Advancements

Rank Advancement

Scouts progress through a series of ranks as they develop Scouting skills, demonstrate leadership, and grow in confidence and self-reliance. Each rank builds on the skills learned along the way, from the foundational Scout Rank through Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle Scout.

The Scouts BSA Handbook is the primary reference for rank requirements. You can also find official advancement information in the BSA's Advancement and Awards Guide.

How Rank Advancement Works

Advancement is Scout-led. Once a Scout has completed the requirements for a rank, it is the Scout's responsibility to request a Scoutmaster Conference and, when required, schedule a Board of Review.

1. Complete the Rank Requirements

Scouts work with their Patrol Leaders, Older Scouts, Assistant Scoutmasters, Scoutmaster, and other adult leaders to learn and demonstrate the skills required for each rank. Scouts should keep their Scouts BSA Handbook up to date and make sure completed requirements are properly recorded.

Troop 442 regularly provides opportunities during troop meetings and campouts for Scouts to work on requirements and demonstrate their skills.

2. Scoutmaster Conference

After completing the requirements for a rank, the Scout is responsible for scheduling the Scoutmaster Conference by emailing the Scoutmaster.

For the conference, Scouts should bring their Scouts BSA Handbook and wear their Class A uniform.

Note: For First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle Scout, the Scoutmaster conducts the conference. For other ranks, the Scoutmaster or the Assistant Scoutmaster supporting the Scout's patrol may conduct the conference. 

3. Board of Review (BOR)

For ranks after Scout, the Board of Review is the final step in the rank advancement process.

Once the Scout has completed the requirements and their Scoutmaster Conference, they should email the Advancement Chair with a copy to the Scoutmaster to schedule a BOR. Scouts should bring their Scouts BSA Handbook showing completion of all requirements. Arrive in the complete Class A uniform, including the appropriate shirt, pants/shorts, belt, socks, and merit badge sash when applicable.

A Board of Review is not a test of the Scout's knowledge. It is an opportunity for the Scout to reflect on their Scouting experience, discuss their growth, and demonstrate that they are continuing to live by the ideals of Scouting.

Exception: The Scout Rank is different from the other ranks. A Board of Review is not required.

Once the Scout has completed the requirements, they should provide a copy of the completed requirements from their Scouts BSA Handbook to the Scoutmaster so the achievement can be recorded and recognized.

Recognition

Once a Scout completes a rank, Troop 442 will recognize the achievement at the earliest practical troop meeting.

Rank achievements are also formally recognized at our Court of Honor. Families are encouraged to attend Courts of Honor to celebrate the accomplishments of all of our Scouts.

Help Keep Advancement Moving

Adult Volunteers Needed for Boards of Review

Every Scout completing a rank after Scout Rank needs a Board of Review. Each Board of Review requires at least three adults, so parent participation is essential to keeping advancement moving.

Adults who are not serving as Assistant Scoutmasters can participate in Boards of Review. You do not need to be an advancement expert or have a Scout completing a rank to help.

If you are willing to serve on Boards of Review, please let the troop advancement team know. Your participation directly helps Scouts achieve their goals.

Scouts Own Your Advancement

Adult leaders are here to coach, and support you, but you are responsible for your own advancement.

Keep your handbook current, track your progress in Scoutbook, ask for help when you need it, and take the initiative to schedule your conferences and Board of Review when you are ready.