IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, or Duolingo — which one do you need?
They all measure English proficiency, but they're built differently, scored differently, and accepted differently depending on the institution. Here's how to tell them apart.
Lerniyo issues none of these tests. Every section below describes the tests in general terms — requirements vary by institution, employer, and consulate, and change over time, so always verify with your target institution before booking an exam.
The 4 major English tests
IELTS
The most widely accepted test globally for study, work, and immigration. Two versions: Academic and General Training.
Scored 0-9, roughly A1 to C2
Universities, UK/Australia/Canada visas, many employers
TOEFL iBT
Common for university admission, especially in the US and Canada. Fully computer-based.
Scored 0-120, roughly A2 to C1+
US and Canadian universities mainly
Cambridge English
A family of separate exams, one per level (B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency) rather than one test with a sliding score.
One exam per CEFR level
Universities, employers, and some visas, mostly in Europe
Duolingo English Test
A shorter, cheaper, fully online test taken at home, increasingly accepted for admissions.
Scored 10-160, roughly A1 to C2
A growing number of universities, especially for fast or remote applications
So which one should you take?
Start from the requirement, not the test: check exactly which test (and which minimum score) your target university, employer, or consulate accepts — not every institution accepts every test, and score scales don't convert 1:1 between them. If several options are accepted, IELTS and TOEFL remain the most broadly recognized, Cambridge suits a one-time level certification, and Duolingo suits speed and convenience when it's accepted.
Frequently asked questions
Can I convert my score from one test to another?
Only approximately. Test providers and universities publish comparison tables, but the tests measure skills differently, so a converted score is an estimate, not a guarantee of acceptance.
Which test is easiest?
None is inherently easier — they test the same underlying skills differently. Choose based on what your target institution accepts and which format suits you (paper vs. computer, in person vs. from home).
Does Lerniyo prepare me for a specific one of these?
Lerniyo's mock exams are built in the style of IELTS and Cambridge, since they're the most globally referenced formats. The English skills you build apply to any of the 4 tests — the exam format itself you can practice separately once you've picked one.
How do I know which score I need?
Check the official admissions or visa page for your specific target — the requirement is usually listed exam by exam, with a minimum overall score and sometimes a minimum per skill.