Boy Scout Advancement

Aims and Standards


Advancement accommodates the three aims of Scouting:
  • Citizenship
  • Growth in moral strength and character
  • Mental and physical fitness
The advancement program is designed to provide the Boy Scout with a chance to achieve the aims of Scouting. As a Scout advances he is measured and grows in confidence and self-reliance. When a badge and certificate are awarded to a Boy Scout to recognize that he has achieved a rank, they represent that a young man has:
  • Been an active participant in his troop and patrol
  • Demonstrated living the Scout Oath and Law in his daily life
  • Met the other requirements and/or earned the merit badges for the rank
  • Participated in a Scoutmaster conference
  • Satisfactorily appeared before a Board of Review

Four Steps of Advancement


A Boy Scout advances from Tenderfoot to Eagle by doing things with his patrol and troop, with his leaders, and on his own. It's easy for him to advance if the following four opportunities are provided for him.
  1. The Boy Scout learns. A Scout learns by doing. As he learns, he grows in his ability to do his part as a member of the patrol and troop. As he develops knowledge and skill, he is asked to teach others. As he learns to teach others, he develops leadership.
  2. The Boy Scout is tested. A Scout may be tested on hand requirements by his patrol leader, Scoutmaster, assistant Scoutmaster, a troop committee member, or a member of his troop. The Scoutmaster maintains a list of those qualified to give tests and to pass candidates. The Scout's merit badge counselor teaches and tests on the requirements for merit badges.
  3. The Boy Scout is reviewed. After a Scout has completed all requirements for a rank, he has a board of review. For Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle Palms, the review is conducted by members of the troop committee. The Eagle Scout board of review is conducted in accordance with local council procedures.
  4. The Boy Scout is recognized. When the board of review has certified a boy's advancement, he deserves to receive recognition as soon as possible. This should be done at a ceremony at the next troop meeting. The certificate for his new rank may be presented later at a formal court of honor.

Scoutmaster Conference


The Scoutmaster is responsible for the conference conducted prior to the board of review. During this conference, the Scoutmaster will take the opportunity to evaluate the Scout's accomplishments and help him to set goals in leadership and advancement.

The Scoutmaster conference can take place at a troop meeting, camping trip, or in the Scout's home. The aim of the conference is to determine the Scout's readiness to advance by having learned the skills required, provided service as determined by the rank, and provided leadership as required.

Board of Review


The members of a Board of Review should have the following objectives in mind:
  • To make sure the Scout has completed the requirements for the rank.
  • To see how good an experience the Scout is having in the unit.
  • To encourage the Scout to progress further.
Additionally, the Board of Review provides "quality control" on advancement within the unit, it provides an opportunity for the Scout to develop and practice those skills needed in a interview situation, and it is an opportunity for the Scout to review his accomplishments.

The Board of Review is NOT a retest; the Scout has already been tested on the skills and activities required for the rank. However, the chairman of the Board of Review should ensure that all the requirements have been "signed off" in the Scout's handbook. Additionally, the chairman should ensure that leadership and merit badge records are consistent with the requirements for the rank.

The Board of Review is an opportunity to review of the Scout's attitudes, accomplishments and his acceptance of Scouting's ideals.

The role of the Board of Review members and the atmosphere that should be present are well described in the Scoutmaster's Handbook, the Troop Committee Guidebook and the BSA Advancement Guidelines. For a quick, one-page summary of Board of Review Concepts, please follow the link. This document provides descriptions of Boards of Review for various ranks, sample questions or thoughts that should be considered, and even addresses how to conduct a Board of Review for a Scout who is not advancing (and WHY you should do it!).

Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, Eagle