One of the basic requirements for studying abroad is the ability to speak English, and most universities demand that candidates submit proof proving this ability in addition to other paperwork. The IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo English Tests are now the most popular English proficiency exams. However, how can you pick the right English language test? The answer depends on many variables, such as whether the test or exam is recognized by the university where you wish to apply, which testing facilities are nearby, and how much you’re ready to pay. So, in this blog, we will discuss the difference between PTE Vs Duolingo.
What is PTE Exam?
PTE is a computer-based English language proficiency exam designed for non-native English speakers. The exam is accepted by universities, colleges, and governments worldwide as a proof of English proficiency for academic, immigration, and employment purposes. The PTE exam assesses four language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The exam consists of several tasks that test a candidate’s ability to understand and use the English language in an academic setting. The exam is scored between 10-90. Overall, the PTE exam is a reliable and convenient way for non-native English speakers to demonstrate their English language proficiency for academic and professional purposes.
Also Read:- What Is PTE Exam in detail.
What is Duolingo?
Duolingo is a language-learning platform that offers courses in over 40 languages, including Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, and many more. The platform is designed for beginners and focuses on building basic language skills through interactive lessons and exercises. The Duolingo courses are divided into small tasks that cover vocabulary, grammar, and primary language structures. The score range of Duolingo is between 10-160. Duolingo is a popular and effective way for beginners to learn a new language at their own pace. It has a fun and engaging approach that keeps users motivated and interested in learning.
Differences: PTE Vs Duolingo
| Differences | PTE | Duolingo |
| Conducting Body | Pearson | Duolingo Inc. |
| Test Centre / Online | Test Centre | Online |
| Test Fees | ₹15900 | Around ₹ 4059 |
| Test Duration | 60 minutes | 2 hours and 15 minutes |
| Acceptance | 4000+ institutions | UK, USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Germany, and China |
| Results | Available within 5 business days | Available within 48 hours |
| Test Booking | Register on the Pearson website but 14 days in advance | Register on the Duolingo website |
| Score Range | between 10 to 90 | between 10 to 160 |
Eligibility Criteria PTE Vs Duolingo
For the Duolingo test, There are no eligibility criteria, and it is open to anyone wanting to take the test and learn a language.
But For the PTE exam, students need to meet their Specific eligibility requirements. To take the PTE test, Candidates must have a valid passport and be at least 18 years old.
Also Read:- Comparison Charts Of PTE Vs IELTS Scores
PTE Vs Duolingo: Syllabus
| Section | PTE | Duolingo |
| Reading | Candidates must answer 15-20 PTE Reading questions, including MCQs, fill-in-the-blanks, and paragraph reordering. | Candidates in the Duolingo Reading test must answer questions such as filling in the missing letters and matching words to statements. |
| Listening | Candidates have to answer 8 different question types on the PTE Listening. Subcategories of these question types include MCQs, Dictation, Fill in the blanks, and Text Summarization. | Candidates must answer questions about actual and fictitious English terminology and identify the correct English words in the Duolingo Listening test. |
| Writing | In the PTE Writing section, candidates must answer eight subsections ranging from a read-aloud to an essay, a sentence repetition, and a summary of the written material. | Candidates for the Duolingo Writing test must choose actual English words from a list of made-up words and then fill in the blanks in a given sentence. After listening to the audio recording, they must type the statement and write at least 500 words responding to the question. |
| Speaking | Candidates must answer between 11 and 17 questions on the PTE Speaking, which center on the candidate’s personal life and the interview. The candidates will be asked a few questions to learn more about themselves. | Candidates will be given an image to describe throughout the Duolingo Speaking test. The video interview portion of the Duolingo English Test involves speaking about a chosen topic and providing a writing sample. |
Result Comparison: PTE Vs Duolingo
In PTE Test, the candidates received their results after 5 days of taking the test. The candidates can check their results on the Pearson website.
But in the Duolingo test, the candidates can receive their results after the 2 days of taking the test.
Score Proficiency Level: PTE Vs Duolingo
Your knowledge, proficiency, and comprehension of English are tested on both Duolingo and the PTE. Below is the table that compares Duolingo’s competence level to the PTE, along with the results:
| PTE Score | Duolingo Scores | Proficiency Level |
| 89-90 | 155-160 | Expert |
| 83-85 | 145-150 | Very Good |
| 74-78 | 135-140 | Very Good |
| 73-77 | 125-130 | Good |
| 64-72 | 115-120 | Good |
| 58-63 | 105-110 | Competent |
| 50-57 | 95-100 | Competent |
| 42-49 | 85-90 | Modest |
| 35-41 | 75-80 | Modest |
| 30-34 | 65-70 | Limited |
| 0-30 | 55-60 | Extremely Limited |
Universities Accepting: PTE Vs Duolingo
Here are some of the top universities that accept the PTE or Duolingo exam.
USA Universities
| PTE Accepting Universities | Duolingo Accepting Universities |
| Harvard University Yale University Columbia University The University of Pennsylvania George Mason University Babson College The University of Southern California SUNY, Binghamton Colorado State University Pace University The University of Illinois, Chicago | The University of North Alabama Arizona State University The University of Arkansas California Institute of Technology California State University Northridge Humboldt State University Yale University The University of Bridgeport Florida Atlantic University Georgia State University The University of Idaho Illinois Institute of Technology Carnegie Mellon University |
Also Read:- PTE Overall Score Calculator
UK Universities: PTE Vs Duolingo
| PTE Accepting Universities | Duolingo Accepting Universities |
| London Business School The University of Oxford Aston University The University of Southampton The University of Bath The University of Warwick The University of Glasgow | Anglia Ruskin University Bangor University TheUniversity of Bristol Brunel University The University of Glasgow The University of Birmingham Queen’s University Belfast |
Canada Universities
| PTE Accepting Universities in Canada | Duolingo Accepting Universities in Canada |
| University of British Columbia McGill University The University of Ottawa The University of Calgary The University of Waterloo Dalhousie University York University The University of Saskatchewan | Algoma University Cape Breton University Concordia University The University of Calgary The University of Alberta Thompson Rivers University University of New Brunswick – Saint John The University of Windsor Yorkville University, Toronto |
Conclusion
In this blog, we have discussed the PTE Vs Duolingo. PTE and Duolingo are different exams offering different types of language learning experiences.
Therefore, it’s not entirely fair to compare PTE and Duolingo directly because they are designed for different purposes. PTE is for assessing language proficiency, while Duolingo is for learning languages.
In summary, PTE is a suitable option if you want to assess your English language proficiency for academic or professional reasons. However, if you are a beginner looking to learn a new language, Duolingo is a great exam. Ultimately, the best platform for you depends on your specific needs and goals.
I hope you learned many things about PTE Vs Duolingo.
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