Advancement

Scouts BSA provides an opportunity for Scouts to achieve personal growth, gain self-confidence and grow in self-reliance through the advancement method. To advance in rank, Scout skills are learned by actively participating in a unit's program. This includes meetings, service projects, campouts, fundraisers, summer camps, and more.

When a Scout has learned the necessary skills for completing a rank, a Scoutmaster Conference is held, which is a discussion between the Scout and the Scoutmaster. Once the Scoutmaster Conference is complete, the Scout is ready for a Board of Review to determine the quality of the Scout's experience and decide whether the requirements of the rank have been fulfilled. The board may consist of 3 - 6 parents or members of the troop committee (except for the eagle board where non-registered members are the majority). After the Scout passes the Board of Review, the rank is earned and the Scout's journey continues.

To earn the rank of Star, Life, Eagle, and to earn Eagle Palms, a Scout must also complete merit badges. Scouts can learn about sports, crafts, science, trades, business, outdoor skills, and future careers by earning merit badges. There are more than 135 merit badges a Scout may earn at any time.

To help you with advancement, we have answered some common questions below. Additionally, here are a few resources:

List of all Scouts BSA merit badges

List of merit badge worksheets

Rank Advancement FAQ

Who should I talk to if I have completed rank requirements, but they are not signed off in my Scouts BSA handbook or in Scoutbook?

Talk to one of your Assistant Scoutmasters during a meeting or at a Scouting activity so that he or she may mark the requirements completed and approved.

What should I do when I think I am ready for a Scoutmaster Conference?

In order to participate in a Scoutmaster Conference, all requirements for the rank you are attempting to earn, except the Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review, must be completed and approved. Once you have confirmed everything is approved and entered into Scoutbook, you can request a Scoutmaster Conference by speaking with a member of the Advancement Team at a meeting or Scouting event or by filling out this Google Form. Note, you will need to wear your full Class A uniform for your Scoutmaster Conference.

How can I request a Board of Review after completing my Scoutmaster Conference?

You should speak with a member of the Advancement Team at a meeting or Scouting event or fill out this Google Form. Note, you will need to wear your full Class A uniform for your Board of Review.

Merit Badges FAQ

How does the merit badge process work?

Identify a subject that interests you.
Talk to your Scoutmaster to obtain approval to work with a merit badge counselor.
Contact the merit badge counselor to explain that you would like to work on the merit badge and discuss any work you have already started or completed.
Complete requirements
Contact your merit badge counselor to review the work you have completed.
Once everything is completed, obtain the signed blue card from the counselor or have the counselor mark the badge as approved for you in Scoutbook. If the counselor is unable to approve the badge in Scoutbook, provide the blue card to the Advancement Team.
Receive the badge at the next award ceremony

Remember, according to youth protection protocols, you must not meet or communicate with a counselor one on one.

I have identified a merit badge that I would like to earn. Can I start working on the requirements?

As long as you are registered with the Scouts BSA, you may begin working on merit badge requirements at any time, unless otherwise specified in the merit badge requirements. However, you should meet with your Scoutmaster prior to being assigned a merit badge counselor. For this reason, all Scouts are encouraged to discuss the badge with their Scoutmaster prior to working on a merit badge.

What is the best way to notify my Scoutmaster when I am ready to start a merit badge?

The preferred method is for you to ask your Scoutmaster at a meeting or at a Scouting event if he or she has time to discuss the merit badge. If you are unable to speak with him or her in person, fill out this Google Form and the Advancement Team will help arrange a meeting.

Do I need to talk to my Scoutmaster about every merit badge I plan to take at Summer Camps?

No, unless you have specific questions or would like guidance. The Scoutmaster will review the list of merit badges that each Scout signs up for prior to camp.

What about merit badge classes offered by our troop? Do I need to meet with the Scoutmaster prior to attending?

No, in this case it is unnecessary to meet with the Scoutmaster as the Scoutmaster already knows the troop is going to teach the class and the merit badge counselor has been approved. We will assign the merit badge counselor to you in Scoutbook.

If I have completed requirements for a merit badge, who do I talk to?

You need to meet with your assigned merit badge counselor to review the work that you have completed.

Who is my merit badge counselor if I had a partial from summer camp?

It is unrealistic, and in some cases impossible, for you to work with the counselor you started a merit badge with at summer camp. The Advancement Team can help find a counselor for you if you talk to them at a meeting or Scouting event or if you fill out this Google Form.

Can the requirements of a merit badge be altered?

No. From the Scouts BSA:

You are expected to meet the requirements as they are stated—no more and no less. You must do exactly what is stated in the requirements. If it says “show or demonstrate,” that is what you must do. Just telling about it isn’t enough. The same thing holds true for such words as “make,” “list,” “in the field,” and “collect,” “identify,” and “label.”

Is there a time limit for starting or completing a merit badge?

No, but all work must be completed by the time a Scout turns 18.

Can I attend a virtual merit badge academy offered by a Scouts BSA Council?

Yes, but you should still discuss the merit badge with your Scoutmaster prior to taking the class. We will also need to know the merit badge counselor's name and unit number so we can assign the merit badge counselor to you in Scoutbook.

What should I bring to my merit badge classes?

At the very least, print out a copy of the merit badge workbook for the merit badge you are working on and bring something to write with. The merit badge counselor will let you know if any other materials are required. In some cases, the merit badge counselor may require you to complete some of the requirements prior to the class and have you bring the completed work. This is common for virtual merit badge classes.

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