State Benefit·New Mexico·💼Employment

Veterans Preference in State Employment

5 bonus points on state hiring exams for veterans; 10 points for disabled veterans.

Verified May 12, 2026againstspo.state.nm.us

At a glance

Benefit type
Employment — New Mexico
Who it's for
Veterans, National Guard
VA rating needed
No rating requirement
Where it applies
New Mexico
Last verified
May 12, 2026

What is Veterans Preference in State Employment?

Veterans Preference in State Employment is a New Mexico employment benefit for veterans, national guard. 5 bonus points on state hiring exams for veterans; 10 points for disabled veterans.

Who qualifies

VeteransNational Guard
  • Available to any veteran
  • Honorable discharge required
  • New Mexico residency

How to apply

Apply through the official New Mexico agency.

Open application

Who is eligible

Eligibility

Honorably discharged veterans, National Guard members currently serving, or honorably discharged veterans with a service-connected disability. Must pass the screening examination.

What Veterans Preference in State Employment covers

Covers

5 points added to final passing score for veterans and National Guard members; 10 points for veterans with a service-connected disability.

How to apply for Veterans Preference in State Employment

How to apply

Submit DD-214 (long form) and/or disability letter with state employment application through NM State Personnel Office.

Verified information & sources

Last verified: May 12, 2026

Official source: spo.state.nm.us

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 Employment

Who qualifies for Veterans Preference in State Employment?
Veterans Preference in State Employment is for Veterans, National Guard; available to any veteran; new mexico 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 Employment?
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 Employment?
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.

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