Ranks
SCOUT Rank Requirements
The Scout rank is the first rank you will achieve after becoming a member of BSA. To earn this, you will:
- Become familiar with the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout motto, and Scout slogan.
- Demonstrate an understanding of Scout emblems, ranks, organization, and spirit
- Learn and demonstrate basic knots, rope care, and pocketknife safety
- Participate in a Scoutmaster conference.
Full details are available here.
TENDERFOOT Rank Requirements
The second rank, Tenderfoot, will be achieved after participating in at least one overnight camping trip. To earn this, you will:
- Prepare for, and participate in, a campout, including assisting in preparing at least one meal
- Demonstrate usage of knots, knives, saws, and axes, including teaching knot tying
- Show first aid techniques and assemble a personal first-aid kit
- Explain the aspects of safe hiking
- Develop a plan for improved physical fitness and show improvement
- Show how to correctly display, raise, lower, and fold the U.S. flag
- Participate in at least one hour of service
- Successfully complete a board of review
Full details are available here.
SECOND CLASS Rank Requirements
The third rank, Second Class, will be achieved after further participation in BSA. Requirements include:
- Participate in at least 5 activities, including at least 2 overnight campouts, including selecting patrol location, preparing a cooking fire, building a fire, and planning and cooking a meal
- Demonstrate usage of knots, compass, and map
- Take a 5 mile hike (or 10 miles by bike), using a compass and map
- Demonstrate first aid for additional injuries, and explain how to reduce the occurrence of injuries
- Be physically active, track your activities, and set goals for continuing to include physical activity in your life
- Participate in a flag ceremony
- Explore personal finance through goal-setting and cost comparisons
- Participate in at least two hours of service
- Successfully complete a board of review
Full details are available here.
FIRST CLASS Rank Requirements
The fourth rank, First Class, will be achieved after further participation in BSA. Requirements include:
- Participate in at least 10 activities, including at least 3 overnight campouts, including menu planning and cooking
- Demonstrate usage of lashings, hitches, compass, map, and GPS
- Identify native plants and demonstrate knowledge of signs of imminent hazardous weather
- Complete an orienteering course of at least 1 mile
- Pass BSA swimmer test and demonstrate familiarity with watercraft and water safety
- Demonstrate advanced first aid and lifesaving skills
- Be physically active, track your activities, and set goals for continuing to include physical activity in your life
- Participate in a flag ceremony
- Explore personal finance through goal-setting and cost comparisons
- Participate in at least two hours of service
- Successfully complete a board of review
Full details are available here.
STAR Rank Requirements
The fifth rank, Star, will be achieved after further participation in BSA. Requirements include:
- Be active in your troop for at least four months as a First Class Scout.
- As a First Class Scout, demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
- Earn six merit badges, including any four from the required list for Eagle.
- Participate in six hours of service.
- Serve actively in a position of responsibility for four months.
- Successfully complete a board of review.
Full details are available here.
LIFE Rank Requirements
The sixth rank, Life, will be achieved after further participation in BSA. Requirements include:
- Be active in your troop for at least six months as a Star Scout.
- Demonstrate Scout spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
- Earn five more merit badges, including any three additional badges from the required list for Eagle.
- Participate in six hours of service.
- Serve actively in your troop for six months in a position of responsibility.
- Use the Teaching EDGE method to teach another Scout certain skills in first aid, cooking, navigation, or tools.
- Successfully complete a board of review.
Full details are available here.
EAGLE Rank Requirements
The seventh and final rank, Eagle, will be achieved after further participation in BSA. Requirements include:
- Be active in your troop for at least six months as a Life Scout.
- Demonstrate Scout Spirit by living the Scout Oath and Scout Law.
- Earn a total of 21 merit badges
- Serve actively in your troop for six months in a position of responsibility.
- Plan, develop, and give leadership to others in a service project helpful to any religious institution, any school, or your community.
- Successfully complete an Eagle Board of Review.
Full details are available here.