Duolingo English Test (DET) Vs PTE: What’s the Difference?

The Duolingo English Test (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 (DET) 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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Key Takeaways

• PTE is ideal for academic and immigration purposes, while the Duolingo English Test (DET) is better for travel or informal purposes due to its affordability and convenience. 
• DET can be taken from home, yet PTE requires visiting a test center.
• Duolingo English Test (DET) scores range from 10 – 160, while PTE scores range from 10 – 90.
• DET has a test duration of around 60 minutes, shorter than PTE, which lasts about 2 hours.

Related:

• FREE Duolingo practice tests
• Duolingo English test preparation tips
• Converting Duolingo English Test scores to IELTS scores

Comparisons Between Duolingo English Test (DET) Vs PTE

Exam Organizer

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is managed by Duolingo Inc., a company known for its language-learning app.

Meanwhile, the PTE is organized by Pearson, a global education company. 

Test Mode

The Duolingo English Test (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.

Objective Of The Test

The Duolingo English Test (DET) 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.

Test Format & Breakdown

Duolingo English Test (DET)

The Duolingo English Test (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.

PTE test

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: 

• Personal introduction
• Read aloud
• Describe images
• Retell lecture
• Answer short questions
• Repeat sentences
• Writing essay
• Summarise written text

Reading (29 – 30 minutes)

Test-takers need to complete 5 tasks in the PTE reading section:

• Reading & Wiring: Fill in the blanks
• Fill in the blanks
• Reorder paragraph
• Multiple choices, multiple answers
• Multiple choices, single answer

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.

• Summarize spoken text
• Fill in the blanks
• Multiple choices, Multiple answers
• Multiple choices, Single answer
• Select missing words
• Highlight correct summaries
• Write from dictation
• Highlight incorrect words

Eligibility Criteria

The Duolingo English Test (DET) 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.

Test Duration

The Duolingo English Test (DET) 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).

Scoring System

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, Duolingo English Test (DET) provides subscores, which cover the individual subscores and integrated subscores.

• Individual subscores measure specific skills: Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening.
• Integrated subscores reflect real-world language use and are calculated by combining related skills. 

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.

Score Validity Period

Both Duolingo English Test (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.

Test Fees

The Duolingo English Test (DET) 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 Test (DET).

Refund Conditions

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.

Level Of Difficulty

The Duolingo English Test (DET) 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.

Result Processing Time

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 Duolingo English Test (DET), PTE Academic results are usually available in 2 days. 

However, in some cases, it may take up to five working days.

Proficiency Scale

Duolingo English Test (DET) score chart:

• Expert: 155 – 160
• Very good: 135 – 140
• Competent: 95 – 110
• Modest: 75 – 90
• Limited: 65 – 70
• Extremely limited: 55 – 60

PTE Academic score chart:

• Expert: 89 – 90
• Very good: 74 – 85
• Good: 64 – 77
• Competent: 50 – 63
• Modest: 35 – 49
• Limited: 30 – 34
• Extremely limited: 0 – 30

Pros And Cons Of Duolingo English Test (DET) Vs. PTE Tests

Duolingo English Test (DET)

Pros:

• Can be taken from home, making it highly convenient.
• More affordable than most other English proficiency tests.
• Results are available within 48 hours.
• Adaptive format tailors questions to your skill level.

Cons:

• Not as widely accepted as PTE and other standardized tests.
• Online testing raises concerns about security and credibility.

PTE

Pros:

• Recognized by many universities, employers, and governments.
• Uses integrated tasks to assess multiple skills at once.

Cons:

• More expensive compared to Duolingo English Test (DET).
• Must be taken at an official test center, which may be less convenient.

Which One Is Better For You?

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 English Test (DET) 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. 

Conclusion

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 English Test (DET) is a convenient choice.

Want to ACE the Duolingo English Test (DET) And Reach Your Goals? Get Your FREE Lume Account Today to Unlock… ✅ 10,000+ PRACTICE QUESTIONS with detailed answers ✅ FREE MOCK TESTS with fast & accurate AI scoring ✅ Get BETTER SCORES with a PERSONALIZED study plan GET YOUR FREE ACCOUNT NOW (Limited seats available!)