Eagle Scout Rank
The summit — 21 merit badges, a service project, and a legacy.
Eagle Scout is the highest rank in Scouts BSA. It requires 21 merit badges (14 specifically named Eagle-required badges plus 7 electives), a self-designed and led community service project, a minimum 6-month active period as a Life Scout in a position of responsibility, and an Eagle Board of Review. All requirements must be completed before the scout's 18th birthday.
Requirements are paraphrased for reference. Always verify current requirements at scouting.org or with your local council before a Board of Review.
What Does Eagle Scout Rank Require?
- ✓Earn 21 merit badges — 14 specific Eagle-required badges
- ✓Plan, develop, and lead an Eagle Scout service project
- ✓Serve actively in a position of responsibility for 6 months as Life Scout
- ✓Demonstrate Scout spirit throughout the entire advancement trail
- ✓Complete an Eagle Scout application, SM Conference, and Eagle Board of Review
This is a summary. The full requirement list is at scouting.org.
Free Eagle Scout Rank Checklist
Printable sign-off sheet for all Eagle Scoutrequirements. Keep one in the scout's binder.
What Eagle Scout Rank Actually Means
Eagle Scout is earned, not given. The service project — which the scout must plan, lead, and write up entirely on their own — is the defining requirement. Adults can advise and participate as labor, but the scout must be the project leader in every meaningful sense. The Eagle Board of Review is conducted by a committee that includes people the scout doesn't know, and it's designed to be substantive — not a rubber stamp.
What Comes After Eagle Scout?
Eagle Scout is the end of the rank advancement trail — but not the end of Scouting. Many Eagle Scouts go on to serve as adult leaders, merit badge counselors, or Eagle mentors. The Eagle Scout Association connects alumni across generations. Some councils offer Eagle Palms for additional merit badges earned after Eagle, before age 18.
Scoutmaster Conference — Eagle Scout Rank
The Eagle SM Conference is a moment worth treating as one. This scout has spent years working toward this. Ask them what they're most proud of, what they would do differently, and what Eagle means to them now versus what they thought it meant when they started. This is your last formal conversation with them as a scout — make it count.
Open SM Conference & BOR Guide →