Occasionally in a discussion of the award system in the SCA, someone will say, "Well do you want <award> it to be just like . . . <thing>?" I've always been surprised at that question. Often the thing that is named is something that is itself a considerable achievement, so I wonder just what it why the inference that, for example, a PhD is something regarded with disdain by the writer, especially in comparison to an Award of Arms, the lowest for non-SCAdian readers, arts or fighting award.
Now I'm just an AoA-level player here, so can't speak of what I don't know, but it occurs to me that I can easily give a list of high achievements that meet suitable requirements:
Not all individuals in the field desire the achievement.
Not all who aspire to the achievement succeed.
The process is nonetheless easily and readily discoverable, most especially in the age of Internet.
Eagle Scout: Never been a Scout, and I'm too old, but any 15yo can grab a copy of the Scout Handbook and start the process. Sixteen is widely considered the upper limit of "start."
PhD: Every accredited school with a PhD or MFA program I've ever seen clearly lists the requirements.
33rd Degree Mason: Theoretically "Secret," but much of the material is online for anyone to read. Though the specifics vary by lodge, the general process and timeline is easily determined.
Black Belt: This is an oddly competitive business, so schools give you a pretty good idea out front what the timelines might be, given physical capability and practice. You can also just order one online, but that's not quite the same thing.
Corporate CEO: Step 1 is "Be a 50-something MBA." My dream job is "Failed CEO they pay $100 Million to go away."
"Clear:" Yes, it's online, in nearly exhaustive detail. No, I do not suggest you look.