UPDATE: This article was originally posted on May 14, 2018. It has been updated with new information and tips below. 

If you’ve started the MBA application process, you know just how competitive it is to land a spot at one of the world’s top business school programs. 

Harvard Business School, for example, receives nearly 10,000 applications for just ~950 spots in its highly-coveted MBA program. This means that all aspects of your profile must be as strong as possible when you send in your application. 

Undoubtedly, one of the main factors that contributes to your profile’s competitiveness if you are an international student is your English proficiency test score. What’s often less clear to applicants, however, is which test – TOEFL, PTE, DuoLingo, IELTS, and more – is best for their application.  

The short answer is that there is no short answer to the question! Rather, there are a number of factors you should take into consideration when determining which test is better for your application strategy. Keep reading to learn more about each test’s unique characteristics, as well as the pros and cons you should consider. 

 

What is MBA language testing all about?

Language testing is a way for English-language MBA programs around the world to test the English levels of international applicants in order to ensure that candidates are capable of using the English language at a high enough level to participate in the program.

It might seem a little unfair, until you stop to think about it. One of the greatest things about the MBA is all of the group projects you will work on and all of the amazing class discussions you will have. 

These unique aspects of the MBA program will allow you to learn from the experiences of your future business school’s diverse community. However, if you aren’t able to speak English fluently, it is very difficult for you to really make the most of the program. Language testing “pre-screens” students to ensure this doesn’t happen.

 

What MBA language tests fulfill this requirement?

There are four MBA primary tests that can be taken to fulfill this requirement. These are:

• TOEFL
• IELTS
• PTE
• DuoLingo English Test

Each test has a unique format, so it’s important to understand how each works to choose the test that works best for you.

TOEFL 

TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. The TOEFL is perhaps the most “famous” or “traditional” language test out there. The test is offered in two formats, internet-based and paper-based. It is primarily an American English test, though more diverse accents have been added in recent years.

The TOEFL iBT (internet-based) test is taken by 97% of test-takers, and, in most locations, is the only option available when you register for the TOEFL. This version consists of 4 sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Test takers are given a score out of 30 for each section, leading to a final score out of 120. The test lasts about 2 hours, and you receive your results in around 4-8 business days. The fee for the test varies based on your location.

Note: Starting January 21, 2026, the TOEFL iBT test will be updated to a new 1–6 band scale in half-point increments. For a two-year transition period, test takers will also receive a comparable score on the 0–120 scale. 

Check out this link if you have specific questions about the iBT test, or want to learn more about how to register for the test.

The TOEFL PBT test is only offered in locations where the TOEFL iBT is not offered, due to internet connectivity issues. This version also consists of three mandatory sections: Reading, Listening, and Structure/Expression. You may also add the option of the writing test. The test is scored between 310–677 points, and the results take several weeks to receive. Costs of the test vary by location. 

Most schools don’t have a “strict” score requirement (though scores under 100 will be red flags, and scores over 105 are generally considered good). The exceptions are Harvard Business School, which requires 109 or higher, and INSEAD, which requires 105 or higher.

If you would like more information about the PBT test, please visit this link. 

IELTS 

 IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. The IELTS is commonly thought of as the “British” language test, and with good reason. The IELTS is administered by the British Council, primarily using speakers with British accents, though you do not need to speak with a British accent to get a good score on this test.

There are two versions of the test: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. For the MBA, you should take the Academic version of the test.

The IELTS Academic test consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The Listening, Reading, and Writing sections must all be completed on the same day in the same test session. Depending on the location, the Speaking section may be administered on a different day, but this must occur within 7 days of the other test session.

Each section of the IELTS Academic test is scored on a scale of 1 to 9, which is transformed into an overall score ranging from 1 to 9. Scores are typically released 3-5 business days after you take the test. 

Most schools don’t have a “strict” score requirement (though scores under 7 will be red flags, and scores over 7.5 are generally considered good). The exceptions are Harvard Business School, which requires 7.5 or higher, and INSEAD, which requires 7.5 or higher.

The cost of the test varies based on location.

For additional information about the IELTS test, please visit their site here. 

PTE Academic 

 PTE stands for Pearson Tests of English. It is a relatively new test designed to measure your English skills in a faster and more “practical” manner. The test also consists of three sections: Speaking & Writing, Listening, and Reading. The test must be taken on a single day. The test lasts between 2.5 hours and 3.5 hours. Each section of the test is scored on a scale of 10–90, and you will receive an overall score ranging from 10–90. Scores are released within 5 days of taking the test. For the MBA, you should take the Academic version of the test.

The cost of the test varies based on location.

Most schools don’t have a “strict” score requirement (though scores under 65 will be red flags, and scores over 70 are generally considered good). The exception is Harvard Business School, which requires 75 or higher.

For more information about the PTE test, please visit their site. 

A new option! The Duolingo English Test 

In addition to the PTE, TOEFL, and IELTS, a growing list of schools, like Harvard Business School and NYU Stern, are accepting the Duolingo English Test. 

It offers several advantages over traditional tests like TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE:

• Convenience: Take the test from the comfort of your home.
• Affordability: The test costs only $70, making it a budget-friendly choice.
• Quick Results: Receive your scores within two days.

In general, this is often the option my clients score best on. It’s also the cheapest and reports test results more quickly than the TOEFL or IELTS. 

If you want to make sure you get a “good” score on the Duolingo test, you should aim for 130 or higher (though you should verify your target school’s specific score requirements). The exception is Harvard Business School, which requires 145 or higher.

For important policies on the Duolingo test, including how many times you can take the test, if the test is available online, etc., please refer here. 

 

Do the business schools prefer one test over another? Which one should I choose?

Nowadays, most top business schools accept PTE, TOEFL, and IELTS and do not prefer one test over the other. Additionally, many schools are now taking the Duolingo English Test, and this is not seen as better or worse than any of the more “traditional” tests. 

NOTE: not all schools accept all tests. When developing your application strategy, make sure you verify which tests are accepted at your top-choice schools to ensure you take the right exam(s). 

 

When deciding to take the test, it’s important to consider a few key factors.

Choosing which test to take can be complicated. 

First, how much time do you have? If you are taking the test last-minute, it might be a good idea to take the Duolingo English Test, as you will receive your scores faster than any other test. 

The Duolingo English test even allows you to purchase “Faster Results,” which gives you your results in just 12 hours. 

As with all tests, you need to take the test before the MBA deadlines, but do not need to have received your scores before the deadline. However, if you think there is a chance you might need to retake the test or want to make sure to see your score before sending it in your application, you might want to opt for faster results.

Second, do you prefer to have your speaking tested in person or via computer? One of the most important factors for many of our clients is the fact that they feel much more comfortable having their speaking tested in person. If this describes you, you’re best off taking the IELTS test, which conducts its speaking section in person.

Third, do you prefer a more practical test? Having spoken with countless clients and students about their experiences on all of the tests, it is my strong belief that the Duolingo and PTE tests are much more practical in their approach to testing your skills. Whereas the TOEFL often tests speaking by playing a talk on cave systems and then asking test-takers to speak about the details presented about cave systems, the other exams tend to focus much more on the way you actually use English in your day-to-day life. If you struggle with speaking, you may want to avoid the TOEFL.

Finally, how relevant is cost? There is a big difference in the cost of the exams. 

 

Who is required to take these language tests?

Language tests are required for all applicants from non-English speaking countries.

If you attended an English-language university or lived in an English-speaking country for more than 2 years, you probably do not need to take a language test. 

Check with your particular programs of interest for specific details. You can always reach out to your target school via email to ask if you would be required to take a language test, based on your situation. 

 

Doesn’t my GMAT or GRE Verbal score show the admissions committee I can speak English well enough?

Unfortunately no. The GMAT or GRE Verbal section is not designed to test your English language skills but is more designed to test your logic and critical thinking skills. Though you do need strong English skills to score well on the GMAT or GRE Verbal section, this is not enough to substitute language testing.

 

Do the business schools prefer one test over another?

No. As long as you meet a school’s minimum score requirements, your application will be considered complete.

 

What are the minimum score requirements for the business school I am interested in?

This varies greatly (so verify your target school’s requirements!), but with a few exceptions, a good rule of thumb is that business schools like to see scores above 105 for TOEFL, above 7.5 for IELTS, above 130 for Duolingo, and above 72 for PTE. 

There are a few schools with very firm minimum scores (INSEAD and Harvard Business School, to name a few), so it’s always a good idea to visit the website of the program you’re interested in for specific testing requirements. 

 

How long should I plan to study for the test?

This depends greatly on which test you are taking and your English language abilities, ranging from a week to a few months.

I feel that, based on our experience with numerous international applicants, TOEFL and IELTS require more preparation than PTE or Duolingo tests, since the scoring systems are more complex and the tasks you are required to complete are not always intuitive.

In terms of preparation, if you speak English fluently, you won’t need as much time to prepare. If you feel your English is not yet fluent, it is a good idea to invest in private English lessons or a test preparation course to improve your skills before the test.

Regardless, make sure you invest time into understanding how the test works, what is included in each of the sections, and how you score points on the test. Even a native English speaker can receive a relatively low score simply for not knowing the “rules” of the test.

 

Do I need private tutoring?

This depends greatly on you and how you like to learn. Many of our clients will do a 1-week intensive preparation course with a private teacher to make sure they perform their best on test day. 

We have an equal number of clients who prepare on their own and score well. If you need help improving your English skills or need someone to help structure your study plan, private tutoring could be a good idea for you.

If you’re preparing on your own, sites like Magoosh, have a variety of prep options. 

 

Will it look bad if I take one test multiple times or if I try different language tests?

 In a word, no! 

Not everyone performs at their best on test day. 

The admissions committee will appreciate your dedication and commitment to improvement when you take the test multiple times to increase your score. If your target school has a minimum score, we recommend continuing your testing until you meet this minimum score. 

Don’t give up until you get the result you want!

 

Set the appropriate strategy for your profile

During the MBA application process, you will need to make thousands of decisions that will impact your life for decades to come. 

One of the most important decisions is how to navigate the language requirement aspect of your MBA application. 

Though you may be tempted just to hope for the best, having a trusted ally who can use their deep knowledge of your profile and what different business schools look for can be the difference between getting into your dream MBA program and wishing you’d done everything differently. 

But perhaps you’re not even quite sure what programs you want to target! 

Many applicants start out with a general idea of what they want out of an MBA but lack specifics. 

It’s best to have a trusted application coach step in at this point to help you define what you want out of your career, create concrete short-term and long-term goals for this career path, identify which business schools can best help you turn these dreams into reality, and help you develop a solid test-taking strategy to back it all up. 

If you’d like to start exceptional MBA coaches, like former Harvard admissions committee members, to work for you right from the very start, Leland’s hourly packages are a great option. You can start with as few as 1 hour to make sure you get the targeted help you need within your budget. 

Find your perfect coach today! 

We earn a small commission when you book coaching through our link, which helps support the free resources we create.