Awards & Advancement

"Advancement is one of the eight methods used by Scout leaders to help boys fulfill the Aims of the BSA."

~Scoutmaster Handbook

Helpful Websites!

Here are some helpful websites to use for advancement purposes:

Meritbadge.org | This website provides all helpful information regarding ranks and rewards.
Scouting.org | While this website provides much more than advancement materials, they have a dedicated section for ranks, merit badges, and special awards you can earn in Boy Scouts.
boyscouttrail.com | Also provides much more than advancement materials, but has a dedicated section for it.

Ranks

There are seven ranks in the Boy Scouts of America. First, there is Scout. Then Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle.

For each rank a Scout wishes to attain, he must first complete all requirements, then participate in the following:

1.) Scoutmaster Conference

After completing the requirements for a rank, a Scout's first step is to have a Scoutmaster Conference.

The Scoutmaster's Conference should never be a re-testing of any of the scout's skills. Certifying his skills is the responsibility of the leader who "signed off" on his Handbook. Rather, the conference is a chance for the Scoutmaster to make sure all requirements are signed off, and then engage in a comfortable, yet detailed, discussion on how the scout is feeling about the Program and how Scouting is fitting into his life as a whole. (This is a character building program.)

The Scoutmaster wants to hear from the Scout exactly what he likes, doesn't like, might want to do different, etc. He wants to know what his ambitions are in Scouting and "life". The ultimate goal is to make sure the Scouting experience is of real benefit to the Scout's development.

Once the Scoutmaster is convinced the Scout is ready to move forward towards the next rank, the Scoutmaster will direct the Scout to meet with members of the Committee, where a similar meeting will take place. This is known as a Board of Review.

2.) Board of Review

What is the purpose of the Board of Review?

To determine the quality of the Scout's experience and decide if he is qualified to advance to the next rank. Boards of review are also used when awarding Eagle Palms.

When is the Board of Review held?

When a Scout believes he has completed all the requirements for a rank or Palm, he will be granted a board of review. Ideally, boards should be scheduled at least monthly so Scouts aren't delayed in beginning time-oriented requirements for their next rank.

Who sits on the board?

The board consists of three to six unit committee members (or, for the Eagle Scout rank, three to six adults who understand the rank, purpose and importance of the review). A candidate's unit leader, assistant unit leaders and parents or guardians may not sit on his board, although the unit leader may attend as an observer. If three or fewer unit committee members are available, the unit may use knowledgeable parents or other adults who understand Scouting's aims.

How long should it last?

For Tenderfoot through Life, approximately 15 minutes but no longer than 30 minutes; for Eagle, 30 to 45 minutes.

Does the scout have to appear in uniform?

Full field uniform is preferred. Also must bring their Boy Scout Handbook.

How does the board make its decision?

Typically, the board will ask the candidate to leave the room at the end of the meeting while they discuss his responses. It is appropriate to call the candidate back if additional questions may provide clarification. After discussion, the board takes a formal or informal vote. The board must agree unanimously. To approve awarding a rank or Palm, the board must agree unanimously.

After the board tells the candidate, he is officially receiving the next rank.

(Find more information on advancement in the BSA Advancement Guide.)

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