Scout Advancement

Advancement is the process by which youth members progress from rank to rank, learning new skills and growing as leaders along the way.

The Eagle Trail

There are 7 ranks to advance in scouting. The first three focus on learning essential scouting skills like camping, first aid, and navigation.

Scout Tenderfoot Second Class

Starting from First Class, merit badges and leadership roles become required. The journey culminates with the Eagle Scout rank, requiring a comprehensive service project.

First Class Star Life Eagle Scout

Why Advance?

check_circle Learn verified outdoor and life skills.
check_circle Practice leadership by guiding others.
check_circle Participate in community service.
check_circle Develop a deep appreciation for nature.

How to Advance

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1. Scoutmaster Conference

When you have verified that all rank requirements are marked as "Completed" in your handbook, you are ready to request a conference.

This is a conversation between you and the Scoutmaster to review your growth, set goals for the next rank, and ensure you are ready for the Board of Review.

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2. Board of Review (BOR)

After your conference, request a BOR. This is a panel of 3+ adults (not your parents or Scoutmaster) who will chat with you about your experience.

Note: Your official rank advancement date is the date you pass your Board of Review.

Preparing for Your Board of Review

Follow this checklist to ensure you are ready for your review.

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Memorize the Basics

Be ready to recite and explain the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, Slogan, and Outdoor Code.

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Full Class A Uniform

Wear your full uniform properly. Merit badge sash is required for Star rank and higher.

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Bring Your Handbook

Have your physical handbook with you for signatures.

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Be Ready to Reflect

Think about what you've learned, what was fun, and how you live by the Scout Law.

Sample Board of Review Questions

expand_more Tenderfoot Rank

Ice Breakers: What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Favorite movie? Favorite book?

What is the buddy system?
What does it mean to "Be Prepared"?
Why did you decide to join Scouts?
What skill did you enjoy learning the most?
Have you had to use these skills in your everyday life?
What is the most fun thing you have done in Scouting so far?
Tell me about a time you helped another Scout.
Who do you look up to in your patrol / troop and why?
What do you hope to accomplish in your first year as a Scout?
Have you learned the basics of Scout leadership, like the patrol method?
What is the name of your patrol? Do you have a flag or yell?
Tell me about a time you demonstrated the Scout Law at home and/or school?
What do you do if you get lost on a hike?
Can you demonstrate a knot you learned for this rank?
How does the Scout Oath apply to your life outside of reviews?

expand_more Second Class Rank

What outdoor skills have you learned since earning Tenderfoot?
Where did you go to learn how to use a map and compass?
Can you share an experience where you needed to use the First Aid skills you have learned?
Which skill do you feel is or will be the most useful?
What is your favorite part about being in a patrol?
Tell us about a challenge you had during a campout and how you solved it.
Have you taught any skills to the younger scouts? What did you teach and how did it go?
Why is it important to be able to identify animals found in your community?
Have you earned any merit badges? Which one was your favorite?
How do you use the Scout Law to help out at home? School? Church?
Tell us about a meal you cooked on a campout. Did turn out the way you thought it would?
What requirement for this rank did you feel was the hardest? Easiest?
Explain the principles of Leave No Trace and give an example of how you followed them.
How did you participate in a flag ceremony?
What service project did you participate in for this rank?

expand_more First Class Rank

On average, how many troop meetings do you attend each month?
As a 1st class Scout, do you feel there will be more expectations on you now?
Why do you think swimming is emphasized in Scouting?
Have you had to use any of the first aid you have learned so far? Tell us about it.
Why are merit badges a part of scouting?
How do you define "Scout Spirit"?
What accomplishment are you most proud of on your journey so far?
What was the most challenging for you while working on this rank? How did you overcome it?
How do you set a good example for the younger scouts?
Since learning to cook with this rank, have you cooked more at home?
Why do you feel it is important to be physically fit?
Why do you feel Scouts do service projects?
What advice would you give to a younger Scout?
Describe your experience with the orienteering course.
How have you invited a friend to a troop meeting or activity?
What does it mean to be a role model in the troop?

expand_more Star Rank

How have your Scout skills helped in a non-Scout activity?
What leadership position do you hold and what have you learned from it?
Tell us what you think makes a good leader.
Tell us about one of your service projects and what impact did it have?
What have you learned from either a mistake or a failure in scouting?
What would you do if someone in your patrol was being bullied or excluded?
How many merit badges have you earned? Which was the most rewarding?
Why do you think a Scoutmaster’s conference is required for rank advancement?
Why do you think a Board of Review is important?
How do you feel your patrol functions as a team?
Have you tried to implement changes in your patrol / troop? What were they and how did it go?
How would you describe the change in your thinking / actions / performance since you earned First Class?
What is your goal for Eagle?
How do you mentor younger scouts?
Which point of the Scout Law is hardest for you to follow?
Tell us about a merit badge that really challenged you.

expand_more Life Rank

Have any of the merit badges you earned helped you pick a career?
Of all the merit badges you have earned, which one do you think will be the greatest value to you as an adult?
Why do you think the 4 Citizenship merit badges are required for Eagle?
What leadership position do you currently hold? What challenges have you had to overcome?
What leadership position have you held that you felt made the most impact on your troop?
How do you choose between a Scouting activity, a school activity or a family activity?
Why do you think Star and Life Scouts are required to contribute so much time to service projects?
The Scout Oath refers to "Duty to Self" – what duty do you think we have to ourselves?
How does Scouting influence your interactions with others?
If you could remove any word for the Scout Law what word would you remove? What word would you replace it with and why?
Do you feel that Scouting has helped you to decide what to do as a career?
How do you balance Scouting with other activities like sports or school?
Do you have an idea for your Eagle Project? What is it?
How has your leadership style evolved since you were a Patrol Leader?

expand_more stars Eagle Scout Rank

Note: The Eagle Board of Review attempts to determine the Scout’s attitude toward and acceptance of Scouting’s ideals. It focuses on the Service Project, leadership, and future goals.

The Project

What group benefited from your project? How did you find out about the need?
Walk us through the project: planning, organization, and directing the work.
Did you have to modify your plan? What did you learn from that?
In what ways do you feel you demonstrated leadership?
How is your project "special"?
30 years from now, what will stand out in your mind about this project?
What is the most important lesson you learned from managing your Eagle Project?

Scouting Experience & Values

What is the hardest point of the Scout Law for you to live by? Why?
What point of the Scout Law is the most important to you? Why?
What does "Scouting Spirit" mean to you?
What does "Duty to God" and "Duty to Country" mean to you?
What was your most enjoyable experience in Scouting? Least enjoyable?
If you earned your Eagle rank today, what do you intend to do to repay Scouting?
Who has been the most influential person in your Scouting career?
How will being an Eagle Scout affect your future decisions and ethics?

The Future

What do you believe our society expects from an Eagle Scout?
As an Eagle Scout, what can you personally do to improve your unit?
What are your future plans (high school, college, career)?
Do you think you will be able to remember the obligation "to help others at all times" as an adult?
How do you plan to give back to Scouting after you turn 18?

expand_more Eagle Palms

As an Eagle, have the Scout Oath and Law gained new meaning for you? How?
Why is it important to developing and identify leadership? How do you do this?
Since earning your Eagle, what merit badges have you earned?
Since earning your Eagle (or last Palm), in what service projects have you participated?
How do you plan to continue your involvement with Scouting?
What would you say to a Life Scout who is lacking motivation?
How have you begun to "give back to Scouting more than Scouting has given to you"?
What advice would you give to a potential Eagle Scout?

Official Resources

Guide to Advancement (2025)