Veterans' Information
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Veterans’ Preference Points
Veterans’ Preference Points can be added to a veteran’s passing score for qualifying open and open, non-promotional examinations. Qualifying examinations are given on an open basis for a classification where the minimum qualifications require less than college graduation and two years of experience. To determine if the exam being administered qualifies to grant Veterans’ Preference Points, please review the examination bulletin.
Eligible veterans will receive an additional 10 points to the final passing score received on qualifying examinations pursuant to Government Code 18978.
Eligible disabled veterans will receive an additional 15 points added to the final passing score received on qualifying examinations pursuant to Government Code 18978.
Eligible widows/widowers of veterans, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans will receive an additional 10 points added to the final passing score received in qualifying examinations pursuant to Section 18973.
Eligible widows/widowers of National Guard veterans, and spouses of 100% disabled National Guard veterans will receive an additional 5 points added to the final passing score received on a qualifying examination, pursuant to Section 18973.1.
How do I apply for Veterans’ Preference Points?
To apply for Veterans' Preference Points, the following must be submitted:
- Legible copy of DD214
- Veteran's Preference Application Form (SPB 1093)
NOTE: If you are applying for Veterans’ Preference Points as a spouse, widow or widower of a Veteran, additional documentation is required. Please review the specific requirements on the Instructions section of the Veteran’s Preference Application Form (SPB 1093).
Submit copies of the completed SPB 1093 Form and supporting documents to:
Once CalHR has approved your application for Veterans’ Preference Points, your information will remain on file for all future qualifying examinations.
Veterans may participate in Promotional Examinations
Persons retired from the United States military or honorably discharged from active duty shall be eligible to complete in promotional examinations, including examinations for Career Executive Assignments (CEA), for which they meet the minimum qualifications as prescribed by the class specification. Persons receiving passing scores shall have their names placed on the promotional eligibility lists resulting from these examinations. In evaluating minimum qualifications, related military experience shall be considered State civil service experience in a class deemed comparable by CalHR, based on the duties and responsibilities assigned (Section 18991).
In cases where promotional examinations are given by more than one department for the same classification, the veteran shall select one department for which to compete. Once this selection is made, it cannot be changed for the duration of the promotional list eligibility established from the examination in which the veteran participated. Employees may request a transfer of list eligibility between departments in the same manner as provided for civil service employees (Section 18991).
How do I add Veterans’ Preference Points to my score?
If you are currently competing in a State civil service examination for which Veterans’ Preference Points will be granted, your points will automatically be added to your final score provided your application for Veterans’ Preference Points is approved before the eligible record is created. Contact the department administering the examination if you have received a letter indicating your eligibility has been approved and Veterans’ Preference Points were not added to your final passing score.
If you were previously successful in a State civil service exam for which Veterans’ Preference Points were granted, you must provide a copy of your approval letter to the testing office that administered the examination in order to request your points be added.
Veterans who are Current/Former Employees
Individuals receiving Veterans’ Preference Points are not eligible for Career Credits pursuant to Sections 18950.1, 18951, and 18951.5. Veterans who achieve permanent civil service status with the State are not eligible to receive Veterans' Preference Points pursuant to Section 18973.5.
Permanent civil service status is 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 State Civil Service are not eligible to receive Veterans' Preference Points pursuant to Section 18973.5.
Contact CalHR Examination Unit with questions regarding Veteran’s Preference:
California Department of Human Resources
1515 S Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
(866) 844-8671
Telephone Communication Service for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing:
California Relay Service, From TDD: (800)735-2929, From Voice (800) 735-2922.
California Relay (Telephone) Service, From TTY: 711 (NATIONAL RELAY SERVICE)