There are seven ranks in Boy Scouts, Scout Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle. A Scout can complete requirements for any other rank in virtually any order, to a degree, but the ranks must be earned in sequence. All rank requirements are listed in the Scout Handbook and will be required to be signed off. A Scout Master review and a Board of Review is required after all requirements have been met and sign off on. Rank requirements do change occasionally so please follow the Scout Handbook and Troop's adult leadership guidance.
The Scout rank is the first rank of Boy Scouts. To complete the rank, a Scout must be able to repeat the Pledge of Allegiance, demonstrate the Scout sign, salute and handshake, tie a square knot, and describe the Scout badge. Finally, they must understand and agree to live by the Scout Oath, Law. Motto, Slogan, and the Outdoor Code.
Tenderfoot is the second rank of Boy Scouts. To earn the Tenderfoot rank, a Scout must complete requirements dealing with camping, hiking, the American flag, the Scout Oath, Law, Motto, and Slogan, the patrol method, the buddy system, physical fitness, plants and first aid.
Second Class is the third rank of Boy Scouts. To earn the Second Class rank, a Scout must complete requirements dealing with orienteering, camping, wood tools, cooking, a flag ceremony, a service project, wildlife, first aid, swimming, drug and alcohol prevention, and personal safety.
First Class is the fourth rank of Boy Scouts. To earn the First Class rank, a Scout must complete requirements dealing with orienteering, camping, cooking constitutional rights, plants, knots, lashings, swimming, recruitment, and the Internet
Star is the fifth rank of Boy Scouts. The requirements for the Star rankare much different than the previous ranks. To earn the Star rank, a Scout must be active in their Troop and Patrol for at least 4 months after earning First Class, earn 6 merit badges, including 4 from those required for Eagle, complete service projects totaling at least 6 hours of work, and serve in a leadership position in the Troop for at least 4 months.
Life is the sixth rank of Boy Scouts. The requirements for the Life rank are similar to those of the Star rank. To earn the Life rank, a Scout must be active for at least 6 months after earning Star, earn 5 additional merit badges beyond those earned for Star (total of 11), including 3 more from those required for Eagle, complete service projects totaling at least 6 hours of work, and serve in a leadership position in the Troop for at least 6 months.
Eagle is the seventh and highest rank of Boy Scouts. To earn the Eagle rank, a Scout must be active in their Troop and Patrol for at least 6 months after earning Life, earn a total of 21 merit badges, including 12 required merit badges, serve in a leadership position in the Troop for at least 6 months, and complete an Eagle Scout service project which is helpful to any religious institution, school, or community.