When it comes to measuring one's English proficiency, there are several options available in the market, and two of the most popular ones are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Duolingo.
While both aim to assess one's ability to understand and communicate in the English language, they differ in several aspects, including their format, scoring system, and acceptance by academic and professional institutions.
Crack your IELTS and start studying abroad in 2025. Get free expert guidance—act now!
In this guide, we will delve deeper into the major differences between IELTS and Duolingo.
Table of Contents
- IELTS vs Duolingo Highlights
- IELTS vs Duolingo
- Duolingo and IELTS Proficiency Level
- 5 Preparation tips For IELTS and Duolingo exams
- Frequently asked questions
IELTS vs Duolingo Highlights
| Feature | IELTS | Duolingo |
|---|---|---|
| Test Format | Four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | Computer-based adaptive test |
| Test Duration | Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes | Approximately 1 hour |
| Score Range | 0 to 9 | 10 to 160 |
| Score Validity | Generally valid for 2 years | Varies by institution |
| Test Availability | Widely available globally | Can be taken from anywhere with an internet connection |
| Conducting Body | British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, Cambridge Assessment English | Duolingo |
| Test Cost | Varies by country and test center ($150 to $250) | Approximately $59 USD |
| Speaking Test | Conducted face-to-face with an examiner | Not included (English proficiency assessed through other sections) |
IELTS vs Duolingo
IELTS and Duolingo are both popular English proficiency tests used by individuals seeking to assess their English language skills. However, they differ in various aspects, including their format, scoring system, and acceptance by academic and professional institutions.
Also read: TOEFL vs IELTS: Which is best for applying to top universities?
Conducting body
IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English. These organisations are responsible for the development, administration, and management of the IELTS test worldwide.
Duolingo is a language learning platform that offers an English proficiency test as one of its services. Duolingo's English proficiency test is developed and administered by Duolingo Inc., a private technology company headquartered in the United States.
Also read: Dulingo vs IELTS comparison for language learning
Purpose
IELTS is primarily used to assess the English language skills of non-native English speakers for immigration, study, and work purposes. It is recognized by governments, educational institutions, and employers in various countries around the world. The test is available in two formats: IELTS Academic, which is intended for those who want to study at the undergraduate or postgraduate level, and IELTS General Training, which is for those who are seeking work experience or training in an English-speaking country.
Duolingo English Test is designed to assess English language skills for academic and professional purposes. It is often used for admission to universities and colleges, job applications, and other situations where English proficiency is required.
Also read: What to expect in the Duolingo English Test
Test format
IELTS has four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The Listening, Reading, and Writing sections of IELTS can be either paper-based or computer-based, depending on the test centre. The Speaking test, however, is always conducted face-to-face with an examiner. The test format is standardised, and the questions in each section are designed to assess different language skills, such as listening, reading, writing, and speaking, in an academic or general context.
Test Format for IELTS
| Component | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Reading | 60 minutes | Three passages with 40 questions |
| Writing | 60 minutes | Two tasks: Task 1 (150 words) and Task 2 (250 words) |
| Speaking | 11-14 minutes | Face-to-face interview with an examiner |
Duolingo English Test is a computer-based test that assesses English language skills in four sections: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. The test is taken online and can be completed at home using a computer or a mobile device with a webcam and microphone. The test format is adaptive, which means that the difficulty level of the questions may vary depending on the candidate's responses. The format of the Duolingo English Test offers flexibility and convenience for candidates, as they can take the test from the comfort of their own homes.
Test Format for Duolingo English Test
| Component | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptive Test (Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking) | Varies (45-75 minutes) | Computer-adaptive test that adjusts difficulty based on the candidate's responses |
| Video Interview | 10-15 minutes | Recorded video interview responses by the candidate |
Also read: IELTS accepting universities in the USA
Recognition
IELTS is recognized by thousands of institutions, organisations, and governments worldwide, including universities, colleges, governments for immigration purposes, and employers in English-speaking countries. IELTS has been established for many years and has a solid reputation as a reliable and internationally recognized English language proficiency test.
Duolingo English Test is a newer test compared to IELTS, and its recognition may not be as widespread. While it is accepted by several universities and colleges in the United States and other countries for admission purposes, the recognition of the Duolingo English Test may vary depending on the specific institution or organisation.
Documents requirements
For the IELTS exam, you'll need a valid identification document such as a passport or national ID card, the test confirmation or booking reference provided by the test center, and your pens, pencils, and erasers for the writing and reading components. Additional requirements may include a photocopy of your ID or a passport-sized photograph. To take the Duolingo English Test, you need a valid identification document like a passport or ID card, a computer or mobile device with internet access, and a compatible web browser or the Duolingo app. It's important to choose a quiet test environment and have a reliable internet connection.
Also read: Which universities in the USA accept Duolingo?
Duolingo and IELTS Proficiency Level
IELTS Proficiency Level
| Band Score | Proficiency |
|---|---|
| 9 | Expert |
| 8.5 | Very Good |
| 8 | Very Good |
| 7.5 | Good |
| 7 | Good |
| 6.5 | Competent |
| 6 | Competent |
| 5.5 | Modest |
| 5 | Modest |
| 4.5 | Limited |
| 4 | Limited |
| 3.5 | Extremely Limited |
| 3 | Extremely Limited |
| 2.5 | Intermittent |
| 2 | Intermittent |
| 1.5 | Non-user |
| 1 | Non-user |
| 0.5 | Non-user |
| 0 | Non-user |
Duolingo English Test Proficiency Level
| Score Range | Proficiency |
|---|---|
| 160-120 | Expert |
| 119-100 | Very Good |
| 99-85 | Good |
| 84-70 | Competent |
| 69-50 | Modest |
| 49-30 | Limited |
| 29-10 | Extremely Limited |
| 9-0 | Non-user |
Crack your IELTS and start studying abroad in 2025. Get free expert guidance—act now!
Also Read: Duolingo accepted universities in Canada
Scoring System
IELTS uses a band scale ranging from 0 to 9, with 0.5-point increments. Each section of the test (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) is scored separately, and the scores are then averaged to calculate the overall band score. The band score indicates the candidate's proficiency level, with band 9 being the highest, and band 1 being the lowest. Different institutions may have their own band score requirements for admission or other purposes.
Duolingo's English proficiency test is scored on a scale ranging from 10 to 160. The candidate's performance in each section is combined to calculate an overall score. Duolingo also provides a percentile rank, which indicates the candidate's performance relative to other candidates who have taken the same test. For example, a percentile rank of 80 means the candidate performed better than 80% of the candidates.
Also read: IELTS preparation books
Eligibility criteria
The IELTS test does not have any specific eligibility criteria. It is open to anyone who wishes to demonstrate their English language proficiency for various purposes such as higher education, employment, or immigration. There is no minimum age requirement to take the test, although candidates under the age of 16 may need to provide additional documents and have parental consent.
The Duolingo English Test does not have any specific eligibility criteria. It is open to anyone who wishes to assess their English language proficiency. There is no minimum age requirement to take the test; however, candidates under the age of 13 need to have parental consent and create an account with a parent or guardian.
Also read: IELTS eligibility criteria
Fees
The fees for the IELTS test vary, ranging from $150 to $250, depending on the test location and format (IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training). The fees are typically set by the test centres and may vary from country to country.
The Duolingo English Test has a fixed fee of $59, which may vary depending on the country of residence.
Also read: Duolingo fees details & IELTS fees details
Convenience
IELTS offers both paper-based and computer-based options for the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections, and the Speaking test is conducted face-to-face with an examiner. This means that candidates may need to travel to a test centre and take the test at a designated time and place.
Duolingo English Test can be taken online from the comfort of one's own home, at a time and place that is convenient for the candidate. This flexibility in test location and timing may be advantageous for some candidates who prefer to take the test in a familiar environment
Also read: How to prepare for IELTS?
Application process
The IELTS application process is relatively easy. Visit the official IELTS website to search for available test dates and locations. Once you have selected a test centre and date, you can register online or in person at the designated registration centres. During registration, you will provide your details and choose the IELTS module (Academic or General Training) based on your specific requirements. After registration, you will receive a confirmation with test details.
Taking the Duolingo English Test is a straightforward process. You can visit the official Duolingo English Test website and create an account. Once you have an account, you can schedule your test session at a convenient time.
Crack your IELTS and start studying abroad in 2025. Get free expert guidance—act now!
5 Preparation tips For IELTS and Duolingo exams
It is essential to develop a solid preparation strategy to perform well on IELTS and Duolingo tests. Here are top 5 preparations tips to ace the tests:
1. Familiarise yourself with the test format
Understand the structure, components, and question types of the exams. Review sample questions and practice with official practice tests or materials provided by the respective organisations. This will help you become comfortable with the format and time constraints.
2. Improve your English language skills
Enhance your overall English language proficiency by engaging in regular practice. Read English texts, listen to English audio or podcasts, practice writing essays or responses, and engage in English-speaking activities to improve grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and communication skills.
3. Focus on time management
Both exams have time limits, so practise managing your time effectively. Develop strategies to answer questions within the allocated time for each section. Work on improving speed and accuracy without compromising quality.
4. Take practice tests
Utilise official practice tests and online resources to simulate the exam experience. Take practice tests under timed conditions to assess your performance, identify areas for improvement, and get accustomed to the question patterns and exam structure.
5. Seek feedback and guidance
Consider enrolling in preparation courses or working with a tutor to receive expert guidance. They can provide feedback, suggest effective strategies, and help you target specific areas of improvement based on your strengths and weaknesses.
Both IELTS and Duolingo English Test are popular options for assessing English proficiency. While IELTS has a longer history, wider recognition, and a more traditional test format, Duolingo English Test offers the convenience of an online test, lower cost, and accessibility to candidates in remote areas. The choice between IELTS and Duolingo English Test depends on your specific needs, preferences, and the recognition of the test by your target institutions or employers.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between IELTS and Duolingo English Test?
IELTS is a traditional English proficiency test with multiple formats (Academic and General Training), administered at test centres worldwide, and assesses all four language skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking). Duolingo English Test, on the other hand, is an online test that focuses on multiple-choice questions, fill-in-the-blanks, and video interviews, and can be taken from anywhere with an internet connection.
Which test is more affordable, IELTS or Duolingo English Test?
Duolingo English Test is generally considered to be more affordable compared to IELTS, as it has a fixed test fee that is lower compared to the varying costs of IELTS, which also includes additional charges for sending scores to multiple institutions.
Is Duolingo English Test as widely recognized as IELTS?
While Duolingo English Test is gaining popularity, it is not as widely recognized as IELTS, which has a long history and wider recognition by over 10,000 organisations in 140 countries. However, Duolingo English Test is recognized by several universities and institutions, particularly in the United States, as an alternative to IELTS or other English proficiency tests.
Is Duolingo easier than IELTS?
The difficulty level of Duolingo and IELTS may vary for different individuals as it depends on their language skills and familiarity with the test format. However, some individuals find Duolingo to be less challenging than IELTS.
Is a Duolingo score of 105 equivalent to IELTS?
The equivalence of Duolingo scores to IELTS may vary between institutions. Generally, a 105 Duolingo score is equivalent to a 6 score in IELTS.
What is the Duolingo English test fee in India?
The Duolingo English test fee in India is $59.
What is the equivalence of a 115 Duolingo score to IELTS?
Generally, a 115 Duolingo score is equivalent to a 6.5 score in IELTS.
What is the equivalence of a 110 Duolingo score to IELTS?
Generally, a 105 Duolingo score is equivalent to a 6 score in IELTS.
Is a Duolingo score of 115 considered good?
A Duolingo score of 115 is generally considered a strong score, but the interpretation may vary depending on the institution's requirements and the specific program you are applying for.
What is considered a good Duolingo score?
A good Duolingo score can vary depending on the institution's requirements and the specific program you are applying for. It is advisable to check with the institution or program to determine their score expectations.
Is a score of 7.5 considered good in IELTS?
A score of 7.5 in IELTS is generally considered a strong score and is often sufficient for admission to many universities and programs.
