Adjudicating and Applying Veterans' Preference Course

Module 1: History of Veterans’ Preference and Definitions

• Understand the history of veterans’ preference, including its origins from the Veterans’ Preference Act of 1944.
• Definitions of key terms like "veteran," "disabled veteran," and "preference eligible."
• Identify key historical changes to the Veterans’ Preference Act and their impact on veterans' entitlement.

Module 2: Applicable Laws, Rules, and Regulations

• Identify when veterans’ preference applies in hiring, promotions, reinstatements, and reductions-in-force.
• Learn about applicable laws such as 5 USC 2108 and regulations in Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, and their impact on veterans' preference eligibility.
• Understand how veterans’ preference applies to appointments under the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) and other special authorities.

Module 3: Veterans’ Preference in the Competitive and Excepted Service

• Understand the application of veterans' preference in competitive and excepted service appointments.
• Learn about the category rating process and how veterans’ preference affects candidate ranking and selection.
• Discuss special appointing authorities such as Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) and Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA).

Module 4: Special Appointing Authorities and Entitlements for Veterans

• Discuss special appointing authorities available for veterans, including VRA, 30% or more disabled veterans, and disabled veterans enrolled in VA training programs.
• Explain other entitlements for veterans, such as affirmative action under Title 38, reinstatement rights, and restoration rights after uniformed service.
• Identify the restrictions on using certain authorities due to veterans’ preference requirements.

Module 5: Veterans’ Preference and Reduction-In-Force

• Understand the application of veterans’ preference during reductions in force (RIF), including the rights of veterans in RIF situations.
• Learn the process for determining retention standing and how veterans are prioritized for retention during a RIF.