Every Single Rank in Scouts BSA
A Scout can complete requirements for the first four ranks simultaneously, but the ranks must be earned in sequence (Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle). A crucial step in earning these ranks is bringing your Scoutbook to meetings. All rank requirements will be signed off in your physical Scoutbook and the online version, which is not a substitution for the paper copy. Only when all requirements are completed a board of review will be scheduled and you will be tested to earn the rank. You may fail the board of review if you are found to have not satisfactorily completed all requirements.
Scout
Scout rank is the first rank of Scouting. To complete the rank, a new Scout must be able to repeat the Pledge of Allegiance, demonstrate the Scout sign, salute and handshake, tie a square knot, and describe the Scout badge. Finally, they must understand and agree to live by the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, Slogan, and the Outdoor Code.
Tenderfoot
Tenderfoot is the second rank of Scouts. To earn the Tenderfoot rank, a Scout must complete requirements dealing with camping, hiking, the American Flag, the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, and Slogan, the patrol method, the buddy system, physical fitness, plants, and first aid.
Second Class
Second Class is the third rank of Scouts. To earn the Second Class rank, a Scout must complete requirements dealing with orienteering, camping, wood tools, cooking, a flag ceremony, a service project, wildlife, first aid, swimming, drug and alcohol prevention, and personal safety.
First Class
First Class is the fourth rank of Scouts. To earn the First Class rank, a Scout must complete requirements dealing with orienteering, camping, cooking, plants, knots, lashings, swimming, citizenship, and recruitment.
Final three ranks
The final three ranks of Scouts BSA have more challenging requirements than others. These requirements must be completed one rank at a time and can take a significant amount of time to achieve. This chart explains some of the more time-consuming requirements for these ranks, but not all of the requirements. Please check your Scoutbook for detailed rank requirements.
Star
Star is the fifth rank of Scouts. The requirements for Star rank are much different than the previous ranks. To earn the Star rank, a Scout must be active in their Troop and Patrol for at least 4 months after earning First Class, earn 6 merit badges, including 4 from those required for Eagle, complete service projects totaling at least 6 hours of work, and serve in a leadership position in the Troop for at least 4 months.
Life
Life is the sixth rank of Scouts. The requirements for Life rank are similar to those of the Star rank. To earn Life rank, a Scout must be active in their Troop and Patrol for at least 6 months after earning Star, earn 5 additional merit badges beyond those earned for Star (total of 11), including 3 more from those required for Eagle, complete service projects totaling at least 6 hours of work, and serve in a leadership position in the Troop for at least 6 months.
Eagle
Eagle is the seventh and highest rank of Scouts. To earn the Eagle rank, a Scout must be active in their Troop and Patrol for at least 6 months after earning Life, earn a total of 21 merit badges, including 14 required merit badges (First Aid, Camping, Cooking, Communications, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in Society, Citizenship in the World, Family Life, Personal Fitness, Personal Management, Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving, Environmental Science OR Sustainability, Swimming OR Hiking OR Cycling), serve in a leadership position in the Troop for at least 6 months, and complete an Eagle Scout service project which is helpful to any nonprofit organization or community.