Veteran's Information

Preference Points

Veterans Preference Points are awarded in open and open nonpromotional entrance examinations requiring less than college graduation and two years of experience. In OPEN examinations, eligible veterans, widows/widowers of veterans, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans receive 10 points. Eligible disabled veterans receive 15 points. In OPEN NONPROMOTIONAL examinations, eligible veterans receive five points. Eligible disabled veterans receive 10 points. Individuals who receive veterans points are not eligible for career credits pursuant to Sections 18950.1, 18951. NOTE: No veterans preference points will be allowed once a veteran achieves permanent civil service status.

The Examination Announcement will tell you whether or not Veterans Preference Points will be awarded. The points are added to the final score only after the candidate has successfully passed all parts of the examination. To apply for Veterans Points, obtain a copy of the Veterans Preference application (SPB1093) from the State Personnel Board or any departmental testing office and return it with a copy of your DD214 and your examination application. Disabled veterans must apply for every examination. Nondisabled veterans, widows/widowers of all veterans, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans need apply once.

Current/Former Employees

Individuals who received Veterans points are not eligible for career credits pursuant to Sections 18950.1, 18951, and 18951.5. Due to changes in the law, which were effective January 1, 1996, Veterans who achieve permanent civil service status are not eligible to receive Veterans' credits.

Permanent civil service status means the status of an employee who is lawfully retained in his/her position after completion of the applicable probationary period. This includes permanent intermittent, part-time, and full-time appointments. In addition, individuals who at any time achieved permanent civil service status and subsequently resigned or were dismissed from Civil Service are not eligible to receive veterans' credits.

• Forms page
• For more information:  California Veterans' Services Directory