Test & Prep Guide
Know the test before you take it
Each guide breaks down the format, scoring, fees and the prep tactics that move scores fastest.
Popular head-to-head comparisons
IELTS Academic
International English Language Testing System — Academic
English proficiency for UK, Australia, Canada & beyond.
- Duration
- 2 hours 45 minutes
- Cost
- ≈ USD 245 – 255
- Validity
- 2 years
IELTS General Training
International English Language Testing System — General Training
The migration & work-registration version of IELTS.
- Duration
- 2 hours 45 minutes
- Cost
- ≈ USD 245 – 255
- Validity
- 2 years
TOEFL
Test of English as a Foreign Language
The US-favoured English proficiency exam.
- Duration
- ≈ 2 hours (TOEFL iBT)
- Cost
- ≈ USD 185 – 300 (varies by country)
- Validity
- 2 years
PTE Academic
Pearson Test of English — Academic
Computer-based English for AU, NZ, UK and Canada study visas.
- Duration
- ≈ 2 hours
- Cost
- ≈ USD 200 – 230
- Validity
- 2 years
PTE Core
Pearson Test of English — Core
General English proficiency for Canadian economic immigration.
- Duration
- ≈ 2 hours
- Cost
- ≈ USD 230 (CAD 320)
- Validity
- 2 years
CELPIP General
Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
The IRCC-recognised English test built for Canadian PR.
- Duration
- ≈ 3 hours
- Cost
- ≈ CAD 280
- Validity
- 2 years
Duolingo English Test
Duolingo English Test (DET)
60-minute, at-home, adaptive English proficiency test.
- Duration
- ≈ 60 minutes
- Cost
- ≈ USD 65
- Validity
- 2 years
GRE
Graduate Record Examination
The standard for graduate school admissions.
- Duration
- 1 hour 58 minutes
- Cost
- ≈ USD 220
- Validity
- 5 years
GMAT
Graduate Management Admission Test
The MBA gatekeeper.
- Duration
- 2 hours 15 minutes (GMAT Focus Edition)
- Cost
- ≈ USD 275 – 300
- Validity
- 5 years
SAT
Scholastic Assessment Test
Undergraduate admissions across the US and beyond.
- Duration
- 2 hours 14 minutes (Digital SAT)
- Cost
- ≈ USD 60 – 100 (plus international fee)
- Validity
- 5 years (most colleges accept up to 5)
dMAT
Digital Master Test (APS India · g.a.s.t.)
The aptitude test for Indian students applying to German Master's programmes.
- Duration
- ≈ 2 hours 30 minutes (computer-based, at home or at a test centre)
- Cost
- ≈ EUR 80 – 100
- Validity
- Typically accepted for the intake cycles following your test date — confirm with each university.