Unless you’ve studied in English or it’s your first language, you’ll likely have to take an English proficiency test when becoming an international student. Your results should show you can communicate in English well enough to succeed in your study program. Below, we’ll look at some of the most popular English proficiency tests to help you decide which best fits your needs.
Popular English Proficiency Tests
All four tests we discuss below are widely accepted ways to demonstrate your English proficiency.
IELTS is the world’s most popular English test for higher education. It’s delivered in over 140 countries and trusted by over 12,000 organizations. IELTS is popular among international students planning to study in countries like Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
TOEFL is recognized by over 13,000 institutions in over 200 countries. TOEFL’s iBT (Internet-Based Test) is the current standard format. TOEFL results are most widely accepted in North America, though it’s increasingly accepted worldwide.
PTE is trusted by over 4,000 academic institutions. Test takers like its two-hour format, flexible setting (at a test centre or at home), and results often delivered within two days. Because Pearson offers multiple tests, use their handy test finder to determine which option suits you.
Duolingo English Test (DET) is an affordable and convenient option. Because it’s taken online, test takers can take it anytime, anywhere. Plus, most people will get their results in two days. DET is accepted by over 6,000 academic institutions.
Test Length and Format
Let’s look at how long these tests are, and how you can take them:
You can write the IELTS Academic on paper or a computer, and will have up to 2 hours and 45 minutes to write it. Some institutions may accept IELTS results from the remote online test. However, others require applicants to write their test at a test centre.
The TOEFL iBT test takes two hours. You may complete the TOEFL test at an authorized test centre, or at home with the TOEFL Home Edition.
PTE Academic is a two-hour, computer-based test. If you plan to study in the UK in a course that’s below degree level, you may take the PTE Academic UKVI test instead.
You’ll take DET online, and have one hour to complete it. It’s monitored by a combination of human proctors and AI software to verify test takers’ identity and prevent cheating.
Test Scoring Systems
Every English proficiency test has a different scoring system. Scoring changes periodically, so always check the test’s official website for the latest information.
IELTS
Scored from 0 to 9, with 9 representing experts, and 0 representing someone who didn’t complete the test. Individual sections are graded individually, and their total score is then converted to the IELTS band score. Scores are listed in whole or half bands.
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TOEFL iBT
As of January 2026, TOEFL uses a scale of 1 to 6. Test writers receive four section scores, and an overall score. To get the overall score, proctors average your score in each section, rounding to the nearest half band. Scores are valid for two years.
While TOEFL shifts to its new scale, students who take the test before January 2028 will also receive an overall score using the 0-120 scale.
PTE
The scoring scale runs from 10 to 90. Scores between 10 and 29 align with an A1 language level (CEFR). At the top of the scale, scores of 85 to 90 align with CEFR skill level C2. For undergraduate degrees, PTE recommends a minimum score between 51 and 60. For postgraduate degrees, PTE recommends a minimum score of 57 to 67.
Duolingo English Test (DET)
The DET scoring scale spans from 10 to 160. Test takers receive an overall score and sub-scores in four areas. Integrated sub-scores consider how well you did across production (speaking and writing), literacy (reading and writing), comprehension (listening and reading), and conversation (listening and speaking.)
Curious how Duolingo scoring matches up to other tests? Check out their score comparison chart.
Test Content and Format
Reading, writing, speaking, and listening are common elements in many tests. However, every test assesses these skills differently.
IELTS
You’ll complete essay-style, multiple choice, and fill-in-the-blank questions. The speaking section includes a live interview with an IELTS examiner.
TOEFL iBT
TOEFL iBT questions test your comfort with academic English. In the speaking section, you’ll answer prompts using a microphone. Your responses will be recorded and scored by TOEFL’s assessment team.
PTE
You’ll answer a variety of question types. Rather than a traditional test format, PTE test takers will complete tasks which test more than one skill. This format aims to reflect more practical English use.
Duolingo English Test
The DET is adaptive, which means its difficulty adjusts mid-test based on how you’re doing. You’ll complete multiple-choice questions, open-ended speaking prompts, and written responses, plus a video interview.
Preparing for Your English Proficiency Test
It’s important to understand which tests your target academic institutions accept. Some institutions may prefer specific tests, so make sure you ask! You may also be limited by which test formats are available in your location.
Whichever test you choose, give yourself lots of time to prepare, take the practice tests, and don’t treat the real test like practice! You may retake all of these tests, but it’s not free to do so.
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