Veterans

Providing Veterans' Preference

The State of Utah recognizes the sacrifices and contributions of men and women who have served in the United States armed forces and provides veterans’ preference points to qualified veterans.

The State of Utah provides employment preference to U.S. armed forces veterans in two ways:

  • Through the traditional Veterans’ Preference point system
  • Through the Veteran Employment Opportunity Program
Who can claim Veterans’ Preference?

As a veteran of the armed services, you may be entitled to preference when seeking initial employment with Utah state government (Utah Code 71-10-1). For state jobs open to the public veterans’ preference is provided to applicants who meet any of the following criteria:

  • Any individual who has served on active duty for more than 180 consecutive days, except for training (initial basic, advanced individual training, attending a military course, etc.) and separated under honorable conditions
  • A member or former member of a reserve component who served in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal has been authorized and who was separated from active service under honorable conditions.
  • A veteran with a disability, regardless of the percentage of disability
  • The spouse or unmarried widow or widower of a veteran
  • A Purple Heart recipient
  • A retired member of the armed forces
Veterans Hiring Programs
How do I claim Veterans’ Preference?
  • Make sure to confirm veteran status when applying for any state position
  • Include a copy of your DD214, or your spouse’s DD214 in the event you are requesting veterans’ preference on the basis of your spouse’s service
How is Veterans’ Preference Awarded?

Preference will be awarded as follows (Utah Code 71-10-2):

  • Five points or five percent of the total possible score (whichever is greater), if the preference eligible applicant is a veteran;
  • Ten points or ten percent of the total possible score (whichever is greater), if the preference eligible applicant is a veteran with a disability or a Purple Heart recipient; or
  • In the case of a preference eligible spouse, widow, or widower, the same percentage the qualifying veteran is, or would have been, entitled to
Veteran Employment Opportunity Program (VEOP)

The Veterans’ Employment Opportunity programs allow for veterans of the U.S. armed forces to be hired with a 6-month on-the-job trial period in lieu of a competitive hiring process. To opt into this program:

  • Must meet the veterans’ preference criteria specified above
  • Include your DD214 with your application
  • Answer affirmatively on the VEOP supplemental question on the application

If you are a disabled veteran you may also qualify for the Alternative State Application Program (ASAP), which is designed to appoint qualified persons with disabilities through an on-the-job examination period rather than through a traditional competitive process.