The Scout badge is NOT considered a "Rank" by BSA.  The Charter and Bylaws in Article X, Section 1, Clause 6, states "Ranks. There shall be the following ranks in Boy Scouting: Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, Life, and Eagle. The requirements shall be those authorized by the Executive Board and set forth in official Scouting publications. Eagle Palms may also be awarded on the basis of requirements authorized by the Executive Board and set forth in official Scouting publications."

 SCOUT        TENDERFOOT       SECOND CLASS       FIRST CLASS       STAR      LIFE      EAGLE / EAGLE PALMS

Boy Scout Joining Requirements (Scout Badge).  

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.  A Boy who has earned the Arrow of Light or completed the 5th grade must ALSO be at least 10 years old before he can join a Boy Scout Troop.
2. Complete a Boy Scout application and health history signed by your parent or guardian.
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.)
4. Repeat the Pledge of Allegiance.
5. Demonstrate the Scout sign, salute, and handshake.
6. Demonstrate tying the square knot (a joining knot).
7. Understand and agree to live by the Scout Oath or Promise, 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".
10. Participate in a Scoutmaster conference. Turn in your Boy Scout application and health history form signed by your parent or guardian, then participate in a Scoutmaster conference.

NOTE: These requirements may be worked on simultaneously with those for Second Class and First Class; however these ranks must be earned in sequence.

1. Present yourself to your leader, properly dressed, before going on an overnight camping trip. Show camping gear you will use. Show the right way to pack and carry it.
2. Spend at least one night on a patrol or troop campout. Sleep in a tent you have helped pitch.
3. On the campout, assist in preparing and cooking one of your patrol's meals.  Tell why it is important for each patrol member to share in meal preparation and cleanup, and explain the importance of eating together.
4. 1. Demonstrate how to whip and fuse the ends of a rope.
   2. Demonstrate that you know how to tie the following knots and tell what their uses are: two half hitches and the taut-line hitch.
   3. Using the EDGE method teach another person how to tie the square knot.
5. Explain the rules of safe hiking, both on the highway and cross-country, during the day and at night. Explain what to do if you are lost.
6. Demonstrate how to display, raise, lower, and fold the American flag.
7. Repeat from memory and explain in your own words the Scout Oath, Law, motto, and slogan.
8. Know your patrol name, give the patrol yell, and describe your patrol flag.
9. Explain the importance of the buddy system as it relates to your personal safety on outings and in your neighborhood. Describe what a bully is and how you should respond to one.
10. 1. Record your best in the following tests:
       • Push-ups
       • Pull-ups
       • Sit-ups
       • Standing long jump
       • 1/4 mile walk/run
    2. Show improvement in the activities listed in requirement 10a after practicing for 30 days.
11. Identify local poisonous plants; tell how to treat for exposure to them.
12. 1. Demonstrate how to care for someone who is choking.
    2. Show first aid for the following:
       • Simple cuts and scrapes
       • Blisters on the hand and foot
       • Minor (thermal/heat) burns or scalds (superficial, or first degree)
       • Bites and stings of insects and ticks
       • Venomous snakebite
       • Nosebleed
       • Frostbite and sunburn
13. Demonstrate scout spirit by living the Scout Oath (Promise) and Scout Law in your everyday life.
    Discuss four specific examples of how you have lived the points of the Scout Law in your daily life.
14. Participate in a Scoutmaster conference.
15. Complete your board of review

NOTE: Alternate Requirements for the Tenderfoot rank are available for Scouts with physical or mental disabilities if they meet the criteria listed in the Boy Scout Requirements book. (No. 34765)

Please note that Requirement 15 - (Complete your Board of Review) MAY be done AFTER the Scout' has reached age 18. All other requirements must be completed BEFORE the Scout's 18th Birthday.