← All California benefits
employmentstate
Veterans Preference in California State Civil Service
Extra points on an open state civil service examination, and for a disabled veteran, placement at the top of the eligible list.
Verified August 18, 2026
What this benefit is
Extra points on an open state civil service examination, and for a disabled veteran, placement at the top of the eligible list.
What it's worth: Examination points, and top-of-list placement for a disabled veteran
- The preference applies to OPEN examinations rather than promotional ones, so it helps you get in rather than move up.
- A disabled veteran is placed at the top of the eligible list rather than merely given added points, which is a substantially stronger form of the preference.
Who is entitled to it
- You served in the U.S. armed forces.
- Your character of service is other than dishonorable.
- You are applying for a California state civil service position.
- Your home is in California.
Not sure whether that describes you?
Answer a few questions about this benefit specifically — we only ask what this one actually depends on, and we stop as soon as we know.
How to claim it
Deadline: When you apply for the examination- 1Claim the preference on the examination application. It cannot be applied after an eligible list is established.
- 2If you have a service-connected rating, say so — the disabled veteran form of the preference is significantly stronger.
- File with
- CalHR, or the hiring state department
- Documents you will need
- dd214 · va rating letter ca
- No renewal needed
Sources
- authority · statuteCal. Gov. Code §18973 et seq.
- operating · published policyCalHR — Veterans Preference
This finder provides an informational match, not a government eligibility determination. The responsible agency decides your application.