The medal was established by the Spanish government on December 26, 1958, and approved by Juan Carlos I in Royal Decree 682/2002.

[3] It can be presented in three grades, depending on time of service:[4] In addition to time in service, an individual must not have a criminal offense on their personal record, nor have been given any significant disciplinary action, in order to be eligible to receive the medal.

The medal is a white cross pattée, bordered in either bronze, silver, or gold, and suspended from a crown.

At the center of the cross is a deep-blue enameled medallion, circumscribed by a white-enameled border which reads PREMIO A LA CONSTANCIA EN EL SERVICIO (English: Award for Constant Service).

At the center of the medallion is a red Cross of Saint James, in the style of the Order of Santiago.