The core of the Scouts BSA program is delivered by our Scouts completing specific requirements to earn ranks. Ranks are earned sequentially and the skills gained in one rank are built on in subsequent ranks. The highest rank in Scouts BSA is the Eagle Scout award.
Click on the Rank to view its requirements. (External Link to the US Scouting Service Project as USScouts.org)
The Scout rank teaches youth what it means to be a Scout in the Scouts BSA program. The next three ranks (Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class) teach the Scout core skills valued by the Scouts BSA program like camping, cooking, and first aid. The final three ranks (Star, Life, and Eagle) focus on active participation, community service, leadership, and developing the Scout’s skills and interests through merit badges. Ranks must be earned in sequence, however requirements for the Scout through First Class ranks can be worked on simultaneously. By the time a Scout earns their First Class rank, they should be ready for anything Scouting can throw at them. By the time a Scout becomes an Eagle Scout, they should be ready for anything life can throw at them.
The Four Steps to Scout Advancement
Scouts advance by doing things with their patrol and troop, with their leaders, and on their own. Much of the progress toward a rank is the natural outcropping of the things a Scout is doing in Scouting, such as going on campout and helping with service projects. Turning activities into advancement involves four steps:
YOU LEARN
At troop meetings and on outings, a Scout learns and practices skills that are required for advancement.
YOU ARE TESTED
Once a Scout feels they have mastered a skill, a leader tests them and passes them on the requirement.
YOU ARE REVIEWED
When a Scout have completed all the requirements for a rank, they meet with a board of review made up of troop committee members. The committee make sure the Scout has completed all the requirements and talk about the Scout’s experience in the program.
YOU ARE RECOGNIZED
As soon as possible, the Scout is recognized for their achievements at a Troop meeting when they receive their rank patch. The Scout is recognized again at a special ceremony called a Court of Honor.