Overview of Eagle Scout Requirements
Eagle Scout is the highest achievement in the Scouts BSA program. Only about 6% of all scouts earn this prestigious rank. To become an Eagle Scout, a scout must fulfill requirements in several categories: rank advancement, merit badges, leadership, service, and a culminating Eagle Scout service project.
The journey to Eagle typically takes 3 to 5 years from the time a scout joins. All requirements must be completed before the scout's 18th birthday, making time management a critical part of the Eagle trail.
Rank Progression: Scout to Eagle
Every Eagle Scout must earn all seven ranks in order. Each rank builds on the skills of the previous one.
Scout
Learn the Scout Oath, Law, and basic skills
Tenderfoot
First aid, fitness, outdoor skills basics
Second Class
Navigation, cooking, nature, swimming
First Class
Advanced outdoor and leadership skills
Star
6 merit badges, 6 hours service, leadership
Life
11 merit badges, 6 hours service, leadership
Eagle
21 merit badges, service project, board of review
Learn more about what Eagle Scout is and why it matters.
Merit Badge Requirements
An Eagle Scout candidate must earn a total of 21 merit badges. Of these, 13 are Eagle-required (sometimes called "Eagle required" badges) and 8 are elective badges of the scout's choosing from the full list of 138 available BSA merit badges.
13 Eagle-Required Merit Badges
First Aid
Emergency preparedness and medical response skills
Citizenship in the Community
Understanding local government and community service
Citizenship in the Nation
Knowledge of national government and civic responsibility
Citizenship in the World
Global awareness and international relations
Communication
Effective speaking, writing, and listening skills
Cooking
Nutrition knowledge and outdoor cooking techniques
Personal Fitness
Physical health, exercise planning, and wellness
Emergency Preparedness OR Lifesaving
Advanced emergency response or water rescue skills
Environmental Science OR Sustainability
Ecology and environmental stewardship
Personal Management
Budgeting, time management, and life planning
Swimming OR Hiking OR Cycling
Physical endurance in one of three outdoor activities
Camping
Outdoor skills including 20 nights of camping
Family Life
Understanding family roles, responsibilities, and communication
8 Elective Merit Badges
The remaining 8 merit badges can be any badges from the BSA's full catalog of 138 badges. Popular elective choices include Wilderness Survival, Archery, Astronomy, Robotics, and Programming. See the complete merit badge list for all options.
Leadership Requirement
An Eagle Scout candidate must serve in a leadership position in their troop for a minimum of 6 months while holding the rank of Life Scout. Qualifying positions include:
Eagle Scout Service Project
The Eagle Scout service project is the capstone of the Eagle journey. The scout must plan, develop, and lead a significant community service project that benefits a religious institution, school, or community organization.
Key requirements for the service project:
- Must demonstrate leadership of others (not a solo effort)
- Must benefit a community, religious, or civic organization
- Requires written proposal approved by the beneficiary, Scoutmaster, troop committee, and council
- Must keep detailed records of planning, hours, materials, and budget
- Typically requires 100+ hours of total effort (planning + execution)
- Must submit a final report after completion
Eagle Scout Board of Review
After completing all merit badges, the service project, and holding a Scoutmaster conference, the scout appears before an Eagle Scout Board of Review. This board consists of at least three but no more than six members of the troop committee.
The board reviews the scout's entire scouting career, discusses leadership experiences, and verifies that all requirements have been met. It is not a test but rather a conversation about the scout's journey and what scouting has meant to them.
Important: All requirements must be completed before the scout's 18th birthday, though the board of review can take place after the 18th birthday if an extension was filed or if circumstances warrant it.