Resources for Veterans
If you have served our country in a branch of the armed services, you might consider a rewarding career in California state government. Opportunities exist in agencies across the state. Whether you want to serve other veterans, contribute to scientific research, form meaningful policy or anything in between, state government is a great place to use your skills.
The State of California takes your veteran status into consideration if you apply for a state job, possibly giving you a preference over other applicants if you qualify for the position.
The State of California takes your veteran status into consideration if you apply for a state job, possibly giving you a preference over other applicants if you qualify for the position.
What is Veterans’ Preference?
Veterans’ Preference is an assistance program for veterans, veteran widows and widowers, and spouses of 100% disabled veterans who seek employment with the state. Veterans’ Preference is also extended to currently serving military members nearing their retirement or separation date.
All state job seekers are required to pass an examination to qualify for the job classification of the position to which they are applying. Veterans’ Preference assures that veterans and select veteran beneficiaries who pass the exam will be ranked in the top rank of the resulting eligibility list. This means that with Veterans’ Preference you have a higher likelihood of being selected for an interview from the eligible pool of candidates for the jobs to which you apply.
Please note that you still must prove your eligibility and participate in all the steps of the competitive hiring process. Veterans’ Preference does not guarantee you will be selected for an interview or for a position.
This is a voluntary assistance program and veterans are not required to participate. Veterans’ Preference is codified in Government Code Sections 18973 – 18979.
All state job seekers are required to pass an examination to qualify for the job classification of the position to which they are applying. Veterans’ Preference assures that veterans and select veteran beneficiaries who pass the exam will be ranked in the top rank of the resulting eligibility list. This means that with Veterans’ Preference you have a higher likelihood of being selected for an interview from the eligible pool of candidates for the jobs to which you apply.
Please note that you still must prove your eligibility and participate in all the steps of the competitive hiring process. Veterans’ Preference does not guarantee you will be selected for an interview or for a position.
This is a voluntary assistance program and veterans are not required to participate. Veterans’ Preference is codified in Government Code Sections 18973 – 18979.
How do I know if I am eligible for Veterans’ Preference?
You are eligible for Veterans’ Preference if you are any veteran, widow or widower of a veteran, or spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran. You are also eligible if you are currently serving military service member who will be eligible for veteran status within 6 months.
Veterans’ Preference applies to any open exams that you pass. If you take an exam and do not pass it, Veterans Preference is not applied to that exam. You are still eligible for Veterans’ Preference on other exams you pass.
Veterans’ Preference applies to any open exams that you pass. If you take an exam and do not pass it, Veterans Preference is not applied to that exam. You are still eligible for Veterans’ Preference on other exams you pass.
Helpful Tips
If you are interested in applying to positions using Veterans’ Preference, you should gather important documents like your DD-214 and your application form.
Are you an advisor or career counselor? Download and share this helpful 1-pager for eligible candidates interested in California state government careers.
For additional information about the process, visit the veterans section on CalCareers.
Are you an advisor or career counselor? Download and share this helpful 1-pager for eligible candidates interested in California state government careers.
For additional information about the process, visit the veterans section on CalCareers.
