Civil Service Preference
Absolute preference on New Jersey civil service examination lists for veterans; disabled veterans receive additional preference.
State BenefitNew JerseyEmployment
Verified May 12, 2026 against nj.gov
At a glance
- Benefit type
- Employment — New Jersey
- Who it's for
- Veterans
- VA rating needed
- No rating requirement
- Where it applies
- New Jersey
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
What is Civil Service Preference?
Civil Service Preference is a New Jersey employment benefit for veterans. Absolute preference on New Jersey civil service examination lists for veterans; disabled veterans receive additional preference.
Who qualifies
- Veterans
- Available to any veteran
- Honorable discharge required
- New Jersey residency
Who is eligible
Eligibility
Must be a veteran who served on active duty in the U.S. armed forces during a designated war or conflict period, OR who received an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. Honorable discharge required. Must be a New Jersey resident.
What Civil Service Preference covers
Covers
All New Jersey state, county, and municipal civil service positions.
How to apply for Civil Service Preference
How it works
Veterans receive absolute preference — qualified veterans who pass the exam are placed at the top of open competitive employment lists, ahead of non-veterans, regardless of their scores. Disabled veterans (receiving VA disability compensation of at least 10% for a service-connected disability) receive additional preference and are placed above non-disabled veterans.
How to apply
Indicate veteran status on your civil service application. Provide DD-214 showing qualifying service. For disabled veteran preference, also provide your VA disability rating letter. Preference is granted after NJ DVA (formerly DMAVA) approves a Civil Service Veterans Preference Claim Form (Form 05A-1), mailed or emailed with your DD-214 (and VA disability award letter for disabled veteran preference) to NJ DVA, ATTN: DVS-VBB, P.O. Box 340, Trenton, NJ 08625-0340.
Verified information & sources
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
- Official source
- nj.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.
How VetUnlock verifies benefitsFrequently asked questions about Civil Service Preference
Who qualifies for Civil Service Preference?
Civil Service Preference is for Veterans; available to any veteran; new jersey residency. See the eligibility details on this page and confirm with the official source before applying.
How do I apply for Civil Service Preference?
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 Civil Service Preference?
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.