Civil Service Preference

Must be a veteran who served during a defined war period or received an expeditionary medal. Must have an honorable discharge or release under honorable conditions. Must be a New York State resident and a US citizen at the time of appointment. Standard NY Civil Service Law §85 point values (verify with NYS Civil Service / NYS DVS): disabled veterans (10% or higher VA service-connected disability rating) receive 10 points on open-competitive exams and 5 points on promotion exams; non-disabled wartime veterans receive 5 points on open-competitive exams and 2.5 points on promotion exams. The cs.ny.gov vetcredits page primarily addresses the 2014 Constitutional amendment (additional 10 credits, minus those already used) and does not enumerate the standard 5/2.5/10 breakdown.

Extra credits are added to your passing score on open-competitive civil service examinations for New York State, county, city, and local government positions. Also provides preference in retention during layoffs.

Claim veteran credits on your civil service exam application. Submit DD-214 and, for disabled veteran credits, your VA disability rating letter to the appropriate civil service commission.