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Advancement Procedures NEW 2011 PROCEDURES

The Scouting program has three specific objectives, commonly referred to as the "Aims of Scouting." They are character development, citizenship training, and physical fitness. Ranks and merit badges are the tools used to achieve these aims, not the goal themselves.

A Scout may work on rank requirements for Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class simultaneously and in any order. A Scout may also work on merit badges at any time. However, the Scout MUST advance through the ranks in order. He must be a Scout, then a Tenderfoot, then a Second Class, then a First Class, then a Star, then a Life, and then an Eagle. Even if a Scout has completed all requirements for a higher rank, he can not be awarded that higher rank until he has progressed through all of the lower ranks in order.

It is BSA policy that all current requirements for advancement (ranks, merit badges, or Eagle Palms) must actually be met by the candidate. There are no substitutions or alternatives permitted except those that are specifically stated in the requirement. No council, district, unit nor individual has the authority to add to, or subtract from, any advancement requirements. The Scout is expected to meet the requirements as stated – no more and no less. If it says, “show or demonstrate,” that is what he must do. Just telling about it isn’t enough.

Steps to Advancement:

1. A Scout Learns: A scout learns by doing. As he develops knowledge and skill, he is asked to teach others; in this way he begins to develop leadership. This is the reason for the policy that a Scout meets the requirement. Anyone who allows a Scout to do less is doing a great disservice to that Scout.

2. A Scout is Tested: The Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters, Troop Committee Members, or members of the troop designated by the Scoutmaster may test a Scout on rank requirements. Notice that there are 2 different steps. A scout should not be signed off on a requirement while he is learning it; he needs to pass the testing phase as well.

3. A Scout is Reviewed”

Scoutmaster Conference: For each rank, the last requirement to be met before the Board of Review is the Scoutmaster Conference. The Scout should have all requirements except Scout Spirit, Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review completed before requesting a Scoutmaster Conference. The scout should be prepared to demonstrate what he has learned and to discuss his scouting experiences.

Board of Review: After the Scout passes his Scoutmaster Conference, he may register for a Board of Review with the Advancement Chair. The review has three purposes: 1) to ensure that the work has been learned and completed, 2) to see what kind of experience the Scout is having in the unit, and 3) to encourage him to advance to the next rank. A rank is not earned until a Board of Review determines that he is qualified for the rank.

4. Recognition: When the Board of Review has certified a Scout’s advancement, he is recognized at the next scheduled troop meeting. The certificate for his new rank is presented later at a formal Court of Honor. This certificate or presentation card is important and should be kept in a safe place.

Advancement is a scout’s responsibility, not that of the adult leaders’. The troop leadership will help and support a scout in whatever the scout’s own personal advancement goals may be. The troop leadership will not impose the goals of another (leader or parent) on the scout. Advancement is not about “collecting sign-offs” or competing against other scouts. It is merely a tool to help develop young men with character and citizenship. A scout does not have to be an Eagle Scout to achieve the aims of Scouting.

Troop Pamphlets

What is advancement?

Advancement Process OUTLINE

Advancement Policies and Procedures

Advancement Condensed Process

What every scout should know!

Scout Book Advancement Pages

EAGLE Section