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International education and immigration have become popular now; most people prefer to settle and study overseas. The process of the English proficiency test plays a crucial role for shaping the world. Every test has different advantages. IELTS, TOEFL and Duolingo these tests are widely recognized by different universities and institutions for study and immigration purpose. Every test has its own importance according to the preference of candidate. 

 

Let’s discuss the about Tests in detail:

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

  • Acceptance: IELTS is widely accepted by universities and institutions worldwide.
  • Format: Offers both paper-based and computer-based options.
  • Speaking Test: Conducted face-to-face, making the experience feel more natural and interactive.
  • Best for: Candidates who prefer traditional testing environments and plan to study or immigrate to countries like the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language – Internet-Based Test)

  • Acceptance: Recognized globally, especially in North America.
  • Format: Conducted online, either at a test center or from home in select locations.
  • Focus: Strong academic orientation, ideal for university admissions.
  • Best for: Students aiming for universities in the United States or Canada who want an online test with academic emphasis.

Duolingo English Test (DET)

  • Acceptance: Growing number of universities (over 4,000) accept DET scores.
  • Format: Completely online and can be taken from home.
  • Duration: Shorter duration (about 60 minutes) compared to IELTS and TOEFL.
  • Best for: Candidates seeking a cost-effective, fast, and flexible testing option.

Detailed Comparison Table

Feature

Duolingo English Test (DET)

IELTS

TOEFL iBT
Purpose Academic & professional use Academic, professional, immigration Academic & professional use
Test Format Online (at home) Paper or computer at test center Online at test center or at home
Duration 60 minutes 2 hours 45 minutes 2 hours
Cost $59 USD $185–250 USD $190–300 USD
Scoring Scale 10–160 1–9 bands 0–120
Result Time 2 days 3–5 days (computer), 13 days (paper) 4–8 days
Skills Tested Integrated: Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking Separate: Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking Separate: Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking
Test Availability Anytime, online Fixed dates, in centers worldwide Frequent dates, online & in-center
Retake Policy 3 times per 30 days No limit (after 3 days) No limit (after 3 days)
Score Validity 2 years 2 years 2 years
Security Monitoring AI + human proctoring In-person monitoring In-person or remote proctoring
Universities Accepting 4,000+ institutions 11,000+ Widely accepted globally

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a ton of time — just consistency, creativity, and focus. Use these tips for your preparation, and you’ll be on your way to success.