Rank Advancement

The Scout rank is the first rank of Boy Scouts.

To complete the rank, a new Scout must be able to repeat the Pledge of Allegiance, demonstrate the Scout sign, salute and handshake, tie a square knot, and describe the Scout badge. Finally, he must understand and agree to live by the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, Slogan, and the Outdoor Code.

Tenderfoot is the second rank of Boy Scouts. A Scout can complete requirements for any other rank in virtually any order, but the ranks must be earned in sequence (Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle). To earn the Tenderfoot rank, a Scout must complete requirements dealing with camping, hiking, the American Flag, the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, and Slogan, the patrol method, the buddy system, physical fitness, plants, and first aid.

Second Class is the third rank of Boy Scouts. A Scout can complete requirements for any other rank in virtually any order, but the ranks must be earned in sequence (Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle). To earn the Second-Class rank, a Scout must complete requirements dealing with orienteering, camping, wood tools, cooking, a flag ceremony, a service project, wildlife, first aid, swimming, drug and alcohol prevention, and personal safety.

First Class is the fourth rank of Boy Scouts. A Scout can complete requirements for any other rank in virtually any order, but the ranks must be earned in sequence (Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle). To earn the First-Class rank, a Scout must complete requirements dealing with orienteering, camping, cooking, constitutional rights, plants, knots, lashings, swimming, recruitment, and the Internet.

Star is the fifth rank of Boy Scouts. A Scout can complete requirements for any other rank in virtually any order, but the ranks must be earned in sequence (Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle). The requirements for the Star rank are much different than the previous ranks. To earn the Star rank, a Scout must be active in their Troop and Patrol for at least 4 months after earning First Class, earn 6 merit badges, including 4 from those required for Eagle, complete service projects totaling at least 6 hours of work, and actively serve in a leadership position in the Troop for at least 4 months.

Life is the sixth rank of Boy Scouts. A Scout can complete requirements for any other rank in virtually any order, but the ranks must be earned in sequence (Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle). The requirements for the Life rank are similar to those of the Star rank. To earn the Life rank, a Scout must be active in their Troop and Patrol for at least 6 months after earning Star, earn 5 additional merit badges beyond those earned for Star (total of 11), including 3 more from those required for Eagle, complete service projects totaling at least 6 hours of work, and actively serve in a leadership position in the Troop for at least 6 months.