IELTS

International Exams Department · Faratar

Comparing IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, and PTE
A short, practical look at the duration, score range, result turnaround, and main use of each exam — to help you choose the best path for your academic or immigration goals.

About the Department

This department is designed to prepare learners purposefully for the most recognized international English exams — exams that open the way to studying at universities abroad, immigration, and international career opportunities. Our courses are built around a precise understanding of each exam's structure, simulated practice under real conditions, and individual feedback, so learners gain not only language skill but also exam-taking strategy.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

The most widely taken international English exam, with broad acceptance by universities and immigration authorities worldwide, especially in the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. It comes in two versions: Academic, for university admission, and General Training, for immigration and work. The full exam takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes and consists of four sections: Listening (30 minutes, 40 questions), Reading (60 minutes, 40 questions), Writing (2 tasks, 60 minutes), and Speaking (a face-to-face interview with an examiner, 11–14 minutes). Scores are reported as a band from 1 to 9, with the overall score being the average of the four skills.

TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Administered by the American institute ETS, and still the top choice for admission to universities in the United States, though accepted in many other countries as well. It is fully computer-based and takes about 2 hours: Reading (35 minutes), Listening (36 minutes), Speaking (16 minutes, responses are recorded and submitted, with no face-to-face interview), and Writing (29 minutes, including one integrated task and one academic task). Scores are reported on a scale of 0 to 120. TOEFL's strong focus on American texts and accent makes it a better fit for learners who have been more exposed to American content.

Duolingo English Test (DET)

The newest and most flexible option among these four exams; it is fully online and can be taken from home in under an hour, with no need to visit a test center. Assessment is carried out by AI, and results are released in under two days. Scores range from 10 to 160. With a significantly lower cost than the other three exams and growing acceptance among universities, especially in the US, it is a fast, affordable option for many learners.

PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)

A fully computer-based exam with automated AI scoring across all sections, including the speaking section, which is conducted without a human examiner. It takes about 2 hours, and the speaking and writing sections are scored in an integrated way. Scores are reported on a scale of 10 to 90, with results typically ready within one to two days. Because of its fully automated scoring, it suits learners who feel anxious in face-to-face interviews and are confident in clear structure and pronunciation; it is also especially relevant for immigration to Australia and the UK.

Comparison Table

Additional Notes

• IELTS and TOEFL are the most internationally recognized and widely accepted exams; Duolingo and PTE are faster, often more affordable options with growing acceptance.
• IELTS's speaking section is the only one with a genuine face-to-face interview; the other three exams are fully computer-based with automated scoring.
• The choice of exam should be based on your final destination (the specific university or country), since acceptance levels for each exam vary across institutions.