If you’re planning to study, work, or move abroad, you’ve probably come across two popular English tests: IELTS and the Duolingo English Test (DET). Both exams check how well you understand and use English, but they have different scoring systems. 

So, how can you tell if your Duolingo Test score of 120 is as good as an IELTS band of 6? Knowing how these scores compare can help you pick the right test and give you a clear idea of where your English skills stand. Let’s break it down and see how IELTS and Duolingo scores match up in terms of proficiency and more.

What are the exam modes for IELTS and Duolingo?

• IELTS: Offered in both offline (pen-and-paper) and online formats, giving flexibility to test-takers.
• Duolingo Test: Available exclusively online, which means students can take the exam from anywhere with reliable internet access.

How much do the IELTS and Duolingo exams cost?

One of the crucial differentiators between these tests is the exam fee. Here's a cost breakdown:

• IELTS Academic & GT (General Training Test): INR 17,000 for both pen-and-paper and computer-based versions.
• Duolingo: INR 5,423 (USD 65).

Note - Given its lower cost, Duolingo may appeal more to budget-conscious students, while IELTS Test, though more expensive, is a more established test globally.

Which countries accept IELTS and Duolingo?

• IELTS Test: Accepted in countries such as the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The exam is valid for study, work, or immigration purposes.
• Duolingo Test: Also accepted in major English-speaking nations, including the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. However, Duolingo is relatively new and is accepted by fewer institutions (around 5,000) compared to IELTS (12,000+ institutions).

What are the eligibility criteria for IELTS and Duolingo?

• IELTS: The minimum age requirement is 16 years.
• Duolingo Test: There are no strict eligibility criteria, but test-takers must have a government-issued ID, a well-lit room, a reliable internet connection, and a computer to take the test.

What are the exam patterns and formats of IELTS and Duolingo Test?

The structure of both exams differs significantly.

IELTS:

• Listening: 40 questions in 30 minutes, focusing on both social situations and educational contexts.
• Reading: 40 questions in 60 minutes, drawing from various sources like books, magazines, and journals.
• Writing: Two tasks (one 150-word task and another 250-word task) in 60 minutes.
• Speaking: A face-to-face interview with three parts, lasting 11–14 minutes.

Duolingo Test:

• Introduction and Onboarding: Around 5 minutes for setup and ID verification.
• Adaptive Test: Lasts 45 minutes and adjusts its difficulty level based on the test-taker’s responses. It covers reading, listening, writing, and speaking.
• Video Interview: Involves a 1–3 minute spoken response and a 3–5 minute writing response. Duolingo’s exam is much shorter, entirely online, and uses adaptive testing, making it more convenient for test-takers.

Which countries accept IELTS and Duolingo tests?

IELTS Exam is accepted by more than 12,000 institutions across over 140 countries, including major destinations like the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland. Meanwhile, Duolingo is accepted by 5,000+ institutions. While both exams are accepted in similar regions, IELTS enjoys wider acceptance due to its longer history and reputation.

What is the application process for IELTS and Duolingo Test?

IELTS:

• Register online via official websites like www.ieltsidpindia.com.
• Choose a city and date.
• Complete the application and pay the fees online.
• Send supporting documents like a passport photocopy to the IDP office or you can directly submit the documents on the website.
• Later on, after the documents submission, you will get the location update for your exams over the mail or texts.

Duolingo:

• Create an account on the official Duolingo website.
• Select the purpose of your test (e.g., university or high school admissions).
• Take a practice test if desired.
• Purchase and take the test online within 90 days of payment.

What documents are required for IELTS and Duolingo?

Both exams require a government-issued ID (like a passport or driving license) on the test day. IELTS also requires a passport photocopy to be sent to the test office as part of the registration process.

What is the syllabus or curriculum for IELTS and Duolingo Test?

Both exams test four core language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking, but they differ in how these skills are assessed.

• Listening: IELTS involves completing tasks based on recorded conversations or monologues, while Duolingo asks test-takers to identify the correct spoken words and transcribe audio recordings.
• Writing: IELTS candidates summarize visual information and respond to a viewpoint in an essay. In contrast, duolingo practice test require test-takers to fill in missing text and write a 500-word essay.
• Reading: IELTS includes long texts from books and magazines, while Duolingo tests focus on filling missing words and logical sentence completion.
• Speaking: IELTS uses a face-to-face interview, while Duolingo requires spoken responses recorded through the test platform.

How long are IELTS and Duolingo scores valid? What is their difficulty level?

Both IELTS and Duolingo Test scores are valid for two years. However, the test format and user experience differ:

• IELTS uses a fixed format, which is more traditional and structured.
• Duolingo is adaptive, meaning the questions become more difficult or easier depending on the test-taker’s performance.
• Duolingo’s online format can be more user-friendly and less stressful for some candidates, as it avoids the in-person interview component, which can be daunting in IELTS.

What are the preparation tips for IELTS and Duolingo?

To excel in either exam, adequate preparation is key.

IELTS Preparation:

• Practice with past tests to understand the structure.
• Build vocabulary and improve grammar.
• Practice speaking English in daily conversations.
• Focus on reading various sources, such as books, journals, and articles.
• Engage in regular writing practice to improve essay responses.

Duolingo Preparation:

• Take practice tests available on the platform.
• Understand the computer-adaptive testing system to know how difficulty levels are managed.
• Practice speaking exercises and responses to prepare for the video interview section.

What are the do’s and don’ts for IELTS and Duolingo?

IELTS Do's:

• Answer all questions, even if unsure.
• Use preparation time to highlight key words.
• Stick to the word limits in writing tasks.
• Use linking devices to connect ideas in the speaking section.

Duolingo Do's:

• Ensure your computer’s camera, speakers, and microphone are working correctly.
• Take time to review test rules before starting.
• Complete practice tests to become familiar with the adaptive format.

When are the results for IELTS and Duolingo declared?

• IELTS: Results are declared within 6–8 days for the online version and 13 days for the paper-based exam. Results are available via the test taker portal.
• Duolingo: Results are available within 48 hours, with an option for faster results within 12 hours. Test-takers are notified via email when the results are ready.

How do IELTS and Duolingo scores compare in terms of proficiency levels?

Here’s a quick comparison of score equivalence between IELTS and Duolingo:

Conclusion

In the end, whether you choose IELTS or Duolingo really depends on what works best for you. If you’re looking for something quicker, more affordable, and less stressful, the Duolingo English Test could be just what you need. It’s fully online and adapts to your answers, making it a bit easier to manage compared to traditional exams like IELTS.

At Global Grads, we aim to make your study abroad experience smoother. Our team is here to help you focus on your studies while we assist with the process. Whether you choose IELTS or Duolingo, we’re here to support you in taking the next step toward your degree at a top international university. With us, studying abroad is a lot easier.