Pennsylvania Civil Service Veterans’ Preference
Program at a Glance
- Location: Pennsylvania (state civil service jobs)
- Status: Open; the state lists no deadline
- Maximum benefit: 10 extra points on a passing civil service exam score, plus preference in appointment
- Who it’s for: Qualifying veterans, unmarried surviving spouses of deceased service members, and spouses of veterans rated permanently and totally disabled by the VA
- How to apply: See employment.pa.gov for documents and submission steps, or contact the Governor’s Office of Administration at 717-783-6655
- Last verified: November 2026
About the Program
Veterans’ preference comes from Pennsylvania’s Military Affairs Code. A qualifying veteran who passes a civil service appointment exam gets 10 points added to the final score, which sets their place on the eligible list. When a veteran is on an eligible list, the hiring agency must give them preference in appointment even if others rank higher. Proof of service is a discharge paper, separation document or statement of service. Active-duty members within 90 days of an approved discharge can qualify with documentation of the projected discharge. Spouses of veterans rated permanently and totally disabled need VA documentation of that rating. The State Civil Service Commission page doesn’t give a full document list, so check employment.pa.gov or email ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.
Official source: Pennsylvania State Civil Service Commission: Veterans’ preference
Thinking About Pennsylvania?
You’ve learned about the program. Now look at communities across Pennsylvania to find the place that’s the best fit for you.
Explore:
- LookyLOO Reviews of Pennsylvania cities
- Neighborhood Guides
- Local Reviews
- Schools and quality of life
- Save cities to your Movebook
Last checked Nov 10, 2026.