Rank

Scouting provides a series of surmountable obstacles and steps in overcoming them through the advancement method. Scouts plan their own advancement and progress at their own pace as they meet each challenge. Scouts are recognized and rewarded for each achievement, which helps them gain self-confidence. The steps in the advancement system help a Scout grow in self-reliance and in the ability to help others. Here listed below are the seven ranks that are to be earned sequentially no matter what age a youth joins the BSA program in order:

Scout

The Scout rank is the first rank of Boy Scouts. To complete the rank, a new Scout must complete a Scout Youth Application and join a Troop. They must also 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, they must understand and agree to live by the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, Slogan, and the Outdoor Code.

Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks are oriented toward learning and practicing skills that will help Scouts develop confidence and fitness, challenge their thought processes, introduce them to their responsibilities as citizens, and prepare them for exciting and successful Scouting experiences. Requirements for the Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks may be worked on simultaneously; however, these ranks must be earned in sequence.

Tenderfoot

To earn the Tenderfoot rank, a Scout must complete various requirements for 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

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

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.

All requirements for Star, Life, and Eagle, except for those related to merit badges, must be fulfilled after the successful completion of a board of review for the previous rank.

Star

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 serve in a leadership position in the Troop for at least 4 months.

Life

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 serve in a leadership position in the Troop for at least 6 months.

Eagle

To earn the Eagle rank, a Scout must be active in their Troop and Patrol for at least 6 months after earning Life, earn a total of 21 merit badges, including 12 required merit badges (First Aid, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Communications, Personal Fitness, Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving, Environmental Science, Personal Management, Swimming OR Hiking OR Cycling, Camping, and Family Life), serve in a leadership position in the Troop for at least 6 months, and complete an Eagle Scout service project which is helpful to any religious institution, school, or community.

Eagle Palms are earned after a Scout has earned the Eagle Scout award. To earn Palms, an Eagle Scout must be active in their Troop and Patrol for at least 3 months after becoming an Eagle Scout or after earning the last Palm, demonstrate Scout Spirit and leadership ability, and earn 5 additional merit badges beyond those required for Eagle or the last palm. Merit badges earned at any time can be used towards the required 5 for each Palm. The Bronze Palm represents 5 merit badges, the Gold 10, and the Silver 15. The Palms must be earned in order and only the appropriate combination of Palms should be worn to signify the total number of merit badges earned beyond those required for Eagle.