State Benefit·California·💼Employment

Veterans Preference in State Civil Service

Eligible veterans, widows/widowers, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans are ranked in the top rank of state employment eligibility lists.

Verified May 12, 2026againstcalcareers.ca.gov

At a glance

Benefit type: Employment — California
Who it's for: Veterans, Spouses, Survivors
VA rating needed: No rating requirement
Where it applies: California
Last verified: May 12, 2026

What is Veterans Preference in State Civil Service?

Veterans Preference in State Civil Service is a California employment benefit for veterans, spouses, survivors. Eligible veterans, widows/widowers, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans are ranked in the top rank of state employment eligibility lists.

Who qualifies

VeteransSpousesSurvivors

Available to any veteran
Honorable discharge required
California residency

How to apply

Apply through the official California agency.

Open application

Who is eligible

Eligibility

Veterans (honorable discharge, with DD-214 documentation), widows/widowers of veterans, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans. Active-duty military members within 6 months of separation also qualify. Voluntary program. Applies only to open (not promotional) examinations. Not available after achieving permanent civil service status.

How to apply for Veterans Preference in State Civil Service

How it works

Per California Government Code §18973.1, an eligible veteran who passes an entrance exam (minimum score 70) is ranked in the top rank of the resulting eligibility list. Does not guarantee an interview or hire — applicants still compete through the full hiring process.

How to apply

Through CalCareers.

Open application Verify at official source

Verified information & sources

Last verified: May 12, 2026

Official source: calcareers.ca.gov

Compiled and fact-checked against the official source linked above. Benefit rules and dollar amounts change over time — always confirm current details at the official source before applying. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) is a free, accredited advocate who can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.

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Frequently asked questions about Veterans Preference in State Civil Service

Who qualifies for Veterans Preference in State Civil Service?▾

Veterans Preference in State Civil Service is for Veterans, Spouses, Survivors; available to any veteran; california residency. See the eligibility details on this page and confirm with the official source before applying.

How do I apply for Veterans Preference in State Civil Service?▾

Apply through the official source linked on this page. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.

Where can I verify Veterans Preference in State Civil Service?▾

Benefit rules and dollar amounts change, so always confirm current details at the official source linked on this page. A free, accredited county or state Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can also verify your eligibility and help you apply.

Other California Employment

Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Program

State certification providing access to the 3% DVBE contracting goal for businesses at least 51% owned by disabled veterans (10%+).

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