Scouting Advancement
Click Here for Advancement Contacts
Scouting provides youth with a series of meaningful challenges—each one designed to be surmountable and to build confidence as Scouts overcome them. Through the advancement method, Scouts chart their own course, progressing at their own pace while setting goals, learning skills, and rising to meet each new test. Along the way, they are recognized and rewarded for their achievements, reinforcing self-confidence, self-reliance, and a growing ability to serve and support others.
Advancement is the process through which members of Scouting America progress from rank to rank. It is one of the key ways we encourage ongoing involvement, commitment, and personal growth—keeping Scouts engaged and excited to return for more. Advancement works best when it is woven naturally into a unit’s program, so that simply participating in activities leads to meaningful achievement, recognition, and readiness for even greater challenges.
It’s important to remember that advancement is not the ultimate goal of Scouting. Rather, it is one of several methods designed to help leaders deliver the aims and mission of Scouting America. Advancement is a tool—a pathway to growth, leadership, and character—not an end in itself.
Rank Advancement
- Guide To Advancement
- Requirements
- Application for Alternative Eagle Scout Rank Merit Badges
- Belated Rank Application
- Eagle Scout Rank Application
- Eagle Scout Service Project Workbook
- Request for Extension of Time
- Appeal of Extension Request Denial
- Eagle Scout Service Project Coach Application
- Individual Scout Advancement Plan
- Navigating the Eagle Scout Service Project; Information for Project Beneficiaries
- Request for Registration Beyond the Age of Eligibility
- Scouting America Rank Application
Rank Requirements
- Age Requirement Eligibility
- Rank Advancement for Venturers and Sea Scouts
- Current Scout Rank Requirements | Previous
- Current Tenderfoot Rank Requirements | Previous
- Current Second Class Rank Requirements | Previous
- Current First Class Rank Requirements | Previous
- Current Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class Ranks Alternative Requirements | Previous
- Current Star Rank Requirements | Previous
- Current Life Rank Requirements | Previous
- Current Eagle Rank Requirements | Previous
- Current Eagle Scout Rank Alternative Requirements | Previous
- Current Eagle Palms | Previous
- Current Scouting America Rank Requirements | Previous
- Merit Badges and Requirements
- 2022 Scouts BSA Requirements book
- 2023 Scouts BSA Requirements book
- 2024 Scouts BSA Requirements book
Special Opportunities
- 50-Miler Award
- Boardsailing Scouting America
- Scouting America Distinguished Conservation Service Award
- Scouting America Lifeguard
- Scouting America Stand Up Paddleboarding
- Cyber Chip
- Complete Angler
- Den Chief Service Award
- Firem’n Chit
- Historic Trails Award
- Interpreter Strip
- Kayaking Scouting America
- Mile Swim Scouting America
- Morse Code Interpreter Strip
- National Court of Honor Lifesaving, Meritorious Action and Heroism Awards
- National Medal for Outdoor Achievement
- National Outdoor Awards
- Nova and Supernova Awards
- Outdoor Ethics Action Award
- Outdoor Ethics Awareness Award
- Paul Bunyan Award
- Religious Emblems
- Scuba Scouting America
- Snorkeling Scouting America
- Totin’ Chip
- White Water Rafting Scouting America
- World Conservation Award