Complete board of review

The Eagle Scout Board of Review is the final, defining step in your journey to becoming an Eagle Scout. It is a formal evaluation of your character, citizenship, leadership maturity, and lifelong commitment to Scouting ideals.

Preparing the Required Statements & Leadership Profile

Before your board of review meets, you must prepare and attach two written documents to your Eagle Scout Rank Application:

Document A: Statement of Ambitions and Life Purpose

This personal essay provides the board members with insight into your values, worldview, and future direction:

• Your Core Values: Reflect on who you are and how Scouting has shaped your character.
• Your Educational & Career Goals: Describe your academic plans, trade interests, college or vocational aspirations, and long-term career ambitions.
• Your Life Purpose: Articulate how you intend to make a positive difference in your community, profession, and family as an adult.

Document B: Listing of Leadership Positions, Honors, and Awards

A comprehensive, organized résumé of your leadership outside of your troop:

• Organizations: Positions held in your place of worship, school, athletics, music, clubs, civic groups, or summer camp staff.
• Demonstrated Leadership: Specific duties and initiatives you led within those roles.
• Honors & Awards: Academic honors, varsity letters, civic recognitions, religious emblems, and community service awards received.

Structure and Composition of the Eagle Board of Review

Under the Guide to Advancement (topics 8.0.3.0 through 8.0.3.2):

• Panel Size: The board consists of at least three and not more than six members.
• Composition: Depending on council practice, the board may be convened at the unit, district, or council level. At least one member is an experienced district or council advancement representative.
• Strict Exclusions: The Scoutmaster, Assistant Scoutmasters, parents/guardians, and relatives of the candidate cannot participate as board members.
• Focus of the Review: The board conducts an in-depth, 30-to-45-minute discussion on your Eagle service project, your understanding of the Scout Oath and Law, your leadership journey, your Statement of Ambitions, and your future contributions to society. It is never a retest of knowledge or scoutcraft skills.

Critical Age and Timing Rules

Time Extensions & Special Circumstances:

• Time Extensions (Topic 9.0.4.0): A Scout who foresees that, due to extraordinary circumstances beyond their control (e.g., severe illness, catastrophic event), it will be impossible to finish before age 18 may apply to the council for a limited time extension. Extensions are rarely granted and must be requested prior to turning 18.
• Scouts with Disabilities (Section 10): Qualified Scouts with permanent physical or cognitive disabilities may receive council authorization to work toward rank advancement beyond age 18.
• Board Under Disputed Circumstances (Topic 8.0.3.2): If a unit leader or committee refuses to approve an application or sign off on a conference, a Scout has the absolute right to request an Eagle Scout Board of Review under disputed circumstances through their council advancement committee.

Deliberation and Official Recognition

• Unanimous Decision: Approval for the rank of Eagle Scout must be unanimous among all board members.
• Council & National Certification: Following board approval, your application and project credentials are submitted to your local council service center and forwarded to the National Advancement Program Team for final certification.
• Appeals (Topic 8.0.4.0): If the board does not approve the rank, the candidate receives written notification of the decision and has the right to appeal through the council and national advancement committees.