Format:
PTE Academic is a computer-based English proficiency test completed in one sitting at a test center, lasting about 2 hours. It assesses real-life academic English skills through 20 different question types, split across three main sections: Speaking & Writing (54–67 minutes), Reading (29–30 minutes), and Listening (30–43 minutes).
Scoring:
Scores range from 10 to 90 for each skill, with an overall average reflecting your proficiency. Results are available within five business days.
Question Types:
Speaking & Writing: Includes tasks like reading aloud, describing images, summarising written text, essays, and more.
Reading: Multiple-choice, re-ordering paragraphs, fill-in-the-blanks.
Listening: Multiple-choice, highlight correct summary, select missing word, write from dictation.
Format:
The Duolingo English Test is a 1-hour, fully online test you can take from anywhere. It consists of three main sections: Introduction (5 minutes), Adaptive Test (45 minutes), and Writing & Speaking Sample (10 minutes).
Scoring:
Scores range from 10 to 160, with results delivered within 48 hours. The test is adaptive—question difficulty changes based on your performance.
Question Types:
Adaptive Test: Includes reading, listening, speaking, and writing tasks such as read and select, listen and type, speak about a photo, and write about a photo.
Writing & Speaking Sample: Open-ended prompts for extended writing and speaking, shared with institutions for further evaluation.
| Test | Format | Duration | Scoring | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PTE Academic | Computer-based, center | ~2 hours | 10–90 per skill | 20 question types, real-life scenarios |
| Duolingo English Test | Online, anywhere | ~1 hour | 10–160 overall | Adaptive, fast results, open samples |
