Employment Benefits for Veterans in California

Veterans' Preference in State Civil Service

California grants qualifying veterans, and certain spouses/surviving spouses, preference in state civil service hiring by placing those who pass an entrance examination in the top rank of the eligibility list.

Eligibility: Veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces per Government Code Section 18540 and have never achieved permanent state civil service status. Preference also extends to spouses of 100% disabled veterans and to widows/widowers of veterans. Not granted for promotional exams or after permanent status is achieved.

Estimated value: Placement in rank 1 of the eligibility list for open state civil service exams

How to apply: Submit the CalHR Veterans' Preference application (CalHR 1093) with your DD-214; once approved it applies automatically to future qualifying exams.