San Mateo County Civil Service Veterans' Preference

The Civil Service Commission adopted amended rules on June 4, 2026, in force from July 1, 2026; Rule VII (Examinations), Section 10, sets the preference. The points. Five points for a veteran, and five more for a disabled veteran, added to passing scores only. The order of eligibles is otherwise unchanged. It applies to open examinations, not to promotional or qualifying examinations, and never to dismissal, transfer or layoff, and only on first entry into the classified service. Who is a veteran. Someone who served at least 90 consecutive days of active duty, or during a period for which a campaign medal was authorized and to which the applicant is entitled, and received an honorable discharge or a discharge under honorable conditions. Active duty means full-time service, and also counts reservists or Guard members with 20 or more years of service or activated on a federal order for more than 180 days outside training. A career member who retired after 20 or more years of active service qualifies; the rule says so in terms, unlike several California counties that exclude career retirees. Who is a disabled veteran. A veteran disabled by that service with at least a 30% VA rating, or the equivalent from another authority. The claim needs a certified VA record or other evidence dated within the last six months. How to claim. Say so on the application and submit proof of service and discharge before the examination; the Director may investigate. The veteran must meet every entrance qualification and pass every part of the examination first. There is no preference for spouses or survivors.