Boy Scout Joining Requirements
(Scout Badge)

Transition rules for the Scout rank:

• For 2016:
  • Boys joining on or after Jan. 1, 2016, MUST use the new requirements.
  • Boys who joined prior to Jan. 1, 2016, MAY continue to work using the previous requirements, but MUST convert to the new requirements upon attaining First Class.
• After 2016:
  • All Scouts MUST use the new requirements for all ranks.

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The "Boy Scout Application" mentioned in item 2 is the "BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA YOUTH APPLICATION" (524-406A). The instructions on that form reference a "personal health history, No. 521-006", which used to appear on the back of the last page of the application form, and has apparently been discontinued. As a substitute, use parts A & B of the Annual Health and Medical Record (680-001) for the health history. Copies of these forms can be downloaded from BSA using the links below.

All requirements for Scout rank must be completed as a member of a troop. If you already completed these requirements as part of the Webelos Scouting Adventure, simply demonstrate your knowledge or skills to your Scoutmaster or other designated leader after joining the troop.

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1. Meet age requirements: Be a boy who is 11 years old, or one who has completed the fifth grade or earned the Arrow of Light Award and is at least 10 years old, but is not yet 18 years old.
   1. Repeat from memory the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout motto, and Scout slogan. In your own words, explain their meaning.
   2. Explain what Scout spirit is. Describe some ways you have shown Scout spirit by practicing the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout motto, and Scout slogan.
   3. Demonstrate the Boy Scout sign, salute, and handshake. Explain when they should be used.
   4. Describe the First Class Scout badge and tell what each part stands for. Explain the significance of the First Class Scout badge.
   5. Repeat from memory the Outdoor Code. In your own words, explain what the Outdoor Code means to you.
   6. Repeat from memory the Pledge of Allegiance. In your own words, explain its meaning.
2. Complete a Boy Scout application and health history signed by your parent or guardian.
   After attending at least one Boy Scout troop meeting, do the following:
   1. Describe how the Scouts in the troop provide its leadership.
   2. Describe the four steps of Boy Scout advancement.
   3. Describe what the Boy Scout ranks are and how they are earned.
   4. Describe what merit badges are and how they are earned.
3. Find a Scout troop near your home. (To find a troop, contact your local Boy Scout Council. The Council name, address and phone number can be found on BSA's Council Locator Page.)
   
   1. Explain the patrol method. Describe the types of patrols that are used in your troop.
   2. Become familiar with your patrol name, emblem, flag, and yell. Explain how these items create patrol spirit.
4. Repeat the Pledge of Allegiance.
   
   1. Show how to tie a square knot, two half-hitches, and a taut-line hitch. Explain how each knot is used.
   2. Show the proper care of a rope by learning how to whip and fuse the ends of different kinds of rope.
5. Demonstrate the Scout sign, salute, and handshake.
   Demonstrate your knowledge of pocketknife safety.
6. Demonstrate tying the square knot (a joining knot).
   7. Understand and agree to live by the Scout Oath or Promise, Scout Law, motto, and slogan, and the Outdoor Code.
   8. Describe the Scout badge.
   9. Complete the Pamphlet Exercises.
   With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the pamphlet "How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent's Guide" and earn the Cyber Chip Award for your grade.¹
7. 10. Participate in a Scoutmaster conference. Turn in your Boy Scout application and health history form signed by your parent or guardian, then Since joining the troop and while working on the Scout rank, participate in a Scoutmaster conference.

Notes:

For Varsity Scouts working on Boy Scout requirements, replace "troop" with "team", and "Scoutmaster" with "Varsity Scout Coach."

The requirements for the Scout, Tenderfoot, Second Class, and First Class ranks may be worked on simultaneously; however, these ranks must be earned in sequence.

¹ If your family does not have internet access at home AND you do not have ready internet access at school or another public place or via a mobile device, the Cyber Chip portion of the requirement may be waived by your Scoutmaster in consultation with your parent or guardian.  

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Source: 2016 Boy Scout Rank Requirements (524-012)

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Note that until January 1, 2016, the Scout badge is was NOT considered a "Rank" by BSA,
and the color of the fleur-de-lis on the Scout badge changed from Brown to Gold as of January 1, 2016.