California Veterans' Preference for State Employment (Veterans' Preference)
Gives qualifying veterans a hiring boost for California state civil service jobs. A veteran who applies and passes the required exam is placed in the top rank of the eligibility list, which improves the odds of being reached for an interview.
Who it is for
Veterans, the widow or widower of a veteran, and the spouse of a 100 percent disabled veteran who are seeking state employment. Current service members can also qualify and may start applying up to six months before they leave the military. The preference does not apply after you reach permanent civil service status or to promotional exams, and it is not available if you were dishonorably discharged or previously fired from state service.
Focus: Surviving spouses and families
Before you start
How you apply: Apply directly to the program.
How to apply
- Fill out and sign the CalHR 1093 form, Veterans' Preference for Examinations.
- Gather your Member 4 copy of the DD-214 showing character of service, plus any supporting documents the form asks for.
- Mail everything to the California Department of Human Resources, ATTN: Selection Division, 1515 S Street, North Building, Suite 500, Sacramento, CA 95811-7258, or call (866) 844-8671 with questions.
Deadline: There is no fixed deadline. Submit the CalHR 1093 form and your DD-214 so the preference is on file when you take a qualifying state exam. (Rolling, apply any time)
Verified as of 2026-07-06. Resources are checked periodically against their official source. Details, amounts, and deadlines change. Confirm the current information on the official page before you rely on it.