PTE Academic
- Format: Computer-based
- Score: 10–90
- Speaking: Recorded responses
- Location: Authorised test centre
- Results: Typically within 2 days
ENGLISH TEST COMPARISON
PTE vs IELTS vs Duolingo: Full Comparison Guide
Choosing between PTE Academic, IELTS and the Duolingo English Test depends on where you are applying, what type of application you are making, the test format you prefer and the score requirement of your university, employer or immigration authority. This guide compares the three tests by format, scoring, results, cost, acceptance and test experience.
PTE vs IELTS vs Duolingo: Quick Answer
PTE Academic is a computer-based English test delivered at authorised test centres and uses a 10–90 score scale.
IELTS assesses Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking on a 0–9 band scale, with the Speaking test conducted as a separate speaking assessment.
Duolingo English Test (DET) is an online English proficiency test that uses a 10–160 score scale and is designed primarily for academic admissions, although acceptance varies by institution and purpose.
There is no single test that works for every applicant. The appropriate choice depends on the exact university, course, country, visa or immigration pathway and the English-language requirement that applies to your application.
At-a-Glance Comparison: PTE vs IELTS vs Duolingo
IELTS
- Format: Paper or computer, depending on location
- Score: 0–9 bands
- Speaking: Speaking assessment with an examiner
- Location: Test centre or online options where available
- Results: Timing varies by test format
Duolingo English Test
- Format: Online
- Score: 10–160
- Speaking: Responses recorded during the test
- Location: Online, subject to test requirements
- Results: Check current official DET timing
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.
Detailed Comparison of PTE, IELTS and Duolingo
Feature
PTE Academic
IELTS
Duolingo English Test
Test format
Computer-based
Paper or computer, depending on availability
Online
Skills assessed
Speaking, Writing, Reading and Listening
Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
Integrated English skills through an adaptive online test
Score scale
10–90
0–9 bands
10–160
Speaking assessment
Recorded through the computer
Speaking assessment with an examiner
Recorded responses
Test location
Authorised test centre
Test centre or online where available
Online, subject to requirements
Results
Typically within 2 days
Depends on test format
Check current DET requirements
Acceptance
Universities, colleges and selected government/immigration pathways
Universities, colleges and immigration pathways
Acceptance varies significantly by institution and purpose
PTE Academic: Format, Scoring and Results
PTE Academic is a computer-based English language proficiency test developed by Pearson. It assesses Speaking & Writing, Reading and Listening using integrated question types.
PTE Academic Test Format
The PTE Academic test includes Speaking & Writing, Reading and Listening. The Speaking & Writing section takes approximately 76–84 minutes, Reading takes approximately 23–30 minutes and Listening takes approximately 31–39 minutes.
Speaking responses are recorded through the computer rather than being conducted as a traditional face-to-face interview.
PTE Academic Scoring
PTE Academic uses a score scale from 10 to 90. Test takers receive an overall score together with scores and information relating to the assessed skills.
Because PTE and IELTS use different scoring systems, their numerical scores should not be treated as directly interchangeable.
PTE Academic Results
Pearson states that PTE Academic results are typically available within two days, although the actual timing can vary.
Who may prefer the PTE test format?
Test takers who are comfortable completing an English test on a computer and recording speaking responses may prefer this type of test environment. This is a format preference rather than an indication that the test is universally easier or harder.
To practise individual question types, explore PTE Speaking, PTE Writing, PTE Reading and PTE Listening.
IELTS: Format, Scoring and Results
IELTS is an English-language proficiency test that assesses Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training are designed for different purposes, so applicants should check which version their institution or authority requires.
IELTS Test Format
IELTS Academic takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Listening section takes around 30 minutes, Reading 60 minutes and Writing 60 minutes. The Speaking test takes approximately 11–14 minutes.
Depending on the test location and product, IELTS may be available on paper, on computer or through an online format.
IELTS Speaking
IELTS Speaking is a separate speaking assessment conducted with an examiner. It consists of three parts and generally takes 11–14 minutes.
IELTS Scoring
IELTS uses a 0–9 band scale. Test takers receive scores for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, along with an overall band score.
Important IELTS distinction:
IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training are not interchangeable for every purpose. For example, Canadian immigration pathways have specific language-test requirements, including the accepted IELTS version.
Duolingo English Test: Format, Scoring and Results
The Duolingo English Test is an online English proficiency assessment. Unlike traditional test-centre exams, the test is designed to be taken online subject to the test provider's technical, identification and environment requirements.
Duolingo Test Format
The test uses an adaptive format and includes different question types designed to measure English-language ability. Some tasks require spoken and written responses.
Duolingo Scoring
The Duolingo English Test uses a 10–160 score scale. Because the three tests use different scoring systems, applicants should use the score requirement published by their university or authority rather than assuming that one numerical score directly equals another.
Duolingo Acceptance
DET acceptance can vary considerably between universities, programs and countries. A university may accept DET for admission while a particular immigration or professional pathway may require a different approved test.
PTE vs IELTS vs Duolingo Test Format
Test
Delivery
Speaking
Approximate Test Structure
PTE Academic
Computer-based at an authorised test centre
Responses recorded through the computer
Speaking & Writing, Reading and Listening
IELTS
Paper or computer; online availability depends on location and purpose
Speaking assessment with an examiner
Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
Duolingo English Test
Online
Recorded responses
Adaptive online assessment with integrated tasks
PTE vs IELTS vs Duolingo Scoring
Test
Score Scale
Score Reporting
PTE Academic
10–90
Overall score and skill-related scores
IELTS
0–9 bands
Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking and overall band
Duolingo English Test
10–160
Overall score and additional subscores
Do not assume score equivalence.
PTE, IELTS and Duolingo use different scoring frameworks. If a university or immigration authority publishes a minimum score, use the requirement for the exact test and test version you are taking.
PTE vs IELTS vs Duolingo Results
Result availability can be an important consideration when planning an application. However, result timing can change depending on the provider, test format, verification process and other circumstances.
PTE Academic
Pearson states that PTE Academic results are typically available within two days.
IELTS
IELTS result timing depends on the test format and delivery method. Applicants should check the current timing for their test.
Duolingo
DET result timing should be checked on the current official Duolingo English Test website before booking.
Planning Tip
Leave enough time between your test date and your university, visa or application deadline in case you need another attempt.
PTE vs IELTS vs Duolingo for Canada
Canada is an important example of why applicants must check the exact test version rather than simply choosing a test by brand name.
Canada Express Entry:
Canada's official Express Entry language-test requirements list IELTS General Training and PTE Core among the accepted English tests. PTE Academic should not be assumed to satisfy the same requirement.
For Canadian university admission, requirements can differ by institution and program. Check the university's official English-language requirement before booking your test.
PTE vs IELTS vs Duolingo for the UK
UK requirements depend on whether you are applying to a university, for a visa, for settlement or for another immigration route.
For UK immigration routes that require a Secure English Language Test (SELT), applicants must use an approved test and provider for the relevant route. Pearson PTE Academic UKVI and approved IELTS SELT products are examples of approved options for applicable purposes.
Check the exact UK requirement:
A university's English-language admission requirement and a UK immigration English-language requirement are not necessarily the same. Confirm both when they apply to your situation.
PTE vs IELTS vs Duolingo for New Zealand
New Zealand English-language requirements vary according to the purpose of the application. University admission requirements may differ from immigration, employment or professional requirements.
Before booking a test, check the current requirement published by the relevant New Zealand university, immigration authority, employer or professional body.
PTE vs IELTS vs Duolingo: How to Compare the Tests
Choose Based on Requirements
- University acceptance
- Course-specific requirements
- Visa requirements
- Migration requirements
- Professional registration
- Minimum score requirements
Then Compare Test Experience
- Computer or paper format
- Speaking assessment style
- Test location
- Test duration
- Result timing
- Test preparation resources
PTE Score Comparison and Score Checking
PTE Academic uses a 10–90 scoring scale, while IELTS and Duolingo use different scales. When comparing scores, always consider the official requirement published by the institution or authority.
You can use the PTE Score Calculator to check your PTE score information.
STUDENTS SAY
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Software Engineer
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If you have confirmed that PTE Academic meets your university, study or applicable migration requirements, start preparing with structured practice, mock tests and PTE-focused resources.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION
General Question
What is the difference between PTE, IELTS and Duolingo?
PTE Academic is a computer-based test taken at an authorised test centre, IELTS can be delivered on paper or computer depending on the location and product, and the Duolingo English Test is an online assessment. They also use different scoring systems and have different acceptance requirements.
Is PTE easier than IELTS or Duolingo?
There is no universal answer. Difficulty depends on the test format, question types, preparation, English skills and individual test-taking preferences. The more useful comparison is whether the test format and requirements match your application.
Is PTE accepted for Australian migration?
PTE Academic is accepted by the Australian government for relevant migration visa purposes. The required score and applicable test requirements depend on the visa pathway, so applicants should check the current official requirement.
Is PTE accepted in Canada?
PTE Core is accepted for Canada’s Express Entry language requirements. Applicants should not automatically assume that PTE Academic meets the same immigration requirement.
Is IELTS accepted for immigration?
IELTS is accepted for a range of immigration pathways, but the accepted IELTS version depends on the country and application. For example, Canada’s Express Entry requirements specify IELTS General Training for English.
Is Duolingo accepted by universities?
Many universities and colleges accept the Duolingo English Test, but acceptance varies by institution, program and application type. Always confirm the requirement on the university’s official website.
Are PTE, IELTS and Duolingo scores equivalent?
The tests use different scoring systems and assessment frameworks. A PTE score, IELTS band and Duolingo score should not be treated as automatically interchangeable. Use the conversion or minimum-score information officially published by the institution or authority when one is provided.
Which test gives faster results?
PTE Academic results are typically available within two days according to Pearson. IELTS and Duolingo result timing depends on the relevant test format and current provider policies, so check the official source before booking.
Can I take PTE Academic from home?
PTE Academic is delivered at authorised test centres. It should not be confused with other online English tests that are designed to be taken remotely.
