Duolingo vs PTE: Choose the Right Test for Your Success

Choosing between the Duolingo English Test (DET) and the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) 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.

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 2025): ₹18,000
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).

Countries that Accept English Test PTE Vs Duolingo

Top 10 countries accepting PTE:

• Australia
• United Kingdom
• Canada
• New Zealand
• United States
• Ireland
• Singapore
• Germany
• France
• India

Top 10 countries accepting Duolingo:

• United States
• Canada
• United Kingdom
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Ireland
• South Africa
• India
• Philippines
• Malaysia

Top Universities Accepting PTE and Duolingo

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

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!