Taking an English test at home can be a great option if you’re on a tight deadline, live far away from test centres, or want to take the test in a known, comfortable environment.
While several providers offer online English tests, your first step should be to check whether the institution you’re applying to accepts them. If they do, it’s time to look into your options.
When to take an English test at home
Choose an at-home English test when:
- You need results quickly; Duolingo results arrive within 48 hours, and LanguageCert provides scores within five working days.
- Travelling to a test centre is difficult or costly.
- You have a reliable internet connection and a suitable quiet space.
- Your university or visa authority confirms they accept the at-home version. Some institutions still prefer in-centre tests, so always double-check.
Is it harder to take an English test at home?
The content and scoring of at-home exams are the same as their test-centre counterparts. However, there are differences to keep in mind:
- Technical responsibility: you must ensure your computer and internet work properly and install any required software.
- Strict monitoring: remote proctors and AI flag any unusual movement, noise or eye contact. It can feel intense if you are not used to being recorded.
- No note-taking on paper: some tests (TOEFL) only allow a small whiteboard, which can be awkward.
- Risk of disruptions: a power cut or internet drop may invalidate your test.
- Comfort vs distraction: being at home may reduce stress, but background noise or interruptions could affect your focus.
Preparing for these factors—by testing your equipment, securing a quiet room and understanding the rules—will make the exam as smooth as possible.
Which English test can you take at home?
Here are four English tests you can take online, whether that’s at home or another private space:
1. Duolingo English Test (DET)
- Price: One test for $70 or two tests for $118
- Accepted by: 6,000 programmes worldwide
- Test length: 1 hour
- Results available in: 2 days
- What’s a good score? Duolingo English Test is scored out of 160. Scores between 100 and 125 are considered B2 equivalent in CEFR, which is what you’ll typically need to study abroad.
The Duolingo English Test is an online-only, computer-adaptive test. Computer adaptive means the questions get more difficult as you answer them correctly. It takes about an hour and includes a scored assessment, along with Writing and Speaking tasks. Before the assessment, you’ll complete a short ID verification.
Rules: keep your face and ears visible, no notes, stay in the test window, and speak only when instructed.
2. TOEFL iBT Home Edition
- Price: The exact fee for the TOEFL exam depends on where you’re based, but it’s usually between $200 and $300.
- Accepted by: 13,000 institutions (for both home-based and test centre versions)
- Test length: 2 hours
- Results available in: 3 days
- What’s a good score? Score requirements vary by university, but 80-90 is considered good.
The TOEFL iBT Home Edition covers Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing in an academic context, just like the TOEFL test taken at a centre. In the Home Edition, you’ll have a human proctor monitoring the test through webcam, screen-sharing, and chat.
3. IELTS Online
- Price: Usually $215 and $350, depending on the country.
- Accepted by: 11,000 institutions (for both home-based and test centre versions)
- Test length: 2 hours and 45 minutes
- Results available in: 6-8 days
- What’s a good score? IELTS is scored out of 9. Many undergraduate programmes ask for 6-6.5, while postgraduate programmes can be more in the 7.0-7.5 band.
IELTS Online tests Listening, Reading, and Writing skills in the same way as the IELTS test taken in a centre. For monitoring, it uses human and AI proctoring methods. The Speaking section involves a video call with a human examiner.
4. LanguageCert International ESOL SELT
- Price: Around $200, depending on the country
- Accepted by: 3,000 institutions
- Test length: 2 hours and 34 mins
- Results available in: 5 working days
- What’s a good score? LanguageCert Academic is scored out of 100. The 60-74 band is considered B2 level, which is what you’ll need for applying to most international universities.
LanguageCert offers several types of English tests, each for a specific purpose. To study abroad, you’ll need to take the Academic test. Throughout the test, there will be a live invigilator guiding you through the test sections, which are Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
How are online English tests monitored?
Online English tests are monitored through remote proctoring. Think of it as the digital version of invigilators in a test centre. Most test providers use a mix of human proctoring and AI to make sure the tests are fair and secure.
Here are some examples of what remote proctoring may include:
- Identity verification before the test (Showing your ID or passport to the camera or scanning it using an app).
- System checks to make sure your computer or operating system meets the requirements.
- Room scan using your webcam to show that there are no notes, textbooks, or other people around.
- Recording of the test to be reviewed by AI and a human. AI monitoring flags suspicious behaviour, such as looking away from the screen too often, leaving the camera view, or unusual noise. A human proctor reviews what AI has flagged.
In some cases, a live proctor can intervene, pause the test, or ask you to correct the issue (adjust your camera angle, remove an object from the desk, or stop talking).
When is an online English test a good choice?
Online English tests are good options if you need your results fast, especially when navigating tight application or visa deadlines. If you live far away from test centres, they’ll also save you time and money, as you won’t need to travel or book accommodation.
You should check, though, that you have:
- A strong and stable internet connection
- A valid passport to verify your identity before the test
- A quiet place to take the test
- All necessary equipment, including a computer, microphone, keyboard, phone, and mouse
Most importantly, make sure to check that all your target universities or visa authorities accept the online or at-home version of the test. In some cases, institutions ask for the test to be taken in a test centre.
Who accepts English tests taken from home?
Many universities accept online English tests. For example, the Duolingo English Test, which is fully online, is accepted by over 6,000 programmes worldwide. These include undergraduate and graduate degrees, language schools, and community colleges.
Keep in mind that acceptance depends on the institution, programme, and sometimes the country. The best way to confirm is to check the university’s official admissions page or contact the admissions office directly.
The same goes for online English tests for visa purposes. Some immigration authorities still ask for English tests that are taken in accredited centres. Make sure to double-check this.
Test centre vs at home: Which one should you choose?
Once you know if your institution accepts online English tests, the choice comes down to practical factors and personal preference. Both options assess the same language skills, but the testing experience can feel very different.
Here is a comparison of three types of tests: computer-based at the test centre, remote-proctored at home, and traditional paper test.
Computer-based test at a test centre | Online test taken from home | On-paper test at a test-centre | |
Type of monitoring | Exam staff present plus secure technology | Digital monitoring, real people reviewing sessions | In-person staff |
Reliability | Depends on the test centre and the staff | Depends on individual compliance and your own software | Depends on the test centre and the staff |
Technical risk | Low (centre-managed equipment) | Medium (depends on your internet and device) | Very low (minimal tech involved) |
Advantages | High security, fewer technical issues, and reliable equipment | Flexible scheduling, no travel, faster results | Minimal tech risk |
Disadvantages | Travel required, limited test dates, stressful environment in test centres | Not always accepted for visas, depends a lot on your own equipment | Less flexible, can be stressful, fixed schedules |
Spotlight on Duolingo: An accessible and affordable online test
Duolingo English Test stands out as one of the shortest and most affordable online English tests. Results arrive in only two days, and students don’t need to navigate the test centres’ availability.
Here is how it works in more detail:
Format | Set up and ID verification 5 minutes Scored assessment 45 minutes Writing and speaking samples 10 minutes |
Online or in person | Online only (home-based) |
Proctoring methods | AI monitoring + human review of flagged behaviour |
Length | 60 minutes |
Requirements | Computer, webcam, microphone, stable internet, phone, quiet room, ID or passport for identity checks |
Rules | Look at the screen at all times Form your own sentences, don’t read from elsewhere Speak only when asked Stay in the camera frame Don’t take notes or record questions No VPN, headphones, earbuds, or extra screens and devices |
Price | $59-70 (depending on how many tests you buy) |
How long for results | 48 hours |
Free practice material available? | Yes! Create an account on Duolingo English Test, and access free practice questions. |
Considering an online English test?
If you have all the following, you can safely book an online English test:
- Confirmation that your institution accepts online English tests.
- A quiet, well-lit testing space where you’ll be alone and free from distractions.
- A laptop or desktop computer with a working webcam, microphone, and speaker.
- A fully charged phone to use as a second camera (if required).
- A stable internet connection.
- Valid ID or passport.
Enjoy the fast, affordable online English tests taken from the comfort of your home!
