What is a 10-Point Veteran Preference?
When it comes to government employment, veterans preferential hiring is a sought-after benefit that many retiring service members and their beneficiaries aim to take advantage of. In this article, we will delve into one of the most significant military-related hiring advantages: a 10-point veteran preference. Let’s start with the direct answer to your question.
What is a 10-Point Veteran Preference?
According to the United States Veterans’ Employment and Training Services (VETS), "The 10-point military preference is a hiring certification program for eligible veterans," which **gives top preference points to eligible Service members, veterans, caregivers, and surviving spouses***.
This 10-Point Preference is designed for eligible individuals who have overcome unique challenges and made the ultimate sacrifice in service, providing a competitive edge on federal hiring. In simplified terms, it is essential to understand that this benefits those who have:
* Served 45 days or more during Vietnam
* Been recipients of the Purple Heart; or
* Having a 10% compensated service-connected disability
Under this system, the rating is determined by a ranking of candidates based on qualification factors such as experience and education. The 10-point veteran preference allows successful applicants to receive veteran’s points, which add a specific number of eligibility points to their application rank, effectively moving them upfront in the hiring process ***.
How does this Preference work?
According to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB),
* The Points are assigned as follows
+ 10 - Points for Veterans who Meet 10-Point Program Criteria (e.g.: 10% service-disability)
+ Bonus points for spouses, as specified by the law
To break it down;
- The First Step: The candidate would first submit their application via USAJOBS.
Once they apply, they qualify for a 5-base rating score based on rank-ordered qualifications (Greatest weightage to specific education and experience).
When candidates have the same cumulative total of points, hiring authorities would consider additional steps (see below):

2.***The Enhanced Process***>:: Additional consideration for Veterans,
spouses, caregivers can increase the candidate’s weighted total, thus enhancing priority
To illustrate, compare this:
| Rank | Cumulative Total Rank | Veteran’s Pts | Sp. Disability Pts | Remaining Bonus |
|============|========================|————-|——————-|———–*/
| 1st P | 85 | 10 ||||| | OR ||||| OR: No Sp. Disability|| OR
| 18th P | same | 0+1 (Bonus)| && && || |
This 10* point veteran preference means:
- If Rank #1 (85points) holds 10PT preference
- Ranking would adjust to Rank3 if applying for Rank-P ||| (8) if applying for Position with No Sp. DISAB |||
Rank#3
The top-eligible candidate receives highest-ranking certification for federal placement and thus, is best considered.
Who falls under this 10 Point Preference?
This opportunity extends to:
• United States military veterans who service has included:
√ **Active Duty**.
√ **Reservist**.
• **National Guard** under Federal call-up orders**.
Additionally, it has also expanded to:
o Surviving Spouse: Wives, female same-sex partners, daughters, or mothers who provide documentation proving the relationship ***.
To qualify, certain veterans or their surviving relations should present evidence that a member has:
• Served 45 or more days at least, during a different era:
• "The Vietnam Era"– includes dates from August31, 1957—May 7,
• "The Purple Heart Era"– September 11, 9-18-191,
• "The Kuwait Era"– from "Persian Gulf War
Eligibility and Paperwork Requirements
For prospective applicants:
- • Obtain an SF-182 "Request Pertaining to Military Service" via OPM’s website (.PDF download).
2.To support this request, documents supporting their military service claim.
Fitting for your Career: Getting Hired
For interested applicants:
- Sign up with USAJOBS.
- Look only at federal job openings featuring Veteran’s and 10-Point in their job announcements.*
- Follow USAID application guidance and complete requested application.
- Don’t miss the chance-to share supporting documents.
These files would be reviewed
Once accepted, they
***could
be employed for 1-year on probation and then regular as long-term employees. Those already
transitioning into federal work under veterans preference* might initially face temporary
periods to confirm their military certification (2-4 yr, depends on position).
To further illustrate veterans preference’s benefits:
Consider 1,000 US Veterans in a federal selection process
for job1. Among only 100 positions were available.
As veterans and their family depend on government employment for vital livelihood
opportunities can create positive outcomes, enabling personal development and a career
Conclusion:- Understanding 10-POINT Veteran Preference
This ten-point preference is an instrumental component in the US governmental job placement process, with specific advantages for eligible citizens who have served the great nation of the United, the **United States.*** These dedicated individuals are thus prioritized in federal selections due to their service credentials.
Through this, employers receive candidates with enhanced education and experiences, making veteran job prospects more attractive *as job seekers,* spouses** share experiences to support a united goal in their personal livelihood.
We hope this introduction helps demystify benefits provided through the 9th US Code (Government Hiring).
Remember to respect veterans for their courage contributions as citizens and
in-service.
In closing with appreciation and gratitude, many retired or active military who choose this path may do so without hesitation knowing a rewarding career in
US Federal Government. So stay updated on this specific guidance from the Department**.
To learn more (additional links, forms/related pages), see following official sites:
- Visit VETS.gov. FederalJobs.gov., or USAJOINetwork
- Read a list of job announcements [at OPM]( 0f the job preferences.)- Contact a job
counselor or service office.