01 · Who asks
The test is for admission, not for eligibility
The NCAA and NAIA eligibility centers review your grades and graduation. The English test is asked for by the university admissions office, because you need to be admitted before you can play.
English test
Score at or above the minimum
Admission
The university admits you
I-20
The university issues it
F-1 visa
You apply with the I-20
No admission, no I-20, no visa. That is why the right test depends on the universities on your list, not on the division.
02 · The three tests
Three tests, side by side
Duolingo English Test
- Where
- At home, online
- Length
- About 1 hour
- Scale
- 10-160
- Results
- About 2 days
- Speaking
- Recorded
TOEFL iBT
- Where
- Center or at home
- Length
- About 90 min (2026)
- Scale
- 1 to 6, half points
- Results
- 3 days
- Speaking
- Recorded
IELTS Academic
- Where
- Test center
- Length
- 2 h 45 min
- Scale
- 0 to 9, half bands
- Results
- A few days on computer
- Speaking
- Face to face
Scores are valid for 2 years in all three (IELTS recommends 2). Prices change by country and over time: check the official site before you book.
03 · Which one
Which one should you take?
Three questions. The answer appears as you go.
01Do all the universities on your list accept the Duolingo English Test?
02Would you rather take the test from home?
03Do you speak better with a person in front of you?
A starting point, not a rule: the right test is always the one your universities accept.
04 · TOEFL 2026
The new TOEFL scale, decoded
Since January 21, 2026 the TOEFL iBT is shorter and scores from 1 to 6, aligned with the European CEFR levels.
Until January 2028 the score report also shows a comparable score on the old 0 to 120 scale, so a university that still asks for an 80 can read your result.
05 · When
When to take it
Scores are valid for 2 years, so any time in your last two years works.
Book it now. Coaches move faster when your file is complete.
For a second attempt. Many players improve a lot once they know the format. Do at least one full official practice test first.
Can you skip it? Sometimes: some universities waive it if you studied in English, come from a country where English is official or have certain English grades. Each school publishes its own rules. Ask before you pay for a test.
06 · Tell coaches
Put it in your email to coaches
Include your score, or your test date if you have not taken it yet. For a coach, an international player with the English test done is a player who can be admitted on time.
The mistake we see most: leaving the test for the end.
A player gets an offer and then admission is delayed because the test is missing or below the minimum. Take it early and the offer can move straight to admission.
07 · Questions
Quick answers
Does the NCAA require TOEFL, Duolingo or IELTS?
No. The NCAA and NAIA eligibility centers look at your grades and graduation. The English test is required by each university for admission, and each one decides which tests it accepts and the minimum score.
Is the Duolingo English Test accepted by US universities?
Duolingo says its test is accepted by thousands of institutions, and many US universities take it. Not all do, so check the international admissions page of each school on your list.
My university asks for a TOEFL of 80. How do I read the new 1 to 6 score?
Until January 2028, TOEFL score reports also show a comparable score on the old 0 to 120 scale, so the university can compare it with its minimum. ETS publishes the full conversion table.