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Language Test Prep Hub

Pick the right test, see typical minimum scores, take a mock exam to evaluate your level, and choose a top-rated prep provider.

IELTS Academic

English
Scale
0.0–9.0 (bands)
UG minimum
6.0–6.5
PG minimum
6.5–7.0
Duration
~2h 45min
Fee
$245–$310
Format
Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking

Accepted virtually everywhere in UK, Australia, Canada, NZ, Ireland. Increasingly accepted in US.

Top-rated prep providers

  • Online courseFrom $99

    From the IELTS co-owner. Official band-aligned practice.

  • Online courseFree + paid

    Official IDP materials and full practice tests.

  • Live classes$49–$199/mo

    Top-rated live IELTS classes with expert teachers.

  • Online course$129/3 mo

    Video lessons + 200+ practice questions, 7-day refund.

  • Live classes$299+

    Live online classes, score guarantee on some packages.

TOEFL iBT

English
Scale
0–120
UG minimum
72–80
PG minimum
90–100
Duration
~2h
Fee
$185–$325
Format
Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing

Strong preference among US universities, especially STEM PhDs.

Top-rated prep providers

  • Online courseFree + $60–$200

    Made by the test maker. Real retired questions.

  • Online course$179/6 mo

    Top-rated. 4-point score increase guarantee.

  • Online course$99–$299

    Run by Josh MacPherson. Excellent free YouTube channel.

  • Live classes$399+

    Live online classes with full-length tests.

  • Self-study$30–$199

    Strong books & on-demand video.

PTE Academic

English
Scale
10–90
UG minimum
50–58
PG minimum
58–65
Duration
~2h
Fee
$200–$300
Format
Speaking & Writing, Reading, Listening (computer-scored)

Computer-scored (no human bias). Results in 2 days. Accepted by 3,000+ universities and for AU/UK/NZ visas.

Top-rated prep providers

  • Online course$10–$80

    Official scored practice tests from the test maker.

  • Live classes$49–$199/mo

    #1 PTE coaching platform globally; 24h live classes.

  • AppFree + $19/mo

    Huge bank of real-exam questions; AI scoring.

  • Online courseAUD $79+

    Aussie-based with strong score guarantees.

  • Live classesFrom $99

    1-on-1 live coaching focused on speaking templates.

Duolingo English Test

English
Scale
10–160
UG minimum
100–110
PG minimum
115–125
Duration
~1h
Fee
$65
Format
Computer adaptive, online

Cheapest and fastest. Accepted by 5,000+ universities; check policy per program.

Top-rated prep providers

Mock exam — evaluate your level

Short diagnostic modeled on the real exam format. Answer all questions, then we'll estimate your CEFR band and recommend next steps.

IELTS Academic — Practice mock (10 questions)

Mirrors the real IELTS Academic format. Allow ~20 minutes. Scored on Bands 0.0–9.0.

  1. Q1Reading

    Mitochondria are membrane-bound organelles found in most eukaryotic cells. They generate most of the cell's supply of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), used as a source of chemical energy. Beyond ATP production, mitochondria are involved in signaling, cellular differentiation, and cell death.

    According to the passage, the PRIMARY function of mitochondria is to:

  2. Q2Reading

    Although the new drug showed promise in early trials, regulators delayed approval pending additional safety data. Critics argued the delay was justified; supporters claimed it would cost lives.

    The author's tone toward the delay is best described as:

  3. Q3Grammar

    Choose the grammatically correct sentence.

  4. Q4Vocabulary

    In a research paper, 'corroborate' most nearly means:

  5. Q5Vocabulary

    Which word best completes the sentence? 'The results were _____ with our hypothesis.'

  6. Q6Listening

    Lecturer: ...so we cultured the cells for 48 hours at 37 degrees in a humidified incubator. After harvesting, we centrifuged at 1,500 g for five minutes, then resuspended the pellet in PBS. Note that we did NOT add serum to the wash buffer.

    What did the lecturer specify was NOT added to the wash buffer?

  7. Q7Reading

    Which statement is an inference, NOT a fact stated in the passage above (Q6)?

  8. Q8Grammar

    Which sentence uses the conditional correctly?

  9. Q9Vocabulary

    An 'ubiquitous' protein is one that is:

  10. Q10Writing

    Which sentence is most appropriate for an academic abstract?

Answered 0/10.

Score-to-program mapping

Pick a test to see how typical scores map to admission tiers.

TierScoreNotes
Foundation / pathway5.0–5.5Pre-master's or English bridging.
Standard undergrad6.0–6.5Most UK, Australia, Canada universities.
Standard postgrad6.5–7.0Required by most MSc programs.
Top-tier / Russell Group7.0–7.5Oxbridge, Imperial, top Australian Go8.
Health professions / Law7.5+Medicine, dentistry, pharmacy often need 7.5+.

Looking for scholarships once you have your scores? Try Scholarships or build a personalized roadmap.

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