California Veterans' Preference for State Civil Service Jobs

Government Code sections 18973 through 18979 give a veterans' preference in state civil service hiring, and CalHR administers it. A veteran who passes an open examination, meaning a score of 70 or above, is placed in rank 1, the top rank of the eligibility list, regardless of the actual score. Rank 1 placement raises the chance of reaching an interview. It does not guarantee an offer, because the hiring department still selects from the rank. Eligible applicants are a veteran, the widow or widower of a veteran, and the spouse of a 100% disabled veteran. A person currently serving who will meet the veteran definition within six months can apply. A person dishonorably discharged or released is not eligible. A veteran, a widow or widower of a veteran, or a spouse of a 100% disabled veteran who already holds permanent civil service status is not eligible either, which is the restriction in section 18973.5. The preference applies to open examinations only, not to promotional examinations. It stops applying once the person passes probation and holds permanent civil service status. It is a benefit for getting into state service, not for moving up inside it, and it can be used once. Apply by sending the completed CalHR 1093 form and the Member 4 copy of the DD Form 214, with an unredacted Social Security number for verification, to the CalHR Selection Division. A veteran claiming a disability should include documentation of the rating and authorize VA to release the service-connected rating to CalHR. A rating percentage is not required to receive the preference itself.