# Scout Requirements

Official Scouts BSA requirements for the Scout rank, from the Scouting America advancement API (version 84, effective 2022-08-01). Overview: [Scout](https://scouting.university/scouts-bsa/ranks/scout/index.md). Study guide: [Scout Digital Requirements Guide](https://scouting.university/scouts-bsa/ranks/scout/guide/index.md).

## Requirements

All requirements for the Scout rank must be completed as a member of a troop or as a Lone Scout. If you have 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.

- **1** *Scout Spirit and Basics*
  - **1.a** *Repeat Scout Oath and Law* Repeat from memory the Scout Oath, Scout Law, Scout motto, and Scout slogan. In your own words, explain their meaning.
  - **1.b** *Explain Scout spirit* 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.
  - **1.c** *Demonstrate Scout sign, salute, handshake* Demonstrate the Scout sign, salute, and handshake. Explain when they should be used.
  - **1.d** *Describe First Class badge* Describe the First Class Scout badge and tell what each part stands for. Explain the significance of the First Class Scout badge.
  - **1.e** *Repeat Outdoor Code* Repeat from memory the Outdoor Code. List the Leave No Trace Seven Principles. Explain the difference between the two.
  - **1.f** *Recite Pledge of Allegiance* Repeat from memory the Pledge of Allegiance. In your own words, explain its meaning.
- **2** *Scouting Program* After attending at least one Scout troop meeting, do the following:
  - **2.a** *Describe troop leadership structure* Describe how the Scouts in the troop provide its leadership.
  - **2.b** *Describe 4 advancement steps* Describe the four steps of Scout advancement.
  - **2.c** *Describe Scouts BSA ranks* Describe the Scouts BSA ranks and how they are earned.
  - **2.d** *Describe merit badges* Describe what merit badges are and how they are earned.
- **3** *Patrol Method*
  - **3.a** *Explain patrol method and types* Explain the patrol method. Describe the types of patrols that are used in your troop.
  - **3.b** *Explain patrol spirit* Become familiar with your patrol name, emblem, flag, and yell. Explain how these items create patrol spirit.
- **4** *Knots and Ropework*
  - **4.a** *Tie 3 basic knots* Show how to tie a square knot, two half-hitches, and a taut-line hitch. Explain how each knot is used.
  - **4.b** *Whip and fuse rope ends* Show the proper care of a rope by learning how to whip and fuse the ends of different kinds of rope.
- **5** *Explain pocketknife safety* Tell what you need to know about using a pocketknife safely and responsibly.
- **6** *Personal Protection* Do the following:
  - **6.a** *Complete child protection exercises* With your parent or guardian, complete the exercises in the pamphlet *How to Protect Your Children from Child Abuse: A Parent's Guide* .
  - **6.b** *View Personal Safety Awareness videos* With your parent or guardian's permission, view the  *[Personal Safety Awareness videos](https://www.scouting.org/training/youth-protection/scouts-bsa/)*.[^1] (See the pamphlet inserted inside the front cover.)
- **7** *Complete Scoutmaster conference* Since joining the troop and while working on Scout rank, participate in a Scoutmaster conference.

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

Alternative requirements for the Scout rank are available for Scouts with physical or mental disabilities if they meet the criteria listed in the Scouts BSA Requirements book.

[^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 Personal Safety Awareness videos portion of this requirement may be waived by your Scoutmaster in consultation with your parent or guardian.