Veterans' Preference/Scoring Criteria
Contents
Introduction
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 (Laws of 2000, ch. 140 ), 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.
Legal References
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
Attorney General Opinions
- AGO 1974 No 22 ("first appointment limitation")
Documents
- Veterans' 'Preference' or 'Scoring Criteria' Status in Civil Service, MRSC Focus, MRSC, 05/2000 (revised)
- Bellingham Civil Service Rules Sec. 8.7 - Sample civil service rules on veterans' preference
- Snohomish County Veteran's Preference Eligibility Form (
), from Snohomish County website (Note - Form needs updating per Laws of 2000, ch.140)
Additional References
- Inquiries about Veterans' Preference/Scoring Criteria - Frequently asked questions of MRSC
Related MRSC Resources

