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Federal hiring preference: 5-point, 10-point, and the 30% rule
A service-connected rating, even 0%, gives you 10-point preference for federal jobs. At 30% or more, agencies can hire you without competition.
At a glance
| 5-point (TP) | Served during a war period, in a campaign with an authorized medal, or specific date windows. No rating needed |
| 10-point XP | Any present service-connected disability (including 0%), receipt of compensation, disability retirement, or pension; or a Purple Heart. Also spouses, widows, and mothers in some cases (derived preference) |
| 10-point CP | Compensable rating of 10% to 29% |
| 10-point CPS | Compensable rating of 30% or more. Highest category; floats to the top of the list |
| 30% or More Disabled Veteran authority | Agencies can appoint you noncompetitively to any grade, then convert to permanent. Bring your VA rating letter |
| Other authorities | VRA (noncompetitive up to GS-11), VEOA (compete for internal jobs), Schedule A (for a documented disability) |
| Form | SF-15 plus your VA letter (dated 1991 or later) and DD-214, attached to the USAJOBS application |
Traps
- Preference applies to hiring, not promotions.
- Attach the paperwork every time. Missing SF-15 or VA letter means you get no points, and HR will not chase you.
- Retired officers at O-4 and above generally do not get preference unless disabled.
- fedshirevets.gov moved in 2026 to opm.gov/fedshirevets. Old bookmarks 404.
Sources
- OPM Vet Guide for HR Professionals (preference categories)
- OPM FedsHireVets (formerly fedshirevets.gov)
- OPM: veteran hiring authorities (VRA, VEOA, 30% or More, Schedule A)
- SF-15 Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference (PDF) (revised Oct 2013)
All links checked and content verified on Oct 16, 2026. Rules change; confirm on the official page before you act.