Sending Praxis score without a job is a situation many teacher candidates face.
What if you’re just finishing a preparation program, changing careers, or simply not hired yet?
Praxis registration still asks for score recipients.
This post explains how to handle Praxis score reports when you are not employed, based on common candidate experiences and typical certification pathways.
It clearly guides you through your choices, without assuming outcomes or copying official exam language.
Why does Praxis asks for score recipients?
Praxis allows candidates to send scores to selected institutions or agencies so results are available for certification, program completion, or employment review.
However, having no job offer at the time of testing is very common and expected.
The score recipient section is not a test requirement, it is a reporting preference.
This aligns with general score-reporting explanations provided through ETS, though individual certification pathways may differ by state.
What are the options for sending Praxis score without a job?
1. Send scores to yourself (personal record)
One common option is selecting yourself as the score recipient.
This ensures you can access and download your official score report later when needed.
This is often the safest choice if:
- you are unsure where you’ll work
- you plan to apply to multiple states or districts
2. Send scores to your college or preparation program
If you are enrolled in or recently completed a teacher preparation program, sending scores to your college is often helpful.
This is especially useful if:
- your program requires Praxis scores for completion
- you are still student teaching
- your institution assists with licensure paperwork
3. Send scores to your state Department of Education
Many candidates choose to send scores directly to their state’s certification agency.
This option works well if:
- you are applying for licensure independently
- your program does not handle certification submissions
- you want scores on file with the state early
4. Send scores to a State even If you’re not ready to apply
Some candidates send scores to a state they plan to apply to later.
This can save time when licensure applications open.
But this should be done carefully.
- Only send if you are reasonably certain about the state
- Certification rules vary by state
5. Use the “Free Score Reports” strategically
Praxis often allows a limited number of free score reports if selected during registration.
If you don’t have a job yet:
- use at least one free report for yourself or your program
- avoid guessing an employer unless instructed to do so
6. Leave employer or school district blank
If the system allows you to proceed without listing an employer, many candidates choose this route.
Not having an employer listed:
- does not affect your score
- does not invalidate your test
- does not prevent future score sending
7. Send scores later (additional reports)
You can send Praxis scores after testing for an additional fee.
This option is helpful if:
- you get hired later
- you decide to move states
- you change certification pathways
8. Handle score reports while student teaching
If you are still student teaching:
- sending scores to your college or state is sufficient
- you do not need a school district listed yet
Student teaching placements are not the same as employment and usually do not require direct score reporting.
9. Retrieving Praxis scores many years later
If you need Praxis scores from years ago, you may still access them through your Praxis account.
Candidates seeking scores after a long time often:
- log into their original account
- request archived score reports if available
- use scores for record verification rather than new certification
Availability depends on record retention policies, so early retrieval is recommended once you regain access.
Frequently asked questions on sending Praxis score without a job
1. What should you put as a score recipient when scheduling Praxis without a job?
You can list yourself, your college, or your state certification agency. An employer is not required.
2. Do you need to list your college when sending Praxis scores if you don’t have a job yet?
Only if your program requires it. Otherwise, it is optional.
3. How do you handle Praxis score reports when you’re still student teaching?
Most candidates send scores to their preparation program or state and add employers later if needed.
4. Can you leave the score recipient section blank on your Praxis registration?
If the system allows you to continue without selecting an employer, leaving it blank is generally acceptable.
5. What are the options for sending Praxis scores before being hired?
Options include sending to yourself, your college, your state, or delaying employer reports until after hiring.
6. How do I get my Praxis scores after 10+ years?
You may be able to retrieve them by logging into your Praxis account or requesting archived reports, depending on availability.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Guessing a random school district
- Assuming score recipients affect pass/fail status
- Panicking during registration due to employment status
- Delaying retrieval of old scores once you regain access
In conclusion
Sending Praxis score without a job is a normal situation, not a problem.
Praxis scores remain valid regardless of employment status, and you have multiple flexible options for reporting them.
Choose recipients that align with your current stage and remember, additional score reports can always be sent later.
For confirmation, review general score reporting guidance through ETS or their state’s department of education before making final decisions.
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