Published by NEXT Pitch Agency. Our own program, NEXT Pitch English, appears once as a Sponsored option; the three tests are not ranked.
There's no single "best" English test. Take the one that every school on your list (or nearly every school) accepts. In 2026 most U.S. colleges accept TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, and the Duolingo English Test (DET). A practical approach: take the DET first (about an hour, from home, US$70) to see where you stand, then move to TOEFL or IELTS if your target schools require or prefer them. And keep this straight from day one: English test scores are a college admission requirement, not an NCAA eligibility requirement.
This guide is based on official information as of October 2026 from ETS / ETS Japan, the Eiken Foundation of Japan (IELTS), the Duolingo English Test, and published university requirements. Nothing here guarantees admission, test scores, scholarships, playing time, or visas.
English tests are for admission, not eligibility
English score requirements are set by each college's international admissions office, not by the NCAA, NAIA, or NJCAA. A coach being interested in you doesn't mean the English requirement is taken care of.
| Track | Who decides | How English tests fit in (public info, Oct 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| NCAA D1 / D2 initial eligibility | NCAA Eligibility Center | The NCAA's international page lists 16 core-course credits, a minimum core GPA (2.3 for D1, 2.2 for D2), transcripts in the original language with certified English translations, and proof of graduation. English tests are not on that list |
| NCAA D3 | Each school (academics) + Eligibility Center (amateurism) | Each school sets its own academic standards, including English |
| NAIA | NAIA Eligibility Center (PlayNAIA) | NAIA's guide: graduate with a 2.3+ GPA, or meet two of three (ACT 18 / SAT 970, 2.0 GPA, top half of class). English tests aren't an eligibility rule, but schools may still require them for admission |
| JUCO (two-year, mainly NJCAA) | Each college + NJCAA | Baseline eligibility centers on high school graduation; English requirements come from each college's admissions office |
| College admission | Each university / program | Decides which tests it accepts (TOEFL / IELTS / DET), minimum scores, and any waivers |
If you want to track eligibility, admission, English, and visa as separate columns, see our NCAA Eligibility Center and English test checklist. For how the levels themselves differ, see today's companion post, NCAA D1 vs D2 vs D3 vs NAIA vs JUCO.
How we compare (our criteria)
We look at the three tests through six criteria that matter for Japanese high school recruits. We don't score or rank the tests.
| Criterion | What to check |
|---|---|
| A. Accepted by your schools | Does every school on your list accept it? Any extra conditions for specific programs or scholarships? |
| B. Access from Japan | Test center vs. at home, scheduling flexibility, fit around matches and travel |
| C. Cost | Fee in Japan, retakes, extra score reports |
| D. Results and score sending | How fast results come back; how scores are sent and what that costs |
| E. Format (especially speaking) | Face-to-face interview vs. recorded answers: where do you perform best? |
| F. Easy-to-read scores | How easily the score lines up with school requirements (including TOEFL's 2026 scale change) |
Data rule: Fees, formats, and result timing come from each test's official site as of October 2026. They change with exchange rates and test updates, so confirm before you register. University figures are published minimums, not national averages.
Comparison table: TOEFL iBT vs. Duolingo English Test vs. IELTS Academic
The real differences come down less to "difficulty" and more to format, cost, how fast you get results, and how speaking is tested.
| TOEFL iBT | Duolingo English Test (DET) | IELTS Academic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Run by | ETS (ETS Japan locally) | Duolingo | British Council / IDP and partners (in Japan: Eiken Foundation, JSAF, and others) |
| Where | Test center or at home | Online, at home, no appointment (computer with camera plus a smartphone) | Computer-delivered at test centers (Eiken's paper-based test ended in August 2026) |
| Length | About 2 hours including setup; Reading and Listening are two-stage adaptive | About 1 hour, including an ungraded video interview and writing sample | About 2 hours 45 minutes (Listening, Reading, Writing, plus an 11–14 minute Speaking test) |
| Score scale | 1–6 in half bands for tests from Jan 21, 2026; a comparable 0–120 score also appears on reports through January 2028 | 10–160 in 5-point steps | 9-band scale in half bands |
| Fee in Japan | US$195 standard (US$244 after the regular deadline) | US$70 | ¥29,700 (Eiken, for registrations from Sept 1, 2026) |
| Results | Check ETS's official schedule | Usually within 2 days | Online 1–5 days after the test (Eiken, computer-delivered) |
| Sending scores | Up to 4 free reports to recipients you pick by 10 p.m. (test-center time) the day before the test; additional reports cost a fee (ETS lists US$25 on its send-scores page and US$29 in its fee table, so check when you order) | Free to unlimited institutions | Electronic delivery is free (paper copies may cost extra) |
| Speaking | Recorded on computer | Recorded on computer | Face-to-face, one-on-one with an examiner |
| Score validity | 2 years | 2 years (check each school) | 2 years from the test date |
| Watch-outs for soccer players | Book center dates early around matches and travel | You need a quiet private room and stable internet | Under-18s must be registered by a parent or guardian (Eiken) |
Sources: ETS "TOEFL iBT Score Scale Update" and "Sending Your TOEFL iBT Scores"; ETS Japan test format and fee page; Duolingo English Test official blog (updated Feb 2026) and DET scoring information; ielts.org test format; Eiken Foundation IELTS test guide.
What scores do colleges ask for? (published examples)
Minimums vary by school, by program, and by admission type, sometimes within the same school (regular vs. conditional admission). These are published examples, not national averages.
| University (official site) | Admission type | TOEFL iBT | IELTS | DET |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Houston | Undergraduate | 4.0 (new 1–6 scale) | 6.5 overall | 105 |
| Loyola University New Orleans | Degree-seeking undergraduate | 79+ (as listed) | 6.5+ | 115+ |
| Loyola University New Orleans | Pilot Program (intensive English + credit courses) | 61–78 | 5.5–6.0 | 100–114 |
Three takeaways:
- The same IELTS score doesn't line up with the same DET score everywhere. Both schools above ask for IELTS 6.5, but one pairs it with DET 105 and the other with 115. Each school sets its own equivalencies.
- Conditional and ESL pathways exist at some schools, so falling short of regular admission doesn't always end the conversation. Terms and credit rules vary. See When English Scores Aren't Ready: ESL, Conditional Admission, and College Soccer.
- TOEFL moved to a 1–6 scale in 2026. ETS recommends that old requirements of 100 / 90 / 80 / 70 become 5 / 4.5 / 4 / 3.5. Score reports also show a comparable 0–120 score through January 2028, so you can still apply to schools that list old-scale numbers.
ETS also says it has not run a concordance study with the DET. Use each school's own table instead of converting TOEFL to DET yourself.
How to think about each test
None of these is "better" across the board. Choose by FIT with your target schools, your schedule, and the format you perform best in.
TOEFL iBT
TOEFL iBT is ETS's test and a long-standing standard at U.S. colleges. For tests taken from January 21, 2026, scores use a 1–6 scale in half bands, and Reading and Listening are two-stage adaptive. In Japan the standard fee is US$195, and you can test at a center or at home (ETS Japan).
- Good fit: your schools require or prefer TOEFL; you want to build academic reading and listening first
- Not a great fit: heavy travel makes center dates hard (check the at-home rules); you need the cheapest option
- Where to check: ETS TOEFL, ETS Japan
Duolingo English Test (DET)
The DET is Duolingo's online test: about an hour at home, US$70, results usually within two days, and free score sending to unlimited institutions (Duolingo English Test official blog, updated February 2026). It ends with an ungraded video interview and writing sample that are shared with the schools you send scores to.
- Good fit: you want a quick read on your current level; you're in season and can't get to a test center; most of your schools accept it
- Not a great fit: a target school or program doesn't accept it; you can't count on a quiet private room and stable internet
- Where to check: Duolingo English Test, each school's English requirement page
IELTS Academic
IELTS is run by the British Council, IDP, and partners. In Japan, the Eiken Foundation offers it on computer, with Speaking as a face-to-face interview with an examiner. Results come back in 1–5 days, scores are valid for two years from the test date, and the fee is ¥29,700 for registrations from September 1, 2026 (Eiken). If you're short in one section, ask your test center whether a One Skill Retake is offered and whether your schools accept it.
- Good fit: you speak better with a real person in the room; you're also considering the UK or Australia
- Not a great fit: a target school doesn't accept IELTS (many U.S. schools do, but confirm); a long test day wears you out
- Where to check: Eiken Foundation IELTS, JSAF (IDP), each school's English requirement page
Choosing a test in 5 steps
Don't pick a test and then go looking for schools. Work backward from your school list.
| Step | What to do | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Draft a school list | Shortlist 10–20 realistic schools based on soccer level, academics, cost, and environment FIT | Choosing a test based on a list of famous names |
| 2. Build a requirements table | For each school: accepted tests, minimum overall score, section minimums, conditional admission, deadlines | Assuming one school's rules apply everywhere |
| 3. Pick the test | Go with the test all (or most) of your schools accept; if you're unsure, start with the DET | Taking whatever a friend took |
| 4. Lock in dates | Work back from application deadlines, recruiting, and your match calendar; leave room for a retake | One shot right before the deadline |
| 5. Send and keep records | Confirm the official sending method and cost; share the score report with your family | Forgetting to send, then "we never received your scores" |
Applications and recruiting usually run on separate tracks. For the application calendar, see Common App Is Not the Recruiting Email: A Dual Calendar. For registration timing, see the NCAA Eligibility Center registration timeline.
Test prep isn't the same as English on the field
A test score proves your English for admission. Talking with coaches, following instructions at practice, and holding your own in the locker room take separate preparation. If you need both, give each its own plan.
| Goal | Examples | Watch out |
|---|---|---|
| Test score (admission) | Official prep materials and practice tests (the DET has a free practice test), dedicated test-prep schools | Conversation lessons alone usually aren't enough to hit a score target |
| Conversation on the field (coaches, team, daily life) | Athlete-focused English. Example: NEXT Pitch English (Sponsored), practical conversation for Japanese soccer players aiming to play abroad | Not test prep; no score or improvement guarantee |
| Speaking volume and habits | General online English lessons, reading aloud, shadowing | You'll have to add the soccer context yourself |
NEXT Pitch English (Sponsored) is a place to practice English for tryouts, team life, conversations with coaches, and living abroad. It is not an exam-prep class and comes with no score or improvement guarantee. It may help players who freeze up when speaking English, for example in the DET video interview or the IELTS face-to-face speaking test, but it doesn't replace score prep. Details are at NEXT Pitch English. For a broader look at the options, see our guide to English conversation programs for athletes.
Checklist: avoid the common mistakes
Most test-choice problems come from missed requirements and bad timing, not English ability.
| Check | Good | Needs attention |
|---|---|---|
| Accepted tests | Confirmed school by school, in one table | "It's probably accepted everywhere" |
| Section minimums | Checked section rules, not just the overall score | Only looked at the overall score |
| TOEFL scale | Checked against both the 1–6 and 0–120 scales | Going by old-scale numbers only |
| Test date | Avoids matches, travel, and school exams; leaves time for a retake | First attempt right before the deadline |
| At-home setup | Quiet room, internet, and equipment tested ahead of time | Winging it in a dorm or on a road trip |
| Sending scores | Method, cost, and deadlines confirmed | Forgot to send, or scores expired |
| Separate plans | Test prep and conversation practice planned separately | "Conversation lessons will raise my score" |
FAQ
1. Which is best for studying in the U.S.: TOEFL, Duolingo, or IELTS?
There's no universal best. Choose the test that every school (or nearly every school) on your list accepts. Many U.S. colleges accept all three in 2026, but some schools or programs don't accept a particular test, so check each school's English requirement page.
2. Do I need a TOEFL score to play NCAA soccer?
The NCAA's published initial-eligibility requirements for international students (D1/D2) cover core courses, core GPA, transcripts with translations, and proof of graduation. No English test is listed. But you still have to be admitted, and colleges commonly require TOEFL, IELTS, or DET scores for that.
3. Do U.S. colleges really accept the Duolingo English Test?
Many do. For example, the University of Houston and Loyola University New Orleans both publish DET minimums. Some schools or programs don't accept it, and schools set different DET minimums for the same IELTS level (105 vs. 115 alongside IELTS 6.5 in the examples above). Always check the official requirement.
4. How did TOEFL scoring change in 2026?
According to ETS, tests taken from January 21, 2026 report each section and the overall score on a 1–6 scale in half bands (the overall score is the average of the four sections). Score reports also include a comparable 0–120 score through January 2028. ETS recommends that old requirements of 80 / 90 / 100 become 4 / 4.5 / 5.
5. What score do soccer recruits need?
Admissions, not coaches, sets English minimums, and they vary by school. Published examples for regular undergraduate admission include TOEFL 4.0 on the new scale (University of Houston) or 79 (Loyola New Orleans), IELTS 6.5, and DET 105–115, with lower thresholds for some conditional programs. Don't assume recruiting waives English requirements; confirm school by school.
6. How many times should I take the test?
There's no set number. Work back from your deadlines and leave room for a retake in case you fall short. Some players use the at-home DET during the season and take TOEFL or IELTS at a test center when they can block out a date.
7. Will NEXT Pitch English raise my test score?
We can't promise that. NEXT Pitch English (Sponsored) is practical conversation training for soccer players, not an exam-prep class. Handle score prep with official materials or a test-prep service, and treat conversation practice as preparation for speaking on the field and on campus.
Summary: choose by FIT with your schools, not by the test's name
- English tests are an admission requirement, separate from NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA eligibility
- Work backward from your school list and go with the test they all accept
- Use the DET (at home, about an hour, US$70) to benchmark, then TOEFL or IELTS if your schools require or prefer them
- Check TOEFL requirements on both the new 1–6 and old 0–120 scales
- Plan test prep and conversation practice separately
Just like choosing a college, choose your test by FIT with your target schools, your schedule, and the format you perform best in, not by name recognition. If you'd like help building a school list that accounts for English requirements, start at Apply / Contact and tell us your position, graduation year, current club, and current English level. We do not guarantee placement, scholarships, playing time, admission, or visas.
Related reading
- NCAA Eligibility Center and English tests for Japanese athletes
- When English scores aren't ready: ESL, conditional admission, and college soccer
- English conversation programs for athletes (2026)
- NCAA soccer explained for Japanese players (2026)
- NCAA D1 vs D2 vs D3 vs NAIA vs JUCO
- Choosing a college soccer agency in Japan (2026)
- Common App vs. the recruiting email: a dual calendar
- F-1 visa interview prep for Japanese college soccer recruits
- U.S. college soccer hub
Publisher and disclosure
Published by NEXT Pitch Agency (https://www.nextpitch.agency). NEXT Pitch English is our own program and is marked Sponsored; it is not exam prep and carries no score or improvement guarantee. TOEFL, the Duolingo English Test, and IELTS are not NEXT Pitch products, and this article does not rank them. We do not guarantee admission, test scores, scholarships, playing time, roster spots, or visas. Fees, formats, scoring, and school requirements change; information reflects public sources as of October 2026, so confirm with each test's official site and your schools before registering or applying.
Official references:
- ETS — TOEFL iBT Score Scale Update: https://www.ets.org/toefl/institutions/ibt/score-scale-update.html
- ETS — Sending Your TOEFL iBT Scores: https://www.ets.org/toefl/test-takers/ibt/scores/send-scores.html
- ETS Japan — test format and fees: https://www.toefl-ibt.jp/test_takers/toefl_ibt/advantages.html
- Duolingo English Test blog — How to prepare: https://blog.englishtest.duolingo.com/duolingo-english-test-readiness/
- Duolingo English Test — Scores: https://englishtest.duolingo.com/scores
- IELTS — IELTS Academic test format: https://ielts.org/take-a-test/test-types/ielts-academic-test
- Eiken Foundation — IELTS test guide: https://www.eiken.or.jp/ielts/test/
- NCAA — International Student-Athletes: https://www.ncaa.org/eligibility-center/initial-eligibility-requirements/international-student-athletes/
- NAIA — Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete: https://www.naia.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/naia_guide_college_bound_student-1.pdf
- University of Houston — English Language Requirements: https://www.uh.edu/undergraduate-admissions/apply/international/english-language-requirements/index.php
- Loyola University New Orleans — International Undergraduate Students: https://loyno.edu/admissions/how-apply/international-undergraduate-students
Japanese version: https://www.nextpitch.agency/blog/toefl-duolingo-ielts-comparison-us-college-soccer