Duolingo English Test vs IELTS: What Are The Differences?

An English Language Proficiency certification is a must, especially if you plan to enroll in international schools, migrate to English-speaking countries, and apply to companies abroad. 

There are many language proficiency exams that you can choose from, including the Duolingo English Test and IELTS. In this article, we will differentiate and provide a comparison between the Duolingo English Test and IELTS. 

These two language exams measure one’s English language abilities and how one can use the language efficiently in any given situation. Read on to learn more about the differences and similarities between the Duolingo English Test and the IELTS. 

What is the Duolingo English Test?

The Duolingo English Test is a standardized language proficiency exam that can only be taken online. It evaluates the four primary English skills writing, speaking, listening, and reading. 

In addition, the Duolingo English Test is also recognized by universities colleges, and other companies worldwide. This language exam provides a reliable and accurate assessment of English language abilities.

And can be used for both native and non-native English speakers. It only takes about an hour for you to finish this computer-based language exam, and the test result can be generated 48 hours after taking it.

This language proficiency exam is a modern approach and delivers an adaptive test type compared to other English proficiency exams that you have known. Also, the test is created by Duolingo, an online app developer, to provide convenience to its test-takers. 

What is IELTS?

The IELTS is a standardized language proficiency exam that universities and colleges mostly prefer. This language exam is also highly accepted and trusted by industrial organizations, government offices, and other private sectors worldwide. 

It assesses non-native and native English speakers’ English language skills in writing, listening, speaking, and reading. IELTS is known for accepting British and American English terms; however, you cannot use both languages when answering the test. 

There are two test formats for the IELTS: the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training Test, and they also vary in their purpose. However, these two formats of the IELTS differ in test structures but still measure an individual’s language abilities. 

Exam Fees: Duolingo English Test vs IELTS

The Duolingo English Test has a standard examination fee that costs USD 49, which means that all test takers located across all countries will pay the exact price. 

In comparison, the IELTS exam costs approximately USD 245 to USD 255. And the cost of it varies per location or country where you will take it. 

You can see in the comparison table that the Duolingo English Test is much cheaper compared to the IELTS exam fee.

The IELTS is offered with different exam fees depending on the country, while the Duolingo English Test only provides a standard exam pricing for everyone. 

Exam Frequency: Duolingo English Test vs IELTS

In terms of exam frequency, the Duolingo English Test is more accessible since it offers daily test schedules online without the need to go to testing centers. And the IELTS has 48 prescheduled testing dates in a year. 

Also, the IELTS has over 1,200 testing centers in different locations worldwide, while Duolingo can be taken from the comfort of your home. Thus, making it more convenient and accessible compared to the IELTS. 

However, in countries that accept the test, IELTS is more recognized and accepted in around 140 countries than the Duolingo English Test, which is only acknowledged by 65 countries internationally. 

Exam Structure: Duolingo English Test vs IELTS

In this section, we will compare the exam structure of the Duolingo English Test and the IELTS. The two language proficiency exams significantly differ in terms of test duration, test delivery mode, and test sections. 

The Duolingo English Test is much shorter and only takes approximately 60 minutes than the IELTS, which takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes to finish the exam.

Consequently, the Duolingo English Test and the IELTS also have different test sections, respectively. For example, the IELTS  has different test questions for their writing and reading sections for the IELTS General and IELTS Academic tests. 

And for the availability of test scores, you will receive your Duolingo English Test result within 48 hours after taking it. While for the IELTS, test results are available 13 days after your test date. Also, the Duolingo English Test and IELTS test results are good for two years.

Scoring Difference: Duolingo English Test vs IELTS

These two English language proficiency exams significantly differ in terms of their scoring systems. For example, the Duolingo English Test uses a computerized scoring system, while the IELTS uses a combination of computerized and professional raters. 

In the IELTS, it uses a band score of 9 to 4 points in every test section. And for the Duolingo English Test has a scoring point of 160 as the highest score and the score of 55 points as the lowest. 

We also have provided in the tables below the proficiency levels for both the Duolingo English Test and IELTS scores. 

Test Requirements: Duolingo English Test vs IELTS

These two language exams have different sets of test requirements. For example, if you take the Duolingo English Test, you need to have your computer at home, speakers, camera, microphone, and a reliable internet connection. 

If you prefer to take the IELTS, there is no need for you to provide equipment for the language test since you will be taking it at their official testing centers. 

In addition, both of Duolingo English Test and IELTS require a parent consent letter for those test takers who are 16 years old and below. You can check the comparison table below for the different test requirements of these two language proficiency exams. 

Practice Tests Offers: Duolingo English Test vs IELTS

This section shows the different practice tests offered by the Duolingo English Test and IELTS to its test-takers. Most of these practice tests are for free. However, you can also purchase other practice test materials on their respective websites. 

Which Is Easier: The Duolingo English Test Or IELTS?

The Duolingo English Test and the IELTS are two reliable and highly recognized language proficiency exams. It evaluates the English language skills of an individual in reading, listening, speaking, and writing. 

Many test-takers prefer the Duolingo English Test over the IELTS because of its convenience and accessibility. In terms of difficulty, both of these language exams are equally challenging since the Duolingo English Test and IELTS are designed to assess language abilities and how one can comprehend and understand the English language. 

However, most test applicants find the Duolingo English Test easier than the IELTS because of its adaptive test structure. But this does not mean that the IELTS is difficult in general. Note that these language exams’ objective is to assess your English proficiency level, so the difficulty level depends on your language abilities and skills. 

Test Recognition: Duolingo English Test vs IELTS?

There are 65 countries worldwide that recognize and accept the Duolingo English Test results, while over 140 countries also acknowledge the IELTS. 

It clearly shows that more countries recognize the IELTS than the Duolingo English Test, given the number difference between the two language proficiency exams. In addition, the Duolingo English Test was just recently launched in public compared to the IELTS.

However, this language exam is slowly paving its way to the top and gaining more and more popularity because of its modern and adaptive test format.

Especially during the pandemic, many testing centers were closed and suspended their schedules, and the Duolingo English Test helped many test applicants get their English language proficiency certification.

Summary Comparison Table: IELTS vs Duolingo English Test 

Overall, the Duolingo English Test and the IELTS vary significantly in terms of the exam structure, exam length, scoring system, test requirements, and more. 

Below is the comprehensive comparison table between the Duolingo English Test and the IELTS. 

Additional FAQs — Duolingo English Test vs. IELTS