, equipment, room and security requirements.
DET uses an adaptive testing approach. The questions presented can adjust according to your performance, and the test includes a variety of short tasks designed to measure English proficiency. It also includes speaking and writing samples.
How does the Duolingo English Test work?
- Online setup and verification: Complete the required checks and follow the official testing rules.
- Adaptive assessment: Answer questions that assess reading, writing, listening and speaking abilities.
- Speaking and writing samples: Respond to prompts designed to demonstrate your ability to communicate in English.
The test takes approximately one hour, including setup, the scored assessment and speaking and writing samples. You should allow additional time to prepare your room, check your equipment and review the current rules.
How is DET scored?
The Duolingo English Test reports an overall score on a scale from 10 to 160. Its score report also provides information about different aspects of English proficiency. The score scale is different from PTE Academic, so the numbers cannot be compared directly.
To understand the score required for admission, use the minimum score published by your chosen university or programme. Do not rely only on a general conversion chart because individual institutions may set different requirements.
PTE vs Duolingo: Test Format and Question Types
One of the biggest differences between PTE Academic and DET is how you interact with the questions. PTE follows a structured test-centre format with defined sections, while DET uses an online adaptive format.
Area
PTE Academic
Duolingo English Test
Speaking
Includes tasks such as Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence, Describe Image and other spoken-response tasks.
Includes tasks requiring spoken responses, including describing or discussing information.
Writing
Includes tasks such as Summarize Written Text and Write Essay, alongside integrated tasks.
Includes writing tasks and samples that assess written communication.
Reading
Includes multiple-choice questions, reorder paragraphs and fill-in-the-blanks tasks.
Includes short reading tasks, completion activities and other question types.
Listening
Includes listening to recordings and responding to questions, summaries or dictation tasks.
Includes listening and listening-related response tasks.
Adaptivity
Uses a structured test format.
Uses adaptive testing, with question difficulty responding to performance.
Question types and task details can be updated. Review the official test guides rather than relying on old practice materials or outdated descriptions.
PTE vs Duolingo: Scoring System
Both tests provide standardised scores, but their scoring scales and reporting systems are different. You should compare the score required by your institution with the score reported by the test you plan to take.
Scoring feature
PTE Academic
Duolingo English Test
Overall score range
10–90
10–160
Skill reporting
Provides Speaking, Writing, Reading and Listening scores.
Provides an overall score and additional skill-related score information.
Scoring technology
Automated scoring combined with human expertise where applicable.
Automated scoring systems designed for the test's different question types.
Score interpretation
Use the required PTE score set by your institution or authority.
Use the required DET score set by your institution or authority.
Can you convert a PTE score to a Duolingo score?
Score comparison tables can provide a general reference, but a converted score does not guarantee that an institution will accept one test in place of another. Universities establish their own English-language requirements and may use different minimum scores for different programmes.
If your offer letter specifies a particular test, confirm whether an alternative is permitted before booking. Meeting a general score equivalence does not automatically meet an institution's admission conditions.
For PTE-specific information, use PTE score calculator.
PTE vs Duolingo: Test Duration and Results
Both tests are designed to deliver results relatively quickly. However, the actual time between booking, completing the test and receiving an accepted result can depend on availability, verification checks and the requirements of the organisation receiving your score.
Factor
PTE Academic
Duolingo English Test
Test duration
Approximately 2 hours
Approximately 1 hour
Where you take it
At an authorised test centre
Online from a suitable private location
Results turnaround
Typically within 2 days
Usually within 2 days
Planning considerations
Allow time for booking, travel and test-centre requirements.
Allow time for room preparation, equipment checks and online test rules.
If you have an application deadline, leave a buffer for possible delays, retesting and the time required by your university or authority to process your score.
PTE vs Duolingo for Australia
If you plan to study in Australia, distinguish between university admission and visa requirements. An educational institution's acceptance of an English test does not automatically mean that the test satisfies the Australian Government's requirements for a visa.
PTE Academic is an approved English test for relevant Australian visa applications, subject to the applicable test and current government requirements. DET should not be assumed to satisfy an Australian visa English-language requirement merely bedcnse a university accepts it for admission. Learn more about PTE for Australia and check the latest requirements for your intended pathway.
Before booking, check both the university's English-language policy and the Australian Department of Home Affairs' current approved-test rules for your visa subclass.
PTE vs Duolingo for Canada
For Canadian university admission, acceptance depends on the institution and programme. Some institutions accept the Duolingo English Test, while others require or accept PTE Academic or other English tests.
If you are applying for Canadian permanent residence or another immigration pathway, be especially careful about choosing the correct test. PTE Academic and PTE Core serve different purposes. PTE Core is the Pearson test used for certain Canadian economic immigration and permanent-residence pathways where it is accepted under the applicable rules. Read our guide to PTE for Canada for more information.
Do not assume that DET or PTE Academic can replace a test specifically required for an immigration application. Confirm the test name and eligibility requirements with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before booking.
PTE vs Duolingo for the UK
For UK university admission, the English test accepted depends on the university and programme. Some institutions accept DET, while others specify PTE Academic or another test.
UK visa applications can have separate English-language testing requirements. Where a Secure English Language Test (SELT) is required, you must select the appropriate approved test for your visa route. PTE Academic UKVI may be relevant for certain UK visa purposes, while other routes can require a different test. Read our guide to PTE for UK and verify the latest requirements for your visa category.
Check the latest UK government guidance and your institution's requirements. Do not assume that a test accepted for university admission is automatically accepted for a visa.
PTE vs Duolingo for New Zealand
If you plan to study, work or apply for a visa in New Zealand, check whether PTE Academic or the Duolingo English Test is accepted for your specific purpose. University admission requirements can differ from immigration requirements, and the accepted test may depend on your visa category. Explore our guide to PTE for New Zealand and confirm the latest rules with the relevant institution or immigration authority before booking your test.
Which Test Is Easier: PTE or Duolingo?
There is no universally easier English test. Your experience will depend on your language skills, familiarity with the task types, comfort with technology, typing speed, listening accuracy and ability to perform under timed conditions.
PTE Academic may suit you if:
- You prefer a structured test completed at an authorised test centre.
- You are comfortable speaking into a microphone and responding to timed prompts.
- You want to practise specific question types and review performance by skill.
- Your university, professional body or immigration pathway requires or accepts PTE Academic.
- You want to build a preparation routine around the PTE Academic test format.
The Duolingo English Test may suit you if:
- Your target institution explicitly accepts DET for your programme.
- You prefer taking an English test online from home.
- You want a shorter test session.
- You can meet the current technical, room and identity verification requirements.
- You are comfortable with adaptive tasks and responding to a variety of short prompts.
Instead of relying on claims that one test is easier, try official practice materials for the test you are considering. Compare the task format with your strengths and review the score requirements for your intended application.
PTE vs Duolingo: Which Should You Choose?
The best test is the one that meets the requirements of your intended application and suits your circumstances. PTE Academic offers a structured, test-centre experience and may be suitable for university admission and specific migration-related pathways where it is approved. DET offers an online test experience and may be a convenient option for applicants whose institutions accept it.
Before making your decision, compare the accepted tests, score thresholds, fees, test format and application deadlines. If you are applying for a visa or permanent residence, verify the exact test required by the relevant government authority.
Next step
Start Building Your PTE Preparation Plan
If PTE Academic is the right test for your goals, start by reviewing the question types and practising the skills you need to improve.
Book Free ConsultationSTUDENTS SAY
Satisfaction is always present
Aarav Sharma
Civil Engineer
"As a full-time working professional, I needed a flexible yet effective platform and PTE Hub delivered exactly that. The AI-based scoring was impressively accurate, and the speaking practice completely transformed my performance. Highly recommended for anyone targeting 65+ or 79+."
Tanvi Iyer
Registered Nurse
"With only one chance to achieve my required PTE score due to tight visa timelines, PTE Hub’s targeted mock tests and expert feedback helped me score 79+ in all sections. The support in Nepali made everything easier to understand, allowing me to improve quickly and effectively."
Iqra Reddy
Pharmacist
"PTE Hub offers the perfect combination of prediction files, instant scoring, and expert guidance. The one-on-one sessions gave me clear insight into my mistakes, and I achieved my desired score in just one attempt!"
Meera Nair
Marketing Executive
"The speaking templates and timed practice modules were outstanding. I had been struggling with writing, but PTE Hub’s AI-evaluated answers helped me identify and correct my mistakes instantly. I scored 79+ overall and now I’m on my way to New Zealand"
More than 10,000+ students trust and study at PTEHUB
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION
General Question
Is PTE better than the Duolingo English Test?
Neither test is better for every applicant. The right option depends on your target institution, visa or immigration requirements, budget, preferred test format, and required score.
Is PTE harder than Duolingo?
Difficulty is subjective. PTE Academic has a structured test-centre format, while DET is an adaptive online test. Try official practice materials and compare the question types with your strengths.
Is the Duolingo English Test accepted by universities?
Many institutions accept DET, but acceptance varies by university, programme, intake and application type. Confirm the policy for your exact course before booking.
How can I prepare for PTE Academic online?
Learn the current exam format, practise each skill, complete timed questions, and review your mistakes. You can start with PTE online practice and explore the PTE practice tests available through PTEHub.
How long do PTE and DET results take?
Both providers state that results are typically available within about two days, but timing can vary. Check the official provider guidance and leave a buffer before your application deadline.
