There are 7 separate ranks to be earned on the Scouting journey.  Here is a quick rundown on how to go about rank advancement, because every epic journey begins with the decision to take the first step, and then continues with the decision to take each step after that! 

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There are four steps in Scout advancement and how the seven ranks of Scouting are earned is important. As listed on the Mechanics of Advancement in Scouts BSA page and in the 14th Edition of the Handbook (page 416), the four steps are as follows:

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1. You learn: With learning, a Scout grows in the ability to contribute to the patrol and troop. As Scouts develop knowledge and skills, they are asked to teach others and, in this way, they learn and develop leadership.

2. You are Tested: The unit leader authorizes those who may test and pass the Scout on rank requirements. They might include the patrol leader, the senior patrol leader, the unit leader, an assistant unit leader, or another Scout. Merit badge counselors teach and test Scouts on requirements for merit badges.

3. You are Reviewed: After completing all the requirements for a rank, except Scout rank, a Scout meets with a board of review.

4. You are recognized: When a Scout has earned the Scout rank or when a board of review has approved advancement, the Scout deserves recognition as soon as possible. This should be done at a ceremony at the next unit meeting. The achievement may be recognized again later, such as during a formal court of honor.

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The emphasis on rank advancement is: the process. Each time a rank is earned, it is an opportunity to implement new skills, from how to lead fellow Scouts to how to plan and execute meetings and trips!  The first rank you can earn in Scouts BSA is the “Scout” rank. This rank shows you, your fellow Scouts, and your leaders that you know and understand Scouting’s basic premises.  Part of earning the Scout rank is understanding how the seven ranks of Scouting are earned, understanding what merit badges are and how they are earned, and finally, participating in a Scoutmaster conference while working on the Scout rank.

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The seven ranks of scouting are: Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. In a nutshell, the Scout rank gets you started… think of it as the foundation for you to build upon! The ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class really prepare you for anything Scouting can throw at you. These should take you about 1 year to 1.5 years to complete. The ranks of Star, Life, and Eagle allow you to take and implement what you have learned, so you can really use the skills to apply to your life! These ranks are focused on leadership, service and earning merit badges. You have until you are 18 years old to work on earning these ranks.  Please see the images below for the requirements for each rank.

Information provided/ adapted from Scout Shop Blog

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