Our Hiring Process

Veterans' Preference

Veterans' Preference is one of the programs, like Special Hiring Authorities, that provides Veterans with special consideration when applying for federal jobs. Veterans' Preference awards points to Veterans during the application process, providing an advantage in job placement.
 
Veterans who are disabled, or who served on active duty in the Armed Forces during certain time periods or in military campaigns, are entitled to preference over non-Veterans for federal positions. To be entitled to Veterans' Preference, a Veteran must meet the legal eligibility requirements: 
  • An honorable or general discharge is necessary.
  • Military retirees at the rank of major, lieutenant commander, or higher are not eligible unless they are disabled.
  • Guard and reserve personnel on active duty for training purposes do not qualify.

Veterans’ Preference does not apply to noncompetitive positions, or positions that are not announced to a pool of job seekers, such as USAJOBS. Learn more about the differences between competitive and noncompetitive positions. 
 
Type of Preference
When You Apply for A Federal Job
0-Point
  Preference

If you are classified as having a 0-point preference, you are evaluated on the basis of your qualifications only. When applying for a job, you must submit Form DD214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, to document your discharge under honorable or general conditions.
 
5-Point
Preference

You are eligible for 5-point preference if you served during any of the following:
  • During a war
  • From April 28, 1952, through July 1, 1955
  • For 180 or more consecutive days after January 31, 1955, and before October 15, 1976
  • During the Gulf War from August 2, 1990, through Jan 2, 1992
  • For 180 or more consecutive days between September 11, 2001, and the date prescribed by presidential proclamation or by law as the last date of Operation Iraqi Freedom
  • In a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized, or between April 28, 1952, and July 1, 1955
To pursue a 5-point preference, you must submit Form DD214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, to document your discharge under honorable or general conditions.

10-Point
Preference
 
You are eligible for 10-point preference if you served at any time and you have a service-connected disability or received a Purple Heart.
 
To pursue 10-point preference, you must submit:
  • Form DD214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, to document your discharge under honorable or general conditions
  • Form SF-15, Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference
  • Letter from the VA Regional Office stating your disability rating
 
Disabled Veterans receive 10-point preference regardless of their disability rating. As a disabled Veteran, you can seek
noncompetitive appointments for some positions within VA.