Advancement is the process by which youth members progress through the ranks in the Scouting program, by gradual mastery of Scouting skills.  Ranks are simply a means to an end, not an end in themselves. Everything boys do to advance and earn these ranks, from the day they join until the day they leave the program, should be designed to help boys have an exciting and meaningful experience.

Boy Scout Advancement, A Four Step Process:

1. The Boy Scout learns.
A Scout learns by doing. As he learns, he grows in ability to do his part as a member of the patrol and the troop.  As he develops knowledge and skill, he is asked to teach others.  In this way, he begins to develop leadership.

2. The Boy Scout is tested.
A Scout may be tested on requirements by his patrol leader, Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster, a troop committee member or a member of his troop. The Scoutmaster will determine who may test and pass candidates.

3. The Boy Scout is reviewed.
After a Scout has completed all requirements for a rank, he has a board of review. For Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life and Eagle Palms, the review is conducted by members of the troop committee. The Eagle board of review is conducted by members of the district advancement committee.

4. The Boy Scout is recognized.
When the board of review has certified a boy's advancement, he deserves to receive recognition as soon as possible. This is generally done at the next troop meeting. 

The Ranks Within A Scout Troop Are Scout (or joining); Tenderfoot; Second Class; First Class; Star; Life; Eagle

Scout

Tenderfoot

Second Class

First Class

Star

Life

Eagle

Scout requires only some simple memorization and a Scoutmaster's Conference. Tenderfoot, Second and First Classes require that the Scout learn and show some proficiency in a series of "Scout Skills" which are usually taught by Scouts who have already attained that rank.  The skills learning is followed by a Scoutmaster's Conference and a Board of Review. The Scoutmaster (or Assistant Scoutmaster) will be interested in determining what the Scout learned and what his goals are for his next step in Scouting. The Board of Review will be interested in:

1) making sure the work has been learned and completed
2) finding out what kind of experience the Scout is having in his patrol and troop
3) encouraging the Scout to progress further.

This is a time to determine the Scout's attitude and his acceptance of Scouting ideals -- the Oath and Law.

The Boy Scouts of America requires that a First Class Scout serve in a position of leadership (as a First Class Scout) for at least 4 months before he can be considered for Star Rank. A Star Scout must serve in a position of leadership (after a successful Star Board of Review) for at least 6 months before he can be considered for Life Rank.