The Veterans' Preference Point System
A "point system" is used to determine veterans' hiring preference:
-
Five-point preference: Basically, five points are given to honorably separated
veterans who have served more than 180 consecutive days of active duty before October 14, 1976
(including service during training under the six-month Reserve or National Guard programs), or
during any war or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized (such as Desert
Shield/Storm) and served continuously for 24 months or the full period called or ordered to active
duty (including for training). Retired members of the Armed Forces above the rank of Major or
Lt. Commander are no longer eligible for the five-point preference. Their preference is
contingent upon a disability.
-
Ten-point preference: Ten points are given to disabled veterans and veterans who
are awarded the Purple Heart and honorably separated.
The point system program is administered by OPM. The VA issues letters to OPM indicating
the degree of disability for veterans' preference purposes. The more points you have, the
closer you get to the front of the line for possible job consideration with the federal
government.
Hiring preference is not limited to veterans alone. It is also granted to the spouse of
an unemployable disabled veteran, the unmarried widow or widower of a veteran, or the mother of a
deceased or disabled veteran. Any federal agency personnel officer can give you more
information on the point system.
Date Last Reviewed: June 29, 2009
Skip to content
