Originally it was established as the Medal of Faithful Service in 1878, during the reign of King Carol I.

In 1906, the Cross of Faithful Service was added to the existing medal, as a superior class.

It differs from the 1932 version in the number of ranks, an order of knight (the lowest) being added.

The order is awarded in three classes (Civil, Military – Peacetime & Military – Wartime) and is composed of 5 levels: There is also a National Cross of Faithful Service (Romanian: Crucea Națională "Serviciul Credincios") and a National Medal of Faithful Service (Romanian: Medalia Națională "Serviciul Credincios").

The ribbon (for civilians and peacetime military) of the order is nowadays light blue with a white central stripe: