State Employment Veteran Preference
5-10 bonus points on civil service exams; veterans with 30%+ disability get absolute preference (top of hiring register).
At a glance
- Benefit type
- Employment — Oklahoma
- Who it's for
- Veterans
- VA rating needed
- No rating requirement
- Where it applies
- Oklahoma
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
What is State Employment Veteran Preference?
State Employment Veteran Preference is a Oklahoma employment benefit for veterans. 5-10 bonus points on civil service exams; veterans with 30%+ disability get absolute preference (top of hiring register).
Who qualifies
- Available to any veteran
- Honorable discharge required
- Oklahoma residency
Who is eligible
Eligibility
Honorably discharged veterans (or unremarried surviving spouse) receive +5 points on competitive state civil service exams. Veterans with a service-connected disability receive +10 points. Veterans with VA disability rating of 30% or more receive Absolute Preference (placed at top of hiring register and cannot be passed over without cause). All honorably discharged veterans receive guaranteed interviews for matched state executive branch positions through the OMES Office of Veterans Placement (up to two interviews per qualified position with the same job title at each applicable agency within the previous 12 months).
What State Employment Veteran Preference covers
Statute
Title 72 O.S. §§ 67.13a and 67.13b.
Important to know
Oklahoma also has the Voluntary Veterans' Preference Employment Policy Act (Title 40, Section 801) authorizing private employers to adopt veteran hiring preferences.
How to apply for State Employment Veteran Preference
How to apply
Register at the OMES Veterans Placement portal or email veteransplacement@omes.ok.gov.
Verified information & sources
Last verified: May 12, 2026
Official source: oklahoma.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.
Frequently asked questions about State Employment Veteran Preference
Who qualifies for State Employment Veteran Preference?▾
How do I apply for State Employment Veteran Preference?▾
Where can I verify State Employment Veteran Preference?▾
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