Benefits / Work & Business

Veterans' Preference and Getting a Federal Job

VA says

Veterans' preference (5-point TP, 10-point CP/CPS/XP); special hiring authorities like VRA, VEOA and 30% or More Disabled Veteran

We say

When you apply for many federal jobs, your service can give you extra points or a spot ahead of other applicants, and some programs let agencies hire you directly.

Who qualifies: Veterans with qualifying active duty, a campaign badge, a Purple Heart, or a service-connected disability, plus some spouses, widows and mothers of veterans. You generally need an honorable or general discharge.

What it is

The federal government is one of the biggest employers of veterans. Veterans' preference is a law that gives eligible veterans an edge when applying for many federal jobs. It doesn't guarantee a job, but it can push you to the top of the list.

There are two main levels:

  • 5-point preference (TP). For veterans who served on active duty during certain war periods or campaigns. Examples include 180 or more days of active duty, any part of which was between Sept. 11, 2001, and Aug. 31, 2010, or service in a campaign that earned a campaign badge.
  • 10-point preference. For veterans with a service-connected disability or a Purple Heart. Veterans rated 30% or higher get the strongest form, called CPS. Those rated 10% to 20% get CP. Others with a disability or Purple Heart may get XP.

Spouses, widows, widowers and mothers of some veterans can claim derived preference in certain cases. Sole survivorship preference also exists.

Most military retirees at the rank of major (O-4) or higher don't get preference unless they're disabled veterans.

Special hiring authorities

These let agencies hire you directly, without the usual competition:

  • Veterans' Recruitment Appointment (VRA). For eligible veterans, up to a certain grade level.
  • 30% or More Disabled Veteran. Agencies can hire you without competition if you're rated 30% or higher.
  • VEOA. Lets veterans apply to jobs normally only open to current federal employees.
  • Schedule A. For people with certain disabilities, including veterans.

Preference after you're hired

Veterans' preference also matters after you get the job. In a reduction in force (layoff), preference eligible employees are ranked ahead of others. If you get a new or higher VA rating after you're hired, ask your HR office to update your records, since preference is set when you're appointed. Your military service may also count toward federal leave and retirement, in some cases if you make a deposit.

How to apply, step by step

  1. Get your documents ready. You'll need your DD214 (member 4 copy, showing character of service). Still in uniform? Get a statement of service from your command. You can claim preference up to 120 days before you separate.
  2. For 10-point preference, fill out Standard Form 15 (SF-15) and include a recent VA letter showing your rating.
  3. Build your USAJOBS profile. Upload your documents and mark your preference.
  4. Write a federal resume. Federal resumes are longer than private ones. Match your experience to the job's key duties, and translate military terms into plain language.
  5. Look for "open to veterans" listings and ask hiring managers or the agency's veterans employment program manager about direct hiring.
  6. Follow up. If you don't get preference you think you earned, ask the HR office.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Uploading the wrong DD214 copy. It needs to show your character of service.
  • Forgetting the VA letter. No letter, no 10-point preference.
  • Using a one-page resume. It often gets you screened out.
  • Thinking preference only applies to entry-level jobs. It applies to many grades.

Related benefits

See our guides on Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), the GI Bill, VetCert for veteran-owned businesses, and VA Solid Start.

Last reviewed November 2026. WeSpeakVA is not the VA. Rules and amounts change, so confirm on VA.gov or with an accredited representative.

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