Veterans' Preference in federal hiring applies to permanent and temporary positions in the competitive and excepted services. Veterans' preference does not guarantee a veteran will be selected for employment.

In the competitive service, veterans' preference gives eligible veterans additional points towards a passing examination score or rating. Eligible disabled veterans are also placed at the top of hiring certificates except for professional and scientific positions.

In the excepted service, veterans' preference allows eligible veterans to apply non-competitively under Special Appointing Authorities such as VRA and as a 30 percent or more Disabled Veteran.

For additional information on veterans' preference, we recommend reading the VetsInfo Guide on the Office of Personnel Management’s web site.