TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo: Which English Proficiency Test Should You Take at Home?

Where there’s study abroad, there's TOEFL or IELTS! These are big names in English Proficiency testing that scarcely need an introduction, whereas the only reason you probably know about the Duolingo English Test is that Quora can’t help but rave about it. So, what is Duolingo? Duolingo (apart from being one of the most popular language-learning apps in the world) is an online English proficiency exam. With IELTS launching its online edition–IELTS Indicator–and ETS launching the TOEFL iBT Home Edition, it is only fair to weigh up all three to decide which one works best for you.

Here are all the questions you can ask about the three online English Proficiency tests and their spot-on answers. Let’s go!

What is the IELTS Indicator?

The IELTS Indicator is an academic IELTS test that you can take at home. The duration of the exam is 2 hours 45 mins and is similar to the test centre-based IELTS in terms of questions and difficulty. It is a fully computer-delivered test and needs some technical requirements on your computer. These are nothing out of the ordinary and are standard for most online tests.

Does IELTS Indicator test prep differ from IELTS test prep?

IELTS Indicator tests your listening, reading, writing, and speaking abilities in one sitting. All of the usual IELTS preparation applies to IELTS Indicator as well.

How much does the IELTS Indicator test cost?

IELTS Indicator costs $149 across the world.

What is a good IELTS Indicator score?

The score of the IELTS Indicator test ranges between 0.0 to 9.0. Every university has its own score requirements, but a score above 7 is considered to be a good IELTS score.

When can I check my IELTS Indicator test scores?

The test results are declared within 7 days.

How many universities accept IELTS Indicator scores?

A limited number of universities are currently accepting IELTS Indicator test scores as compared to TOEFL iBT Home Edition. You can check for your college in the list of universities that accept IELTS Indicator. Connect with our expert study abroad counselors to confirm if the college that you are applying to accepts IELTS scores.

What is the TOEFL iBT Home Edition?

The at-home edition of TOEFL has the same content, format, on-screen experience, fee ($185), and scoring as test centre-based TOEFL. Unlike IELTS Indicator, TOEFL iBT Home Edition is accepted the same way as its test centre version.

When can you register for TOEFL iBT Home Edition?

The test is available 24 hours a day, 4 days a week, with appointments as early as 24 hours after you register. You can find all the details regarding the TOEFL iBT Home Edition here.

What is the Duolingo English Test?

The Duolingo English Test is an online English language proficiency test that is accepted by over 3000 institutions. The test costs $49 and can be taken anytime. The adaptive test takes 1 hour to complete and evaluates your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. You can check the test results in 2 days.

Is Duolingo test easier than TOEFL/IELTS?

While the Duolingo test can be slightly easier, it measures the same skills as the TOEFL or IELTS. In addition to that, the test is fast and adaptive, which means that it gets harder when you answer questions correctly and you are graded accordingly.

Should I take the Duolingo English Test?

The Duolingo English Test is at par with other English language proficiency tests in terms of difficulty, and the test fee is relatively more economical. If your university accepts Duolingo scores, it is a good option to consider! 

What is a good Duolingo test score?

A good Duolingo English Test score is between 115 to 120 and above. A 120+ Duolingo test score equals 7+ IELTS score.

IELTS Indicator Vs Duolingo English Test

The Duolingo English Test is a relatively new language test in comparison with IELTS or TOEFL–but what’s the requirement?


As of now, not many universities are accepting IELTS Indicator scores. So if you want to avoid the test centre-based IELTS and your college is accepting the Duolingo English Test, it is only logical to attempt it. Especially if you are looking for a cheaper test.

There are also some drawbacks to the Duolingo English Test. For starters, the availability of practice tests and study material specifically for the test is low, whereas there are ample test prep resources available to prepare for the IELTS. 

Connect with our counsellors to know more about when to schedule your IELTS exam.

TOEFL iBT Home Edition Vs IELTS Indicator

The TOEFL home edition is accepted the same way as the test centre-based TOEFL in most universities, but that is not the case with the IELTS Indicator. If your target college accepts IELTS Indicator scores, then it simply boils down to TOEFL or IELTS since the content of the online test is the same as their respective test-centre versions.

TOEFL iBT Home Edition Vs Duolingo English Test

TOEFL iBT home edition is much more widely accepted than Duolingo. TOEFL also outweighs Duolingo in terms of availability of test prep resources.

Both tests require good language skills and are at par in terms of difficulty. The adaptive algorithm of the Duolingo test makes up for the shorter duration of the exam. 

Still confused about which test to take? We can help. Schedule a free 15-minute counselling session with our experts and get customised prep timelines and admissions roadmap to your dream college abroad.

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TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo: Which English Proficiency Test Should You Take at Home?

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