English Tests Available
1
What is TOEFL?
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is a standardized exam that measures the English-language proficiency of non-native speakers for academic and professional purposes.
The main version, TOEFL iBT, assesses English skills through four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. It evaluates an individual's ability to use and understand English at a university level by having them read academic texts, listen to lectures, and then speak and write in response to prompts, often combining skills from different sections.
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Reading: Measures comprehension of academic texts by answering questions.
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Listening: Tests understanding of lectures, discussions, and conversations.
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Speaking: Evaluates the ability to express opinions and speak on topics based on reading and listening tasks.
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Writing: Assesses the ability to write essays that integrate information from reading and listening tasks and to support an opinion in writing.
2
What is Duolingo?
The Duolingo English Test is a modern, online English proficiency exam used for academic and professional purposes that assesses reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. It is known for being convenient, affordable, and quick, with adaptive technology that adjusts the difficulty of questions based on performance.
The test can be taken from anywhere with an internet connection and results are typically available within 48 hours.
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Format: The test uses adaptive technology, meaning the difficulty of questions changes based on your answers to create a more efficient experience.
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Skills assessed: It evaluates English reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills through a variety of interactive question types.
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Convenience: It can be taken online from any suitable location, eliminating the need for a physical test center.
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Scoring: Results are scored on a scale of 10–160 and released within 48 hours. AI is used to grade the test, making it a quick and efficient process.
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Cost: It is often more affordable than traditional tests like TOEFL or IELTS and allows you to send scores to an unlimited number of institutions for free.
3
Why are these test required?
Colleges require either the TOEFL or Duolingo for international students to demonstrate English proficiency for academic success.
TOEFL is a widely recognized, comprehensive test often preferred by traditional institutions, while the Duolingo English Test (DET) is an increasingly popular alternative due to its convenience, speed, and affordability.
Universities choose between these options to ensure applicants can effectively read, write, speak, and listen in an English academic environment.
More Information
4
Which test should I take?
You should take the Duolingo English Test if you need a faster, cheaper, and more convenient option, and your target institution accepts it.
You should take the TOEFL if you need to meet a higher standard, are applying to a US university that requires it, or if your institution does not accept Duolingo.
First, always check which test your specific university or program accepts, as this is the most important deciding factor.
Choose Duolingo if:
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Budget is a priority: It is significantly cheaper ($49 for one test).
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Time is limited: You can take it on-demand and get results within 2 days (or 12 hours with an extra fee).
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Convenience is key: You can take it at home online.
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Your institution accepts it: Many universities, particularly in the US, accept it, but it's not as universally accepted as TOEFL, especially in the UK and some other regions.
Choose TOEFL if:
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You are applying to a university that requires it: Many US universities and programs have a strong preference for or require TOEFL, especially higher-ranked ones.
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You need a widely accepted standard: It is a long-established and widely accepted test for academic purposes worldwide.
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You are comfortable with a longer, more traditional test format: The test is longer, taking about 2 to 3 hours.
5
Which colleges accept these tests?
many colleges and universities accept both TOEFL and Duolingo, but there is no single definitive list because acceptance policies change.
While TOEFL is widely accepted, especially in the USA, Duolingo is also accepted by thousands of institutions globally, including top universities like Harvard, Yale, and MIT.
The best approach is to check the specific English proficiency requirements on each university's website, as requirements for each test can vary.
6
Why are these test required?
Colleges require either the TOEFL or Duolingo for international students to demonstrate English proficiency for academic success.
TOEFL is a widely recognized, comprehensive test often preferred by traditional institutions, while the Duolingo English Test (DET) is an increasingly popular alternative due to its convenience, speed, and affordability.
Universities choose between these options to ensure applicants can effectively read, write, speak, and listen in an English academic environment.
More Information
4
Which test should I take?
You should take the Duolingo English Test if you need a faster, cheaper, and more convenient option, and your target institution accepts it.
You should take the TOEFL if you need to meet a higher standard, are applying to a US university that requires it, or if your institution does not accept Duolingo.
First, always check which test your specific university or program accepts, as this is the most important deciding factor.
Choose Duolingo if:
-
Budget is a priority: It is significantly cheaper ($49 for one test).
-
Time is limited: You can take it on-demand and get results within 2 days (or 12 hours with an extra fee).
-
Convenience is key: You can take it at home online.
-
Your institution accepts it: Many universities, particularly in the US, accept it, but it's not as universally accepted as TOEFL, especially in the UK and some other regions.
Choose TOEFL if:
-
You are applying to a university that requires it: Many US universities and programs have a strong preference for or require TOEFL, especially higher-ranked ones.
-
You need a widely accepted standard: It is a long-established and widely accepted test for academic purposes worldwide.
-
You are comfortable with a longer, more traditional test format: The test is longer, taking about 2 to 3 hours.
5
Which colleges accept these tests?
many colleges and universities accept both TOEFL and Duolingo, but there is no single definitive list because acceptance policies change.
While TOEFL is widely accepted, especially in the USA, Duolingo is also accepted by thousands of institutions globally, including top universities like Harvard, Yale, and MIT.
The best approach is to check the specific English proficiency requirements on each university's website, as requirements for each test can vary.
6
Why are these test required?
Colleges require either the TOEFL or Duolingo for international students to demonstrate English proficiency for academic success.
TOEFL is a widely recognized, comprehensive test often preferred by traditional institutions, while the Duolingo English Test (DET) is an increasingly popular alternative due to its convenience, speed, and affordability.
Universities choose between these options to ensure applicants can effectively read, write, speak, and listen in an English academic environment.
Free English Proficiency Quiz
Are you a student-athlete from South America who dreams of studying and competing in the United States?
Before starting your TOEFL or Duolingo preparation, take our Global English Prep Placement Test to find out your current English level — completely free of charge.
This quick, 10–15 minute quiz evaluates your grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension to estimate your CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) level (A1–C1). You’ll instantly see your results and receive clear guidance on what to focus on next to reach your study-abroad goals.
🎯 No registration fees. No credit card. No commitment.
Just an easy, accurate way to see how close you are to your TOEFL or Duolingo goal — and what to do next to improve.