For Scouts
Scout Rank Trail
There are seven ranks in Scouts BSA, from Scout to Eagle. Each rank builds on the last — skills, leadership, service, and merit badges. Here's what each one requires and roughly how long each step takes.
Requirements are paraphrased for overview purposes. Always verify current requirements at scouting.org or with your local council.
Important: Scouts can advance simultaneously
Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class requirements can all be worked on at the same time — there's no requirement to finish one before starting the next. A single campout can knock out requirements from multiple ranks. Once a scout earns First Class, the remaining ranks (Star, Life, Eagle) have minimum active time requirements that cannot be shortened.
Scout
2–6 weeksThe starting point — learn the basics and join the troop.
- ✓Learn and recite the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Motto, and Slogan
- ✓Explain what Scouts BSA is and what it means to you
- ✓Show how to tie a square knot
- ✓Meet with your Scoutmaster for a Scoutmaster Conference
- ✓Complete a Board of Review with your troop committee
Tenderfoot
1–3 monthsFirst skills — camping, first aid, and physical fitness.
- ✓Demonstrate basic camping and outdoor skills
- ✓Learn and demonstrate first aid for common injuries
- ✓Complete a fitness baseline and improvement plan
- ✓Participate in a campout or outdoor activity
- ✓Demonstrate the Scout Oath and Law with understanding
Second Class
3–6 months from TenderfootBuild confidence — navigation, cooking, and helping others.
- ✓Demonstrate map and compass navigation skills
- ✓Cook a meal in the outdoors using proper techniques
- ✓Learn water rescue basics and first aid for water emergencies
- ✓Demonstrate more advanced first aid skills
- ✓Show leadership by helping a newer scout with a skill
First Class
6–12 months from Second ClassThe gateway rank — earn this and the path to Eagle is clear.
- ✓Advanced navigation: use a compass in the field, plan a route
- ✓Demonstrate proficiency in multiple first aid scenarios
- ✓Cook multiple meals outdoors, including a full day of meals
- ✓Demonstrate swimming ability or awareness of swimming safety
- ✓Lead a project or activity for your patrol or troop
Star
Minimum 4 months as First ClassMerit badges begin — 6 required, including 4 Eagle-required.
- ✓Earn 6 merit badges — at least 4 must be Eagle-required
- ✓Serve actively in a position of responsibility for 4 months
- ✓Participate in 6 hours of community service
- ✓Demonstrate Scout spirit through daily living of the Scout Oath and Law
- ✓Complete a Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review
Life
Minimum 6 months as StarOne rank from Eagle — 11 merit badges and real leadership.
- ✓Earn 11 merit badges — at least 7 must be Eagle-required
- ✓Serve actively in a position of responsibility for 6 months
- ✓Participate in 6 hours of community service
- ✓Demonstrate continued Scout spirit
- ✓Complete a Scoutmaster Conference and Board of Review
Eagle Scout
Minimum 6 months as Life (before age 18)The summit — 21 merit badges, a service project, and a legacy.
- ✓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
Working toward Eagle Scout?
The Eagle Scout Roadmap tracks all 21 merit badges, leadership requirements, service hours, and the Eagle project in one place.