Veterans preference is a legal right — not a courtesy. Federal law requires agencies to give hiring preference to eligible veterans in competitive service positions. Most veterans eligible for preference either don't use it or use it incorrectly. This guide explains exactly what preference is, who qualifies, how much it's worth, and how to make sure you get every point you're entitled to.
What Veterans Preference Actually Does
Veterans preference adds points to your score on the competitive civil service examination or rating system. It does not guarantee you a job. What it does: it moves you above equally-qualified non-veterans in the ranking, provides passover protections for 30%+ disabled veterans, and gives you rights to appeal if an agency passes over a preference-eligible veteran to hire a non-veteran.
The Two Types of Preference
5-Point Preference (TP)
Five points added to your passing score. Requires honorable or general discharge and at least one of: active duty during a declared war, active duty in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge was authorized, active duty during the period April 28, 1952 through July 1, 1955, or service on active duty for more than 180 consecutive days between February 1, 1955 and October 14, 1976. Most post-9/11 veterans with at least 181 days active service qualify for 5-point preference.
10-Point Preference (CP, CPS, XP)
Ten points added to your score, plus significantly stronger legal protections. Three qualifying conditions:
- CP (Compensable Preference): Service-connected disability rating of at least 10% but less than 30%
- CPS (Compensable Preference, 30%+): Service-connected disability of 30% or more. Strongest preference — agencies cannot pass over a CPS veteran to select a lower-ranked non-veteran without OPM approval
- XP (Other 10-Point): Purple Heart recipient, surviving spouse of veteran, spouse of disabled veteran, mother of disabled or deceased veteran, or veteran with non-compensable service-connected disability
Where Preference Applies
| Position Type | Preference Applies? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Competitive Service (GS positions) | Yes — fully | Most federal positions. Full preference rights apply. |
| Excepted Service | Partially | Agencies may use preference but not required to by law in all cases |
| Senior Executive Service (SES) | No | Preference does not apply to SES positions |
| State and local government | Varies | Most states have their own preference laws — check your state |
| Private sector | No | Federal law does not require private employers to give preference |
The Passover Protection (30%+ Disabled Veterans)
If you have a service-connected disability rating of 30% or more, agencies cannot pass you over to select a lower-ranked non-veteran without notifying you and getting approval from OPM. This is one of the strongest hiring protections in federal law. You must be on the certificate (referred list) for this protection to apply — meaning your application must have been rated and referred to the hiring manager.
How to Claim Your Preference
Veterans Preference in State Government
Every state has its own veterans preference law for state government jobs. Most follow a similar structure to federal preference but with different point values, qualifying criteria, and application processes. Check your state's Department of Human Resources or Veterans Affairs website for your state's specific preference rules. States with the strongest preference programs include Texas, Virginia, Florida, California, and New York.
Filing a Complaint
If you believe an agency violated your veterans preference rights — passed you over without notification, failed to add your preference points, or discriminated based on veteran status — you can file a complaint with the Office of Special Counsel (osc.gov) or the Merit Systems Protection Board (mspb.gov). The process is free and these agencies take veterans preference violations seriously.
Navigate Federal Hiring Correctly
Veterans preference is just one piece. The USAJOBS system has specific requirements that trip up most veterans. Read the full guide.
Read USAJOBS Guide