Veterans' Preference/Scoring Criteria

State law provides for a scoring criteria status, formerly called a "preference," in civil service competitive examinations for certain veterans. As amended by SSB 5366 (Chapter 140, Laws of 2000), RCW 41.04.010 provides that veterans who served during a period of war or armed conflict and do not receive military retirement benefits are entitled to have 10% added to their passing scores for their first civil service appointment, that veterans who did not serve during a period of war or armed conflict or who are receiving military retirement benefits are entitled to have 5% added for their first civil service appointment, and that veterans who are called to military service for a year or more from city or county employment are entitled to have 5% added to their first promotional exam score.  For details, see "Veterans' 'Preference' or 'Scoring Criteria' Status in Civil Service," MRSC Focus, MRSC, May 2000 (revised).

State law also mandates a preference in county employment generally for certain veterans, their widows or widowers, and spouses of veterans with a service-connected permanent and total disability. See RCW 73.16.010.

Reference Sources:

• Statutes
  • RCW 41.04.005 - "Veteran" defined for certain purposes
  • RCW 41.04.007 - "Veteran" defined for certain purposes
  • RCW 41.04.010 - Veterans' scoring criteria status in examinations
  • RCW 41.08.040 (3) - Civil service for city fire fighters - veterans' credit in civil service rules
  • RCW 41.12.040 (3) - Civil service for city police - veterans' credit in civil service rules
  • RCW 73.16.010 - Preference in public employment
• AGOs
  • AGO 1974 No 22 ("first appointment limitation")
• Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs)

Contents:

• "Veterans' 'Preference' or 'Scoring Criteria' Status in Civil Service," MRSC Focus, MRSC, May 2000 (revised)
• Sample civil service rules on veterans' preference:
  • Bellingham, WA, Section 8.11 
• Snohomish County Veteran's Preference Eligibility Form from Snohomish County Web site (note - form needs updating per Ch. 140, Laws of 2000)