Every rank, badge, and award is a step on the trail. Here's how Scouts advance, how leaders record it, and where to find the resources to help them get there.
Every rank and badge follows the same simple process.
1
The Scout learns
Scouts learn by doing, through hands-on activities, outings, and their unit's program.
2
The Scout is tested
A leader or counselor checks that each requirement has been completed as written.
3
The Scout is reviewed
A board of review talks with the Scout about their experience. Venturers have crew boards of review, and Sea Scouts have bridges of review.
4
The Scout is recognized
Advancement is recorded, and the Scout is presented their award, often at a court of honor or pack meeting.
Requirements are the same for every Scout
Requirements must be completed as written. Units, districts, and the council can't add to them or take away from them. The one exception is accommodations for Scouts with disabilities or special needs, such as alternative requirements or registration beyond the usual age. See Section 10 of the Guide to Advancement, or contact our council advancement chair to get started.
For Unit Leaders
Recording Advancement
Units record advancement in Scoutbook Plus (also called Internet Advancement 2.0). Sign in with your My.Scouting account.
Enter completed requirements, ranks, and merit badges
Print advancement reports for your unit's records and purchasing
Some tools, like merit badge counselor management, still live in Scoutbook Legacy
Eagle Scout is the highest rank in Scouts BSA, and it must be completed before a Scout's 18th birthday. Our Eagle, Summit & Quartermaster page walks Scouts, parents, and leaders through every step, from the project proposal to the board of review.
Quick answers to the questions we hear most. Tap a question to see the answer.
Do partial merit badges expire?
No. Partial merit badge work doesn't expire until the Scout turns 18. A unit can't set its own time limit.
Can Scouts earn merit badges online or in a group?
Yes. Virtual sessions and group merit badge days are fine, as long as every Scout personally completes each requirement as written. Being in the room, or on the call, isn't the same as doing the work.
Counselors must follow Safeguarding Youth policies at all times, including no one-on-one contact with a Scout, online or in person.
Can a requirement be changed or skipped?
No. Requirements can't be added to, changed, or skipped. If a requirement says "show," "demonstrate," or "discuss," the Scout must do exactly that.
The only exception is approved accommodations for Scouts with disabilities or special needs. Contact our council advancement chair for help.
What is a board of review?
For Scouts BSA ranks, a board of review is a friendly conversation with three to six adult members of the unit committee. It isn't a retest. The board talks with the Scout about their experiences and how the unit is serving them.
Unit leaders, their assistants, and the Scout's own parents or guardians don't serve on the Scout's board.
When does Eagle Scout need to be finished?
Every Eagle requirement, including the service project and merit badges, must be completed before the Scout's 18th birthday. The board of review itself can take place after the birthday.
Extensions are granted only in rare cases where something beyond the Scout's control made it impossible to finish in time. If you think your Scout may need one, contact our council advancement chair as early as possible.
How do we find a merit badge counselor?
Start with your unit leader. Counselors must be registered with Scouting America and approved for the badges they counsel. If your unit can't find one for a particular badge, contact our council advancement chair or the council office.
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