Make an informed decision between TOEFL iBT, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, and Cambridge English. Compare formats, costs, acceptance, and find your perfect exam with our interactive decision tools.
Side-by-side analysis of every important factor to help you make the right choice
| Feature |
TOEFL iBT
|
IELTS
|
Duolingo
|
Cambridge
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test | International English Language Testing System | Duolingo English Test | Cambridge English Qualifications (B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency) |
| Administered By | ETS (Educational Testing Service) | IDP, British Council, Cambridge | Duolingo, Inc. | Cambridge Assessment English |
| Launched | 1964 (iBT: 2005) | 1989 | 2016 | 1913 (FCE: 1939, CAE: 1991, CPE: 1913) |
| Primary Use | University admissions (especially US/Canada) | University, immigration, professional registration | University admissions, quick screening | Academic, professional, lifetime certification |
| Best For | Students targeting North American universities | UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand; visa applications | Quick results needed; budget-conscious students | Professional certification; proof of lifelong competence |
| Test Duration | ~2 hours (shortened from 3h in 2023) | 2h 45m - 2h 55m (no breaks) | ~1 hour (adaptive) | 3.5 - 4 hours (varies by level) |
| Score Validity | 2 years | 2 years | 2 years | Valid for life |
| Global Recognition | Accepted by 11,500+ institutions in 160+ countries | Accepted by 11,500+ organizations worldwide | Accepted by 4,000+ universities (growing rapidly) | Recognized by 25,000+ institutions and employers globally |
| Preparation Time | 4-12 weeks recommended | 4-12 weeks recommended | 2-4 weeks often sufficient | 8-16 weeks recommended (higher level) |
| Unique Advantage | MyBest scores (superscoring across multiple tests) | Face-to-face speaking test with real examiner | Convenient, affordable, fast results | Never expires; comprehensive skill assessment |
| Action | Prepare for TOEFL → | Prepare for IELTS → | Prepare for Duolingo → | Prepare for Cambridge → |
| Format Feature | TOEFL iBT |
IELTS |
Duolingo |
Cambridge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delivery Mode | Computer-based (test center or home) | Paper or Computer (choose when booking) | Online only (any location with webcam) | Paper or Computer (varies by center) |
| Test Structure | 4 sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing | 4 sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | Adaptive test + Video Interview + Writing Sample | 4 papers: Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking |
| Speaking Section | 4 tasks, recorded via computer (15-17 min) | 3 parts, face-to-face with examiner (11-14 min) | Interactive video interview (10 min) | 4 parts, face-to-face with 2 examiners (15 min) |
| Writing Section | 2 tasks: Integrated (20 min) + Independent (30 min) | 2 tasks: Task 1 (20 min) + Task 2 (40 min) | 1 extended writing prompt (3-5 min) | 2 parts: Essay + Set text/Report (80 min total) |
| Reading Section | 2 passages, 20 questions each (35 min) | 3 passages, 40 questions (60 min) | Adaptive: fill-in-blanks, comprehension (varies) | Multiple parts: gapped text, multiple choice (75 min) |
| Listening Section | 3 lectures, 2 conversations (36 min) | 4 recordings, 40 questions (30 min) | Adaptive: video/audio comprehension (varies) | 4 parts: multiple choice, matching (40 min) |
| Question Types | Primarily multiple choice | Varied: MC, matching, diagram labeling, short answer | Highly varied: adaptive, interactive, production | Varied: MC, gap-fill, word formation, key word transformation |
| Breaks Allowed | ✓ 10 min after Reading/Listening | ✗ No breaks | ⚠ Short breaks between sections | ✓ Breaks between papers |
| Notes During Test | ✓ Scratch paper provided | ✓ Question booklet for notes | ✗ No external notes allowed | ✓ Allowed in question papers |
| Scoring Feature | TOEFL iBT |
IELTS |
Duolingo |
Cambridge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Score Range | 0-120 (0-30 per section) |
Band 0-9 (in 0.5 band increments) |
10-160 (holistic score) |
180-230 (Cambridge English Scale) |
| Score Report | Total + 4 section scores | Overall band + 4 section bands | Overall score + subscores (Literacy, Conversation, Comprehension, Production) | Statement of Results with profile by skill |
| Results Timeline | 4-8 days after test | 3-5 days (computer) / 13 days (paper) | 48 hours after test | 2-4 weeks after test |
| Score Sending | Free: 4 institutions before test Additional: $20 each |
Free: 5 institutions (within 1 month) Additional: ~$20 each |
Unlimited free sending to institutions | Free: Statement of Results to institutions |
| Retake Policy | Every 3 days, unlimited attempts | No mandatory waiting period | Maximum 3 tests in 30 days | No limit, but recommended preparation between attempts |
| Superscoring | ✓ MyBest scores (best section scores combined) | ✗ Not available | ✗ Not available | ✗ Not applicable (pass/fail per exam) |
| Score Verification | Score verification service available ($80) | Enquiry on Results (EOR) available (~$175) | Automated AI scoring with human review | Results review available |
| Cost Factor | TOEFL iBT |
IELTS |
Duolingo |
Cambridge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test Fee (USD) | $185 - $255 (varies by country) |
$215 - $250 (varies by location) |
$59 (global standard) |
$165 - $265 (varies by level/location) |
| Reschedule Fee | $60 (if >4 days before) | Varies by test center | Free (if >21 days before) | Varies by center |
| Cancellation Refund | 50% refund (>4 days notice) | Partial refund (policies vary) | No refund, but can reschedule | Varies by center policy |
| Additional Score Reports | $20 each | ~$20 each | Free unlimited | Usually free |
| Preparation Materials Cost | Official Guide: $35 Practice tests: Free-$45 |
Official materials: $40-80 Practice tests: Free-$35 |
Official practice: Free Unlimited practice tests |
Official preparation: $50-100 Coursebooks: $30-60 |
| Estimated Total Cost | $220 - $350 (test + prep + scores) |
$250 - $380 (test + prep + scores) |
$59 - $150 (test + optional prep) |
$215 - $400 (test + prep materials) |
| Acceptance | TOEFL iBT |
IELTS |
Duolingo |
Cambridge |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US Universities | ✓ 100% acceptance Preferred by most |
✓ 99% acceptance Widely accepted |
⚠ 70% acceptance Growing rapidly |
✓ 95% acceptance Highly respected |
| UK Universities | ✓ 98% acceptance | ✓ 100% acceptance Preferred standard |
⚠ 60% acceptance | ✓ 100% acceptance Often required |
| Australian Universities | ✓ 95% acceptance | ✓ 100% acceptance Preferred standard |
⚠ 50% acceptance | ✓ 90% acceptance |
| Canadian Universities | ✓ 98% acceptance Preferred |
✓ 99% acceptance | ⚠ 65% acceptance | ✓ 85% acceptance |
| Immigration/Visas | ⚠ Limited Some work visas |
✓ All major programs UKVI, Canada, Australia |
✗ Not accepted for visas |
⚠ Some countries |
| Professional Registration | ⚠ Some fields | ✓ Medical, nursing, law | ✗ Not accepted | ✓ Highly valued Business, law |
| Employer Recognition | Strong in North America | Global business standard | Emerging recognition | Excellent for career advancement |
Comprehensive breakdown of what to expect, who it's for, and how to succeed
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Note: These are approximate equivalencies. Always check your target institution's specific requirements as they may vary.
A proven 8-week preparation timeline used by our top-scoring students
Take a full-length diagnostic test to identify your starting level and weak areas. Review basic grammar and build core vocabulary.
Focus on your weakest sections. Learn specific strategies for each question type. Practice with untimed exercises.
Transition to timed practice. Build endurance for full test length. Get feedback on speaking and writing.
Take full-length mock exams under test conditions. Review mistakes, refine strategies, and build confidence.
Search top universities and see which exams they accept with score requirements
Real results from real students who achieved their dream scores
Everything you need to know about choosing and taking English proficiency exams
There's no objectively "easiest" test—it depends on your strengths:
Take our free diagnostic tests for each exam to see which format feels most natural to you.
It depends on the university. As of 2026:
Always check your specific target programs' requirements. Our university database above shows which tests each school accepts.
Recommended preparation time based on current level and target score:
Factors that affect preparation time:
MyBest scores (also called superscoring) automatically combine your highest section scores from all valid TOEFL tests taken in the last 2 years.
Example:
Important notes:
Choose IELTS Academic if:
Choose IELTS General Training if:
Key differences: Academic has complex texts and graph/chart writing; General has everyday texts and letter writing. Listening and Speaking are identical.
Retake policies by exam:
Cost considerations: Retaking adds up quickly. Consider whether additional preparation might be more cost-effective than multiple attempts.
TOEFL:
IELTS:
Duolingo:
Score validity:
Exceptions: Some immigration programs may require tests taken within 1-2 years of application, even for Cambridge. Always check specific program requirements.
Recommendation: If you need English certification for your career long-term, Cambridge may be worth the additional preparation effort.
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