Duolingo English Test Vs PTE: What’s the Difference?
The DET and PTE are common choices among students seeking an English proficiency exam.
Both are popular assessment tools but differ in format, scoring system, and more.
But which one to choose between the Duolingo English Test vs the PTE?
In this post, LUME Test will compare these key features, helping you choose the right test for your study or immigration goals.
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The Duolingo English Test is managed by Duolingo Inc., a company known for its language-learning app.
Meanwhile, the PTE is organized by Pearson, a global education company.
The DET is taken online using a computer or mobile device.
It is adaptive, adjusting question difficulty based on performance.
The test evaluates reading, writing, speaking, and listening in one session.
The PTE is an offline exam held at Pearson-authorized centers.
It is computer-based and requires a headset for speaking and listening.
The test includes multiple-choice questions, short answers, and essay writing following a fixed structure.
The Duolingo English Test aims to help test-takers improve their English skills in a fun and flexible way.
It uses interactive exercises that allow learners to practice at their own pace.
The PTE focuses on helping test-takers enhance their English proficiency in an academic setting.
The test covers international English, not just American or British variations.
The DET is divided into three sections:
Introduction & Opening (5 minutes)
In this section, candidates need to verify their identity first.
The next steps include checking the camera, microphone, and speakers, and then reviewing test rules.
Adaptive test (45 minutes)
The second section requires test-takers to measure English proficiency through various question types.
They could be fill-in-the-blanks, missing letters, and reading aloud.
The sequence and difficulty adjust based on responses.
Writing & Speaking samples (10 minutes)
In this last section, candidates need to respond to prompts.
The speaking samples require a 1 – 3 minute response, while the writing sample requires 3 – 5 minutes.
These samples are shared with institutions along with scores.
The PTE exam also consists of three main sections with a different breakdown:
Speaking & Writing (54 – 67 minutes)
Speaking & Writing is the first and the longest section in the PTE exam.
It evaluates pronunciation, fluency, and written communication. You need to complete 8 tasks, including:
Reading (29 – 30 minutes)
Test-takers need to complete 5 tasks in the PTE reading section:
Listening (30 – 43 minutes)
In this listening section, candidates will hear audio and video clips.
Candidates complete tasks as below, and note-taking is allowed.
The Duolingo test has no eligibility restrictions.
Anyone can take the exam.
In contrast, for PTE, candidates must be at least 16 years old.
Those ages 16 to 18 need a signed consent form from a parent or guardian.
Also, candidates need to bring their valid passports on the test date to declare information that matches the passports.
The Duolingo Test takes about 60 minutes.
It includes a 5-minute setup, a 45-minute adaptive test, and a 10-minute writing & speaking sample.
The PTE Academic lasts longer, around 2 hours.
It consists of speaking & writing (54 – 67 min), reading (29 – 30 min), and listening (30 – 43 min).
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is scored on a 10 – 160 scale, with higher scores indicating better English proficiency.
The overall score is an average of different skill areas.
In addition to the overall score, DET provides subscores, which cover the individual subscores and integrated subscores.
These include production, literacy, comprehension, and conversation.
In the PTE Academic test, the overall score ranges from 10 to 90, with higher scores indicating greater proficiency.
In addition to the overall score, test takers receive individual scores for communicative skills.
These scores highlight strengths and areas that you need to improve.
Both DET and PTE scores remain valid for 2 years from the test date.
After this period, the test results can no longer be accessed or shared.
The Duolingo English Test costs $59 for a single test, plus applicable taxes.
Standard results are available in 2 days, but for faster results within 12 hours, an additional $39 fee will be applied.
Meanwhile, the PTE Academic test is priced at around $230, higher than the Duolingo English tests.
For DET, if you break test rules, close your account, or let the test expire after 21 days, no refunds or exchanges are provided.
You can reschedule within this period, but once it expires, the test is forfeited.
For the PTE Academic test, cancellations made at least 14 days before the test qualify for a full refund.
If you cancel 7 – 13 days before, you’ll receive 50% of your fee back.
Besides, no refunds are given for cancellations made less than 7 days before the test.
The Duolingo exam is generally easier than PTE Academic because it mainly has multiple-choice questions and focuses on grammar and vocabulary.
The test adjusts its difficulty based on your answers, making it more user-friendly.
On the other hand, PTE Academic is harder because it tests speaking, listening, reading, and writing in different ways.
It requires stronger academic English skills, making it better for studying or working in an English-speaking environment.
You will get your Duolingo English test (DET) result within 2 days.
If you choose the faster result option, you will receive them within 12 hours.
Like DET, PTE Academic results are usually available in 2 days.
However, in some cases, it may take up to five working days.
Duolingo English Test (DET) score chart:
PTE Academic score chart:
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The right test depends on your goals.
If you need an official English certification for university admission, visa applications, or other potential purposes, PTE is a better choice.
It assesses all four skills, which are reading, writing, listening, and speaking, and is widely accepted.
If you’re learning English for travel, personal growth, or informal purposes, Duolingo is a good option.
It is more affordable, easier, and helps improve grammar and vocabulary.
However, it is not widely accepted as PTE.
If you need a recognized test for immigration or academics, PTE is the safer choice.
Both DET and PTE have their advantages, but the best choice depends on your goals.
If you need a widely accepted certification for academic or immigration purposes, PTE is a better option.
On the other hand, if affordability and flexibility are your priority, Duolingo is a convenient choice.
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Lume Test is a leading platform offering practice questions and mock tests for major English exams like PTE, IELTS, TOEIC, DET, and more. We provide up-to-date, comprehensive materials designed to help learners improve their language skills and achieve high scores. With expert-crafted tests that closely mirror real exam formats, Lume Test ensures you're fully prepared for success. Your goals are our mission!
