Veterans' Preference in Federal Hiring Explained

Veterans' preference adds points to your score when a federal agency rates and ranks applicants — 5 points or 10 points, depending on your category.

The categories are lettered, and they matter because they decide more than the points:

  • CPS — service-connected disability rating of 30% or more. 10 points.
  • CP — rating of at least 10% but under 30%. 10 points.
  • XP — rating of less than 10%, or a Purple Heart. 10 points.
  • TP — preference eligible with no disability rating. 5 points.
  • SSP — Sole Survivorship Preference. 0 points, but preference status.

Where an agency uses category rating rather than numerical scores, the effect is different and stronger: CPS and CP applicants go to the top of the highest category on the referral list, except for scientific or professional positions at GS-9 and above. XP and TP applicants are placed above non-preference applicants within their assigned category.

What preference does not do is guarantee a job, or apply everywhere. It is an advantage in the competitive service, not a reserved seat.

Who is eligible?

Preference depends on your service period, your discharge and, for the 10-point categories, a service-connected disability or Purple Heart.

You need a discharge under honorable conditions. The qualifying service periods are specific — campaign and expeditionary service, and certain date ranges — and OPM's Vet Guide is the authority rather than a summary.

It's worth being clear about the limits. Preference does not apply to internal merit promotion actions for existing federal employees, or to the Senior Executive Service. If you're applying against current staff for a promotion-only vacancy, VEOA is the route rather than preference.

How do I apply?

  • Claim it on the application: Preference is not applied for you. USAJOBS asks; answer accurately.
  • Attach the evidence: Your DD-214 for preference generally, and a VA rating letter for a 10-point category. A claim without documentation is usually disregarded.
  • Know your category letter: CPS, CP, XP or TP changes both your points and, under category rating, where you land on the list.
  • Check whether the vacancy is open to you at all: A merit-promotion-only announcement is closed to external applicants regardless of preference — that is what VEOA is for.
  • Do not rely on it alone: Preference improves your position among qualified applicants. You still have to meet the qualifications.

Common questions

How many points is veterans' preference worth?

5 points for a preference eligible with no disability rating (TP), and 10 points for the disability categories — CPS at 30% or more, CP at 10 to under 30%, and XP under 10% or with a Purple Heart.

Does veterans' preference guarantee a federal job?

No. It adds points among qualified applicants, and under category rating it can place you at the top of the highest category — but you still have to meet the qualifications and be selected.

Does veterans' preference apply to promotions?

Not to internal merit promotion actions for existing federal employees, and not to the Senior Executive Service. VEOA is the route for competing on those vacancies.

What is category rating?

A system where applicants are grouped into quality categories rather than scored numerically. CPS and CP applicants go to the top of the highest category, with an exception for scientific and professional roles at GS-9 and above.

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