Methodology

How the VFI Score works

A 100-point standard built around one question: does this company actually do right by veterans, or does it just say so?

Two numbers, one public

Claimed score

What a company tells us when it applies. It's private. We use it to see where to dig in.

VFI Score Public

Only the items we've verified against evidence: reports, policies, program pages, awards, and conversations with veteran employees. This is the number on the badge.

When the claimed score and the verified score are far apart, that tells us something too.

Tiers

Bronze55–69 verified points

Silver70–84 verified points

Gold85+ verified points

Certification lasts 12 months. Companies renew each year with updated numbers, so a badge always reflects what's true now.

Hire: Recruiting & Hiring 30 points

Do veterans actually get hired here, and does the company go looking for them?

What we look for	Points
Veterans as a share of the workforce Veterans are roughly 5% of the U.S. civilian labor force. Matching that earns real points; beating it earns more. 10% or more: 10 pts 7% or more: 8 pts 5% or more: 6 pts 3% or more: 4 pts 1% or more: 2 pts Verified with: EEO-1 / VETS-4212 report, HRIS export, or signed HR letter	10
Veterans as a share of hires in the last 12 months Shows whether veteran hiring is happening now, not just years ago. 10% or more: 8 pts 7% or more: 6 pts 5% or more: 4 pts 2% or more: 2 pts Verified with: Hiring report for the last 12 months	8
Actively recruits veterans Dedicated veteran recruiter or veteran hiring program: 2 pts Recruits at military hiring events, bases or Transition Assistance (TAP) offices: 2 pts Posts jobs on veteran job boards: 1 pts Has a written veteran hiring goal or commitment: 1 pts Verified with: Job board accounts, event photos, recruiter name, written goal	6
Translates military experience into job requirements MOS / rating crosswalks, or postings that count military experience toward requirements. Verified with: Link to a job posting or crosswalk	3
DoD SkillBridge partner, or veteran internships, fellowships or apprenticeships Verified with: SkillBridge listing or program page	3

Belong: Community & Culture 20 points

Is there a real veteran community inside the company, and do managers understand military culture?

What we look for	Points
Veteran Employee Resource Group (VERG) Also called a Veteran ERG, Veterans Network, or Military Affinity Group. Has a Veteran Employee Resource Group: 6 pts The VERG has an executive sponsor: 2 pts The VERG has a budget and meets at least quarterly: 2 pts Verified with: VERG charter, intranet page, sponsor name, meeting calendar	10
Veteran mentor or "battle buddy" program for new hires Verified with: Program description	4
Military cultural competency training for HR and hiring managers Training that helps the people who hire, fire and promote understand military culture and experience. Verified with: Training curriculum, completion records	6

Grow: Retention & Advancement 20 points

Do veterans stay, get promoted, and get backed up when the Guard or Reserve calls?

What we look for	Points
Veterans in leadership Veterans hold manager or supervisor roles: 3 pts A veteran serves in senior leadership, the C-suite or on the board: 2 pts Verified with: Org chart or leadership page	5
Veteran retention Tracks veteran retention separately: 2 pts Veteran retention is equal to or better than the company average: 3 pts Verified with: Retention report	5
Supports Guard and Reserve members Pays a salary differential during drill, training or deployment (beyond USERRA): 4 pts Signed the ESGR Statement of Support: 2 pts Verified with: Military leave policy, ESGR certificate	6
Supports military spouses Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP), remote work or job transfer when a spouse gets PCS orders. Verified with: MSEP listing or policy	4

Care: Benefits & Well-being 15 points

Do the benefits fit the realities of veteran life: VA care, disability, education?

What we look for	Points
Paid or flexible time off for VA medical appointments Verified with: Leave policy	4
Mental health resources with veteran-specific support (PTSD, transition) Verified with: EAP or benefits summary	4
Clear accommodation process for disabled veterans Verified with: Accommodation policy	3
Education support (tuition assistance, GI Bill or credential coordination) Verified with: Benefits summary	2
Honors Veterans Day (paid holiday or company-wide recognition) Verified with: Holiday calendar, event photos	2

Prove: Proof & Accountability 15 points

Does the company measure its results and let veterans speak for themselves?

What we look for	Points
Measures and shares veteran results Reports veteran hiring and retention to leadership: 2 pts Publishes veteran hiring numbers publicly: 3 pts Verified with: Impact report, ESG report, web page	5
Outside recognition for veteran employment For example the DOL HIRE Vets Medallion, ESGR Freedom Award or Pro Patria Award, or a state veteran-friendly employer designation. Verified with: Award name and year	4
Supports the veteran community Partnerships with veteran nonprofits, volunteer hours, or spending with veteran-owned suppliers. Verified with: Partner names, volunteer hours, supplier program	3
Lets VFI talk to veteran employees You agree to let VFI contact two or more veteran employees to confirm what you have told us. Verified with: Names or emails of two veteran employees (kept private)	3

Keeping it honest

Evidence first. Every item is checked against documents or direct confirmation before it counts.
Veterans get a say. Every company profile has a private feedback form for veteran employees and applicants. Concerns are reviewed before renewal.
Annual renewal. Badges expire after 12 months. An expired badge stops displaying a tier automatically.
Free to certify. Companies can't buy a better score.

Start your application