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Duolingo vs PTE:
Compare Test Formats, Scoring, and Acceptance Worldwide.

Choose the Best English Proficiency Test for Your Future!

Duolingo vs PTE

Duolingo vs PTE: Compare Test Formats, Scoring, and Acceptance Worldwide.

Choose the Best English Proficiency Test for Your Future!

Duolingo vs PTE

Duolingo Vs PTE

Choosing between the Duolingo English Test (DET) and the Pearson Test of English (PTE) can shape your English proficiency journey. Duolingo's test, which takes about an hour and can be done from home, contrasts with PTE's more in-depth assessment lasting nearly three hours. This difference highlights how each test addresses various needs and preferences.

Duolingo vs PTE Overview

Both the Duolingo vs PTE serve as important assessments of English proficiency, but they differ significantly in format, cost, and accessibility.

Here is a detailed comparison between PTE vs Duolingo.

Aspect 

Duolingo

PTE

Test Format

Online, adaptive

Computer-based, fixed format

Sections

Speaking, Writing, Reading, Listening

Speaking & Writing, Reading, Listening

Speaking Section

Uses AI technology for assessment

Human and AI assessment (for speaking)

Writing Section

Includes writing prompts

Includes essay and summarising written text tasks

Reading Section

Various reading comprehension tasks

Reading tasks with multiple-choice questions

Listening Section

Variety of audio formats

Audio-based tasks with different accents and contexts

Scoring

Scores range from 10-160

Scores range from 10-90 (per skill)

Test Duration

Approximately 1 hour

Approximately 3 hours total

Availability

Can be taken from home or any quiet location

Must be taken at an authorised test centre

Score Validity

Generally accepted for 2 years

Generally accepted for 2 years

Adaptability

Adapts to test taker's ability as test progresses

Fixed order of sections

Total Fees 

Duolingo Exam Fees for 1 Test - INR 5,428

Duolingo Exam Fees for 2 Tests - INR 4,593

The PTE exam fees in India for the PTE Academic exam is INR 17,000 (inclusive of 18% tax) and that for the PTE Home exam is INR 14,435.

Comparison Between PTE Vs Duolingo English Test

The comparison between PTE vs Duolingo English Test highlights their distinct approaches to assessing English proficiency. The Duolingo English Test provides a flexible, adaptive online assessment focusing on similar language skills with rapid score delivery, whereas PTE is entirely computer-based.

PTE (Pearson Test of English)

Here is the detailed information about the PTE:

  • Full Name: Pearson Test of English
  • Conducting Body: Pearson PLC Group
  • Purpose: Assessing English language proficiency for study, work, and migration purposes
  • Frequency of Exams: Available on-demand, with flexible test dates
  • Sections: Speaking & Writing, Reading, Listening
  • Duration: Approximately 3 hours
  • Exam Mode: Computer-based only
  • Fees (as of 2024): Typically around $200-$220
  • Usage: Widely accepted by universities and some governments, but not accepted by Canadian immigration
  • Eligibility: Available to anyone, with no specific eligibility requirements
  • Validity Period: 2 years from the date of the exam
  • Result Declaration: Results are declared within 48 hours

Duolingo English Test

Here is the detailed information about the Duolingo English Test.

  • Full Name: Duolingo English Test
  • Conducting Body: Conducted by Duolingo, Inc.
  • Purpose: Primarily used for academic admissions, offering a convenient, adaptive alternative to traditional English proficiency tests.
  • Frequency of Exams: Available on-demand, test-takers can schedule the exam anytime from their computer.
  • Sections: Includes sections for Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.
  • Duration: Around 1 hour.
  • Exam Mode: Fully digital, taken remotely on a computer.
  • Fees: Typically cheaper than IELTS, with a fixed fee of INR 5,428 for 1 exam and INR 4,593 for two exams.
  • Usage: Gaining recognition, especially in the United States and Canada, primarily for academic admissions.
  • Eligibility: Open to all, with no specific eligibility requirements beyond access to a computer and internet connection.
  • Validity Period: Scores are typically valid for 2 years.
  • Result Declaration: Scores are available within 48 hours after completing the test.

Duolingo vs PTE: Exam Format

Here is the detailed description of PTE vs Duolingo English Test :

Duolingo English Test (DET) Exam Format

Structure and Sections: The Duolingo English Test (DET) is designed to assess English proficiency efficiently within a one-hour session. It consists of four main sections:

  • Speaking: In this section, test takers respond to prompts using a microphone. AI technology evaluates pronunciation, fluency, and grammatical accuracy.
  • Writing: Test takers complete tasks such as summarising spoken or written text, and writing short essays directly in the test interface.
  • Reading: This section includes various reading comprehension tasks, such as multiple-choice questions and matching exercises, to assess understanding of written English.
  • Listening: Test takers listen to a range of audio materials, including conversations and lectures, and answer questions to demonstrate comprehension.

Pearson Test of English (PTE) Exam Format

Structure and Sections: The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a comprehensive exam lasting approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. It consists of the following sections:

  • Speaking & Writing: This combined section includes tasks like reading aloud, repeating sentences, describing images, and writing essays based on prompts. AI and human assessors evaluate spoken and written responses.
  • Reading: Test takers encounter various question types such as multiple-choice, re-order paragraphs, and fill in the blanks based on reading passages.
  • Listening: This section involves listening to audio or video clips and responding to questions, assessing listening skills through tasks like summarising spoken texts and multiple-choice questions.
  • Integrated Skills: Some tasks in PTE integrate multiple skills, such as summarising and responding to written or spoken information, reflecting real-world language use scenarios.

Preparation Tips: Duolingo Vs PTE

Here are some useful Duolingo vs PTE preparation tips :

Duolingo English Test (DET)

  • Familiarise Yourself: Understand the test format and practice using Duolingo's platform for answering questions.
  • Practice Regularly: Engage in daily practice sessions to improve your reading, listening, and speaking skills.
  • Review Sample Tests: Take advantage of Duolingo's sample tests to become comfortable with the types of questions and time limits.
  • Focus on Time Management: Practise completing tasks within the allocated time to simulate test conditions.
  • Work on Pronunciation: Since the speaking section is recorded, focus on clarity, pronunciation, and coherence in your responses.
  • Seek Feedback: Get feedback from teachers or peers on your speaking and writing tasks to identify areas for improvement.
  • Use Resources Wisely: Utilise Duolingo's official resources and supplementary materials to enhance your preparation.

Pearson Test of English (PTE)

  • Familiarise Yourself: Understand the computer-based format and practice using online resources and mock tests.
  • Time Management: Practise completing tasks within the allocated time to improve efficiency during the exam.
  • Focus on Speaking & Writing: Since these sections are evaluated by AI, practice speaking clearly and concisely. Use structured templates for writing tasks.
  • Improve Listening Skills: Listen to various accents and practice summarising spoken texts to enhance comprehension.
  • Review and Feedback: Take advantage of scoring and feedback services offered by PTE preparation guides and coaching services to identify weak areas.

PTE vs Duolingo: Proficiency level

PTE scores range from 10 to 90, using the Global Scale of English, offering a more detailed assessment of language skills. Duolingo's scoring spans from 10 (Basic) to 160 (Expert).

Duolingo

PTE-A (overall)

PTE-A (listening)

PTE-A (reading)

PTE-A (speaking)

PTE-A (writing)

160

41

40

43

40

43

150 to 155

45

43

48

42

51

140 to 145

52

48

54

46

62

130 to 135

58

57

62

54

74

120 to 125

66

66

68

65

82

105 to 115

75

74

74

75

88

95 to 100

82

79

78

81

89

80 to 90

88

85

84

86

90

65 to 75

-

-

-

-

-

10 to 60

-

-

-

-

-

Countries that Accept English Test PTE Vs Duolingo

Top 10 countries accepting PTE:

Top 10 countries accepting Duolingo:

Top Universities Accepting PTE and Duolingo

Here are the top 10 universities that accept Duolingo vs PTE scoring :

Universities 

Accepted PTE Score

Accepted Duolingo Score

University College London

68-77

Minimum 135

University of South Alabama

78-86

105 or higher 

Northern Arizona University

78-86

115 or higher

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

59-67

110 or higher 

NorQuest College

59-67

100 or higher 

Trinity Western University

68-77

115 or higher

Thompson Rivers University

59-67

110 or higher 

Yorkville University

68-77

120 or higher 

Dalhousie University

78-86

115 or higher

Vancouver Community College

59-67

105 or higher 

Takeaway

The automated nature of the PTE might feel more accessible to some, while Duolingo offers a more affordable option with increasing recognition. Whether you choose the in-depth assessment of PTE or the convenience of Duolingo, selecting the test that best matches your academic goals and preferred study destinations will help you be well-prepared for success in international education.

Whether you prefer the adaptive, home-based convenience of Duolingo or the comprehensive assessment of PTE, AECC is here to guide you through the options. Contact us today to discuss which test aligns best with your goals and schedule your preparation journey with our expert advisors. Start on your path to English language mastery with AECC – your trusted partner in achieving success!

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