Meghna’s friends in Ahmedabad are split: half swear by PTE, half by IELTS, and one cousin took Duolingo from her bedroom. Meghna just wants the test that gets her where she’s going.

Choose by acceptance first, then by format: check which tests your university or visa route accepts. If more than one is accepted, pick the format that suits you: a human speaking examiner (IELTS), a computer-scored test (PTE), or an online at-home test (Duolingo, accepted mostly by universities).

Step 1: Why Institutional Acceptance Must Come First

Acceptance rules differ by route and can change, so confirm each one with the official source. As of 2026, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) accepts IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General and PTE Core as proof of English for Express Entry, plus French tests; check the IRCC website.

For UK visa routes that need a Secure English Language Test, only approved tests are accepted, for example IELTS for UKVI; check the UK government’s official visa guidance. Universities set their own lists, so check each one, and see score requirements by country for score targets.

Incorrect: “PTE is easier than IELTS.”

Correct: Neither test is easier; they reward different strengths, such as speaking to a person or typing fast.

Incorrect: “Duolingo works for any country.”

Correct: Acceptance is far narrower, so check your list before you book.

Comparing the Five Major English Tests

The table below compares the five tests side by side:

Test Format Speaking with Scores Best fit
IELTS Computer (human-marked) Human examiner 0–9 bands Study, work and migration in many countries
PTE Academic Computer, AI-scored Microphone 10–90 University study; PTE Core for Canada PR
TOEFL iBT Computer Microphone Changed in 2026; check ETS Mainly US universities
Duolingo English Test Online, at home Microphone 10–160 Many universities; rarely for visas
CELPIP-General Computer Microphone Levels 1–12 Canadian immigration only

Understanding Test Formats and Strengths

If more than one test is accepted, these notes show who each format tends to suit:

Who tends to prefer IELTS: candidates who are comfortable speaking with a person, want a human examiner to judge their Speaking and Writing, or are applying to several countries. Over 13,500 organisations worldwide accept IELTS.

For the basics, see our 3-minute explainer. Remember to pick the correct IELTS version, and read about IELTS speaking band descriptors to see how Speaking is marked.

Who tends to prefer PTE: candidates who are comfortable speaking into a microphone, type fast and accurately, and want quick results. PTE Academic results are typically available within about 2 days, so check the official PTE website for current timings.

TOEFL, Duolingo, and CELPIP: Specific Pathways

The other three tests serve narrower contexts:

TOEFL iBT: Run by ETS and widely accepted by US universities. TOEFL changed its format and scoring in January 2026, with a new 1–6 band scale reported alongside the old 0–120 scale during a transition; check ETS for current details.

Duolingo English Test: Taken online at home, with scores on a 10–160 scale and results typically within about 2 days. Many universities accept it, but it is generally not accepted for visas, so check before you rely on it.

CELPIP-General: A Canadian test scored on Levels 1 to 12. The General version is for Canadian immigration only, so it is no use for other countries.

IELTS is now computer-delivered too; our guide to computer-delivered IELTS in 2026 explains what changes.

A Four-Step Decision Checklist

  1. Verify official requirements: Check the admissions page of your course and the official visa requirements of your destination country.
  2. Select your speaking format: Choose whether you speak more naturally with a human examiner or into a microphone.
  3. Check test dates and timelines: Check that test dates and score release times fit your application deadlines.
  4. Try the official practice material: Use your shortlisted test’s official sample or practice tests, if offered, before you book.

Tip

Before paying for any test, write down the accepted-tests list from your university’s and visa authority’s official pages, then compare only the tests that appear on both.

Key Takeaways

  • Acceptance by your organisation should decide your test choice first.
  • IELTS Speaking is with a human examiner; PTE, TOEFL and Duolingo use a microphone.
  • As of 2026, Canada PR accepts IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General and PTE Core.
  • Duolingo is accepted by many universities but generally not for visas.

The bottom line: Confirm what your university and visa route accept before choosing the test format that fits your skills.