Veterans' Preference in State Employment
Scoring bonus of 5-10% on competitive exams for Washington state government jobs.
State BenefitWashingtonEmployment
Verified September 30, 2026 against careers.wa.gov
At a glance
- Benefit type
- Employment — Washington
- Who it's for
- Veterans, Spouses, Survivors
- VA rating needed
- No rating requirement
- Where it applies
- Washington
- Last verified
- September 30, 2026
What is Veterans' Preference in State Employment?
Veterans' Preference in State Employment is a Washington employment benefit for veterans, spouses, survivors. Scoring bonus of 5-10% on competitive exams for Washington state government jobs.
Who qualifies
- Veterans
- Spouses
- Survivors
- Available to any veteran
- Washington residency
What Veterans' Preference in State Employment covers
Overview
Eligibility (per RCW 41.04.005, 41.04.007, 41.04.010, and 73.16.010): Veteran with a qualifying discharge as defined in RCW 73.04.005 (DD Form 214, NGB Form 22, or equivalent showing characterization of service). Qualifying discharges include honorable, general under honorable conditions, and other than honorable with VA monetary-benefit eligibility.
Two tiers for initial appointment exams
- 10% scoring bonus: veterans who served during a period of war or armed conflict and do NOT receive military retirement.
- 5% scoring bonus: veterans who did not serve during war/armed conflict, OR who receive military retirement.
Additional 5% preference on promotional exams (first promotion only) for state employees called to active duty while employed.
Surviving spouses or registered domestic partners of disabled veterans may also qualify (non-competitive referral).
How to apply for Veterans' Preference in State Employment
How it works
When competitive examinations are used, a percentage is added to the veteran's passing score. When no exam is used, eligible veterans must be referred to the hiring official as long as they meet position requirements.
Verified information & sources
- Last verified
- September 30, 2026
- Official source
- careers.wa.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 Veterans' Preference in State Employment
Who qualifies for Veterans' Preference in State Employment?
Veterans' Preference in State Employment is for Veterans, Spouses, Survivors; available to any veteran; washington 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.