First Class is a major milestone. What does achieving it mean to you personally?

Self-reflection. This is where you separate Scouts going through motions from those genuinely growing.

Tell me about a time you led your patrol — not just participated. What did you do, and what happened?

Real leadership story. Probe: 'What would you do differently?' Shows maturity.

How have you taught or helped a younger Scout? What did you learn from that?

EDGE method awareness. Whether they can pass on skills says a lot about how well they know them.

You've done a lot of outdoor skills — navigation, cooking, first aid. When have you used these outside of Scouting?

Real-world transfer is the whole point. Look for life-skill ownership.

Looking toward Star and Life — what positions of responsibility interest you and why?

Motivation for leadership roles. Enthusiasm is a great sign. Uncertainty is fine too — help them think it through.

What's one thing about the troop program you think could be better? What would you change?

Constructive input from a First Class Scout is valuable. Take it seriously. Shows investment.

For Scoutmasters

SM Conference & BOR Guide

Select a rank, toggle between Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review, and expand each question to see what to listen for. Color-coded by rank. Always verify current requirements at scouting.org.

After the conference

Use the Conference Feedback Sheetto give the Scout a written summary — what went well, what to work on, and whether they're approved for BOR. Adapts by rank.

Open Feedback Sheet →

Who Can Serve on a Board of Review

A Board of Review should have 3–6 members— typically troop committee members, not the Scout's unit leaders.
Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters shouldn't sit as voting board members.
A parent or guardian shouldn't review their own child.

Confirm current rules in the official Guide to Advancement — committee composition guidance is updated periodically.

New to the terminology?

The Scout Leader Glossary covers BOR, POR, Life to Eagle, and every other term that comes up around advancement — or grab the printable BOR vs. Scoutmaster Conference Quick Reference for a one-page side-by-side.

Open Glossary →Quick Reference →

Scoutmaster conference & board of review guide

Questions to ask and what to listen for — by rank

Purpose: First Class is a significant milestone. This conference should feel like a real conversation between a developing young leader and a mentor. The tone shifts here.

Questions to ask

Tap any question to reveal what to listen for.

Leader tips

1

The tone shifts at First Class — treat them more like a junior leader than a new member.

2

Begin Eagle conversation in earnest if they're on track. Plant the seed with a plan.

3

If they're struggling to identify a leadership story, that's important information — address it.

This guide is an independent resource for Scouting volunteers and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Always verify current BSA advancement policies at scouting.org or with your council.

Deep Dive

Conference Deep Dive — All 7 Ranks

Expanded question sets with detailed SM guidance for every rank, Scout through Eagle. Select a rank, choose a category, and click any question to reveal what to listen for. Each rank has 4–5 categories with 4 questions each.

Independent resource — not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Always verify current BSA advancement policies at scouting.org.