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Rank Requirements
Merit Badges
Order of the Arrow
Patrol Method
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The fact that a boy is an Eagle Scout has always carried with it a special significance, not only
in Scouting but also as he enters higher education, business or industry, and community service. The
award is a performance-based achievement whose standards have been well-maintained over the years.
Not every boy who joins a Boy Scout troop earns the Eagle Scout rank; only about 4 percent of all
Boy Scouts do so. This represents more than 1 million Boy Scouts who have earned the rank since
1911. Nevertheless, the goals of Scouting—citizenship training, character development, and
personal fitness—remain important for all Scouts, whether or not they attain the Eagle Scout rank.
To earn the Eagle Scout rank, the highest advancement rank in Scouting, a Boy Scout must fulfill
requirements in the areas of leadership, service, and outdoor skills. Although many options are
available to demonstrate proficiency in these areas, a number of specific skills are required to
advance through the ranks—Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. To
advance, a Boy Scout must pass specific tests that are organized by requirements and merit badges.
Merit badges signify the mastery of certain Scoutcraft skills, as well as helping boys increase
their skill in an area of personal interest. Of the more than 100 merit badges available, 21 must be
earned to qualify for Eagle Scout. Of this group, 12 badges are required, including First Aid,
Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the Nation, Citizenship in the World, Communications,
Environmental Science, Personal Fitness, Personal Management, Camping, and Family Life. In addition,
a Scout has a choice between Emergency Preparedness and Lifesaving and a choice among Cycling,
Hiking, and Swimming.
At each of his rank advancements, a Boy Scout takes part in a Scoutmaster conference. These
conferences help the Scout to set goals for himself in line with his individual talents and
abilities. At each conference, the Scoutmaster helps him evaluate how well he accomplished his
present goal and then works with him in setting new goals.
Beginning with the Star rank, and continuing through Life and Eagle, a Scout must demonstrate
participation in increasingly more responsible service projects. At these levels, he also must
demonstrate leadership skills by holding one or more specific youth positions of responsibility in
his patrol and/or troop.
Advancement, one of the eight methods by which the aims of Scouting are achieved, has four steps
through each award level.
First, the Scout learns. Much of his learning comes from other boys in his patrol or troop and by
active participation in troop program. His patrol activities are directed toward the skills he
needs. Every troop hike, camping trip, or other activity offers potential learning experiences. A
Scout learns to pitch a tent by pitching one, to use a compass by finding directions, and to cook a
meal by having to prepare and eat it.
Second, the Scout is tested. The specific requirements determine the kind of testing. Verbal
testing is sufficient in some instances. In other instances, a Scout must demonstrate his skills by
doing.
Third, the Scout is reviewed. The purpose of the review is to ensure that all requirements for
advancement have been met. This includes a check of the Scout's attitude and practice of the ideals
of Scouting, in addition to his Scoutcraft skills. The decision regarding whether a Scout has met
the required standards to qualify for rank advancement begins with the troop and, for the Eagle
Scout rank, is approved by the district, local council, and finally, the National Council.
Fourth, the Scout is recognized. The final step in advancement involves presentation of the
badge, usually at a ceremony before the entire troop.
Boy Scouts with disabilities may qualify for the Eagle Scout rank. Each Scout must earn as many
of the required merit badges as he can. He then submits an application for alternate merit badges.
His BSA local council determines the alternate merit badges for him to earn.
Founded in 1972, the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) maintains contact with Eagle Scouts
to sustain their interest in Scouting. Any Eagle Scout may join the association. Applications for
membership in NESA are available through your local council or by contacting the Eagle Scout Service
at the national office. An application may also be downloaded from the BSA Web site.
The Distinguished Eagle Scout Award was established in 1969 to acknowledge Eagle Scouts who have
distinguished themselves in business, professions, and service to their country. Only Eagle Scouts
who earned the Eagle Scout rank a minimum of 25 years previously are eligible for nomination. The
award is given by the National Eagle Scout Service upon the recommendation of a committee of
Distinguished Eagle Scouts.
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Eagle Scouts